Bible Commentaries
Numbers 30

Verses 1-16

In this section the subject of vows was dealt with and principally those of women. A man's vow was declared to be absolutely binding. No provision was made for release. In the case of women this was not so. If a woman dwelling in her father's house took a vow, the father had the power to forbid.

If he did not do so, then the vow became binding. In the case of a woman dwelling with her husband, the husband had the like power. Similarly, if he did not exercise it, the vow became binding. In the case of a widow or one divorced, if her vow was made in her widowhood or while she was divorced, it was absolutely binding.

If it was made while she dwelt with her husband and he forbad it, she was released. If not, she also was bound by it.

These provisions are most arresting in revealing as they do the divine conception of the importance and necessity for the unity of the household. There must not be two supreme authorities in any family and here as always in the economy of God the responsibility of headship was with the husband and father. It can readily be seen how, were this otherwise, even through religious vows, discord and probable breakup in family life might ensue. Therefore as the nation approached settlement in the land, the integrity of the family was thus carefully safeguarded.