To be taken voluntarily; but when taken to be conscientiously fulfilled (Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Ecclesiastes 5:5; Nehemiah 1:15; Psalm 1.14; Proverbs 20:25). The Nazarite however was often dedicated froth infancy by the parent. (See NAZARITE.) For instances (See JACOB (Genesis 28:20-22 with Genesis 31:13; Genesis 35:1-4). (See JACOB.) Vows were of three kinds:
(1) vow of devotion, neder;
(2) of abstinence, 'esar (See CORBAN);
(3) of destruction, cherem (Ezra 10:8; Micah 4:13) (See ANATHEMA.)
A man could not devote to sacred uses the firstborn of man or beast, as being devoted already (Leviticus 27:26). The law of redeeming vowed land is given (Leviticus 27:15; Leviticus 27:24; Leviticus 25:27). An animal fit for sacrifice could not be redeemed; any attempting it had to bring both the animal and its changeling (Leviticus 27:9-10; Leviticus 27:33). An animal unfit for sacrifice, adding a fifth (Leviticus 27:12-13).
A devoted person became a servant of the sanctuary (2 Samuel 15:8). The vow of a daughter or a wife was void if disallowed by the father or husband, otherwise it was binding (Numbers 30:3-16). The wages of impurity was excluded from vows (Deuteronomy 23:17-18); "dog" means "Sodomite" (Micah 1:7). In Ashtoreth's and the Babylonian Mylitta's worship prostitution for hire devoted to the idol was usual (Leviticus 19:29; 2 Kings 23:7). The head was shaven after a vow (Acts 18:18; Acts 21:24).