Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Numbers
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 30
Overview:
Vows to be kept.
(1,2) The cases wherein
Vows might be
released.
(3-16)
1,2 No Man can be bound
By his own promise to do what he is
already,
By the Divine precept, forbidden to do. In other
matters the command is, that he shall not break his words,
though he may change his mind.
3-16 Two cases of
Vows are determined. The case of a
Daughter
in her
Father's
House. When her vow comes to his knowledge, it
is in his power either to confirm it or do it away. The
Law is
Plain in the case of a
Wife. If her
Husband allows her vow,
though only
By silence, it stands. If he disallows it, her
obligation to her
Husband takes place of it; for to him she
ought to be in subjection, as unto the
Lord. The Divine
Law
consults the good order of families. It is fit that every
Man
should
Bear rule in his own
House, and have his
Wife and
children in subjection; rather than that this great rule should
be broken, or any encouragement be given to inferior relations
to break those bonds asunder,
God releases the obligation even
of a solemn vow.
So much does religion secure the welfare of all
societies; and in it the families of the
Earth have a blessing.