Festivals and Vows

Numbers Chapter 29 and 30

The Lord told the people that the Festival of Trumpets must be celebrated in early autumn each year and no regular work was to be done on that day. A burnt offering would consist of one young bull, one ram and seven one yr old male lambs, defect free. Accompanied by grain offerings of grain and drink as prescribed in verses 3-6.

Ten days later on the Day of Atonement, another holy assembly must be called and the people must go without food or work that day. Offerings are prescribed in verses 7-11.

Offering for the Festival of Shelters is five days later, and then another holy assembly is called and there will again be no work done. Offerings are prescribed for the eight days of this festival in verses 12 – 40.

In chapter 30, Moses told the leaders of the tribes that the Lord has laws concerning vows. He told that a man who makes a vow to the Lord or a pledge under oath must never break it.

If a young woman makes a vow to the Lord or pledge under oath while she is still living in her father’s home, and her father hears of the vow but says nothing, then all her vows and pledges will stand. If her father refuses to let her fulfill the vow or pledge on the day he hears of it, then her vows and pledges are invalid. The Lord will forgive her because her father would not let her fulfill them.

If she takes a vow or makes an impulsive pledge and later marries, and her husband learns of her vow and raises no objection on the day he hears of it, her vow and pledges stand. But if he refuses to accept them on the day he hears it, he nullifies her commitments and the Lord will forgive her. If she is a widow or is divorced, she must fulfill all her vows no matter what.

If she is married and living in her husband’s home when she makes a vow or pledge, and her husband hears of it and does nothing, her vow will stand. If he refuses to accept it on the day he hears of it, her vow will be nullified and the Lord will forgive her. So her husband may either confirm or nullify any vows or pledges she makes to deny herself. But if he says nothing on the day he hears of it, then he is agreeing to it. If he waits more than a day and then tries to nullify, he will suffer the consequences of her guilt.

BIBLE NOTES show an aged Moses was still reminding people to celebrate the important holidays and prepare the proper offerings. Holidays during that era were important because it broke up the routine, gave workers a rest and allowed them to take time to worship. The offerings were things of value and showed commitment.

In chapter 30, Moses was reminding the people that their promises to God must be kept. There were no written contracts back then, and a person’s word was binding. All was based on trust. In chapter 30, the laws regarding vows helped parents overrule their children’s vows and pledges. This probably helped them from making foolish promises and gave them the opportunity to seek their parents advice.

How do these two chapters relate to us today? Chapter 29 reminds us of the importance of holidays even in these times. It is a chance to be with family, to rest from work, to get a better attitude and to worship renewed. Chapter 30’s way of helping young people to ask for advice is refreshing. Years ago, as mother of teens, I can testify that getting them to ask for help was not easy. They tend to not open up the way we would like. And young people make mistakes, and sometimes they learn from mistakes, but parents will always try to protect them from disaster. Just as our Lord loves and tries to protect us from harm – he loves us as a parent.Watch carefully every day as he guides us. Praise be to God!

Yours in Christ,
Mary