Matthew Henry on Numbers 30:3-16

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

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.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 30:1-16EXPOSITION OF VOWS MADE BY WOMEN (Numbers 30:1-16).Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 30:1-16VOWS UNTO THE LORD This section, although fragmentary, yet reveals to us with great clearness the Divine mind concerning one important portion of practical religion. It lays down directly the principle that vows to God…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Numbers 30:3-16It is here taken for granted that all such persons as are sui juris—at their own disposal, and are likewise of sound understanding and memory, are bound to perform whatever they vow that is lawful and possible; but, if…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 30:3-16THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD HONOURED AND CAUTIONED The command contained in this section of the chapter secures a double result. 1. By specifying certain exceptions to the validity of the vow, it makes that validity all t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 30:3If a woman vow a vow. The fragmentary nature of this section appears from the fact that, after laying down the general principle of the sacredness of vows, it proceeds to qualify it in three special cases only of vows m…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 30:5If her father disallow her. It appears from the previous verse that the disallowance must be spoken, and not mental only. If the vow had been made before witnesses, no doubt the father's veto must be pronounced before w…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 30:6If she had at all a husband. Literally, "if being she be to an husband." Septuagint, ἐὰν γενομένη γένηται ἀνδρί. Case second, of a married or betrothed woman. As far as the legal status of the woman was concerned,…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 30:9Every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced. This is not one of the cases treated of in this section (see Numbers 30:16), but is only mentioned in order to point out that it falls under the general principle laid…Joseph S. Exell and contributors