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In the biblical context, a vow is a solemn promise made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific act, offer a sacrifice, or abstain from certain behaviors. The act of making a vow is taken very seriously in Scripture, and breaking a vow is considered a grave matter.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides clear instructions regarding vows and the importance of fulfilling them. InNumbers 30:2 , it is stated: "If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself with a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." This verse underscores the expectation that vows made to God are binding and must be honored.

The seriousness of vows is further illustrated inDeuteronomy 23:21-23 : "If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and it would be sin against you. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth."

The account of Jephthah inJudges 11:30-40 serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of rash vows. Jephthah made a vow to offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of his house to meet him if he returned victorious from battle. Tragically, his daughter was the first to greet him, and he felt compelled to fulfill his vow.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of vows in the Sermon on the Mount. InMatthew 5:33-37 , He teaches: "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.' But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one."

Jesus emphasizes the importance of integrity and truthfulness in speech, suggesting that one's word should be sufficient without the need for additional vows or oaths. This teaching reflects a shift from the Old Testament emphasis on the fulfillment of vows to a focus on honesty and reliability in all communication.

Theological Implications

Breaking a vow is seen as a sin because it involves failing to honor a commitment made before God. It reflects a lack of faithfulness and integrity, qualities that are highly valued in the biblical narrative. The act of making a vow is a demonstration of one's devotion and trust in God, and breaking it undermines that relationship.

The Bible encourages believers to be cautious in making vows, recognizing the weight of such commitments.Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 advises: "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it."

Practical Considerations

For Christians today, the teachings on vows serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and faithfulness in all aspects of life. While the cultural context of vows may differ, the underlying principle of honoring one's commitments remains relevant. Believers are encouraged to speak truthfully and to consider carefully any promises made, ensuring that their words align with their actions and reflect their commitment to God.Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
When you vow a vow to God, defer not to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools: pay that which you have vowed.
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Matthew 5:37
But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no: for whatever is more than these comes of evil.
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Matthew 5:34-37
But I say to you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
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James 5:12
But above all things, my brothers, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest you fall into condemnation.
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Whether one who is Bound by aVow to Enter Religion is under an...
... Scripturae), "he who exchanges a temporary service for the perpetual service
of religion is in no way guilty ofbreaking hisvow."....

Whether aVow Consists in a Mere Purpose of the Will?
... 3051]Q[83], A[12]), or to call others to witness, so that one may refrain frombreaking
thevow, not only through fear of God, but also through respect of men....

Whether it is Expedient to Take Vows?
... considereth the clouds shall never reap." Now a man incurs danger, not from the
vow itself, but from his fault, when he changes his mind bybreaking hisvow....

Whether all Vows are Binding?
... On the other hand, thebreaking of avow is a kind of infidelity. Wherefore Solomon
gives the reason why vows should be paid to God, because "an unfaithful . ....

Letter ii (AD 1126) to the Monk Adam
... consent of their abbot, but at his command, on what principle do I receive and retain
those who from other monasteries, who,breaking theirvow of constancy...

Sozomen as Author.
... that Pulcheria did not conquer that heresy until after her marriage with Marcian;
this date is supported by the fact that thebreaking of hervow was unknown...

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... Home-Life"Preparing for his Life-Work"TheVow of Separation"A Child of the... by the
hopes which were bursting in the bud, and so nearbreaking into flower....

Acts xviii. 18
... See how the Law wasbreaking up; see how they were bound by conscience. This, namely,
was a Jewish custom, to shear their heads agreeably with avow....

The Blood of the Everlasting Covenant
... when in baptism we are united with his church; and day by day, so often as we come
around the table of thebreaking of the bread, we renew thevow of our...

Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul...
...breaking of the holy-days: sacrilege: to receive GOD'S Body in deadly sin:breaking
of vows... that they be said; to do negligently what one was bound byvow to do...

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