February 16, 2025 - Numbers 30-32

How many times have I heard this text quoted!  “Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the people of Israel, saying, ‘This is what the Lord has commanded.  If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word.  He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth’” (30:1-2).  But what about a bad, stupid vow such as that made by Jephthah (Judges 11) when he promised, for victory over his enemies, to sacrifice to God the first thing coming out of his house when returning home from battle.  Who/what did he expect?  His daughter came out, and Jephthah followed through with his vow.  This commandment requires no one to do stupid; rather, this is instruction simply to make good promises and to be faithful to do them.  Perhaps Jesus’ words – “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37) – speak to this very matter, i.e., don’t do stupid, don’t promise more than you can deliver.  Maybe:  “Think before you speak!”

With our lips God gave a blessing,

But be careful how you speak;

Bitter words and hasty speeches

Crush the tender and the weak.

Of the lips be ever watchful,

Let your words be gentle, meek;

Do not wound the hearts around you;

Oh be careful, how you speak.   --Clarence M. Seamans