The difference between vows and oaths

Numbers 30:1–16
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There is a difference between “vows” and “oaths.” The vow was a promise to do a certain thing for the Lord, while the oath was a promise not to do a certain thing. Moses reminded the people that their promise to God was a very serious matter and must be kept (vv. 1-2). In Old Testament times, people did not sign written contracts. A person’s word was as binding as a signature and to make a vow was even more binding. No one was forced by law to make a vow; but once made, they were to be fulfilled. To break a vow meant a broken trust and a broken relationship. Trust is still the basis of our relationships with God and others. A broken promise today is just at harmful as it was in Moses day.

Any and all vows made by a man were unconditional, and he was fully responsible for them; but vows made by a woman were often conditional in nature. There were at least two types of vows that could be broken but only immediately after they were discovered:

1. The first was the vow of an unmarried daughter living in her father’s house which could be invalidated, but only immediately after it was discovered (vv. 3-5). If the father hears the vow and says nothing, the vow must stand and the young lady must fulfill it.
2. The second was the vow of a married woman which could be invalidated by her husband (vv. 6-8; 10-16). If he disagrees with the vow and forbids it, the vow is annulled but he must do so soon after hearing it. A widow or divorcee must stand by her vow in the same way as a man (v. 9).

Application

To make a promise is to obligate myself to the Lord, whether I realize this or not. If I expect the Lord to keep His promises, then it is only reasonable that He expects me to keep mine.