“But I Had My Fingers Crossed!”

Scripture Passage

Numbers 30:1-31:54

Scripture Focus

Then Moses summoned the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, “This is what the LORD has commanded: A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do." (Numbers 30:1-2 NLT)

Observation

Only because I’m curious, it’d be interesting to know exactly what circumstances led to Moses needing to “summon the leaders of the tribes of Israel” to declare that people should do what they say they’re going to do. Who backed out, of what, and why? I’ve been left holdin’ the bag a time or two when someone bailed—and, I’m sure, left others holdin’ the bag at different points. If you were one of the victims of my failure to follow through on what I said I’d do, I honestly and sincerely apologize.

The point of the passage becomes, obviously, the sacredness of the vow. Promises should not be made lightly, or broken once made. Moses’ directives do allow for some exceptions and releases from vows that might potentially place unreasonable encumbrances on associated parties (say, the rash vow of a wife that might encumber both she and her husband with obligations the family could not carry). Still, the principle remains.

And the principle—which by New Testament times—had become muddled in all sorts of legal debates and maneuverings, was restated simply and powerfully by Jesus Himself.

“Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37 NIV).

I guess that sums it up, huh?