Numbers 30:1
And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
רָאשֵׁ֣י
unto the heads
H7218
רָאשֵׁ֣י
unto the heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
4 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הַמַּטּ֔וֹת
of the tribes
H4294
הַמַּטּ֔וֹת
of the tribes
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
5 of 13
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
לִבְנֵ֥י
concerning the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֥י
concerning the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַדָּבָ֔ר
This is the thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר
This is the thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
10 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Vows were common in Israel—people voluntarily promised specific actions or offerings to God, often in response to blessing or as petition for help. The vow's voluntary nature meant people chose to bind themselves, but divine holiness meant these self-imposed obligations were as binding as direct commands. Breaking a vow was not merely changing one's mind but breaking faith with God.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the seriousness of vows teach about making commitments to God?
- How should church leaders address the modern tendency toward casual promises?
- In what ways do voluntary commitments to God become binding obligations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses speaking to Israel's tribal heads about vows establishes that promises made to God are serious matters requiring community leadership's attention. The instruction begins with leaders, who must then teach their people. This demonstrates that spiritual leadership includes teaching about commitment and integrity. Vows are voluntary, but once made, they become binding obligations. The Reformed emphasis on the sanctity of oaths and the seriousness of commitment to God finds strong support in this chapter's introduction.