Seder 126: Numbers 30---Making and Keeping Vows

 Numbers 30 begins with an important principle.  When one makes a vow to God or swears to do something, one should follow through and keep one's word (v 2).  This is a point made throughout the Bible (e.g., Gen 31:13; Deut 23:21; Eccl 5:4-5).

In the book of Numbers, instruction is interspersed with narrative, raising frequent questions about what  messages might be communicated by the placement of the instruction. 

In this case, Numbers 30 comes right after Numbers 29:39, where it is mentioned that Israel's corporate offerings are given in addition to all their personal offerings, including those promised in vows.  This verse gives a segue into Numbers 30.  

Looking at the larger context, the Israelites are making final preparations to enter the Promised Land, and it will be important for them to follow through on the commitments that they have made.  Moses makes this point to the tribes that want to claim an inheritance east of the Jordan.  They have promised to help the other tribes occupy the land across the Jordan, and Moses emphasizes that they need to keep their word (Num 32:20-24).  

Numbers 30 goes on to make several points about vows.  First, every Israelite---even a child---can make one.  However, in making a vow, one needs to consider how it might affect other members of the community, particularly those in one's family.  For example, if a married person is thinking about making a temporary vow of celibacy, the person's spouse should be consulted first (see 1 Cor 7:3-5).

A head of household had the authority to overrule a vow made by a family member, as long as the head of household did so promptly.  For the sake of family harmony, God was willing to give up something that he had been promised.

Seder 124/125: Numbers 28-29---Israel's Worship in the Promised Land

 Numbers 28-29 continue to look ahead to Israel's settlement in the Promised Land.  These chapters describe Israel's corporate worship in the land, including all of the corporate sacrifices for a typical year.  Through this worship calendar, Israel could be in continual fellowship with God, maintaining a close relationship.  The daily morning and evening sacrifices (28:1-8) symbolized the constant, continuing nature of that relationship.  

Over the course of a year, at least 113 bulls, 32 rams, and 1086 lambs would be sacrificed.  Implicit here is God's promise of blessing.  In order for Israel to offer these animals, God would need to provide them.  

During the Feast of Tabernacles (Num 29:12-34), a total of 70 bulls would be offered, perhaps symbolizing Israel's outreach to the nations and God's plan to use Israel to save all nations.

In addition to the corporate sacrifices, there would be a number of personal sacrifices (29:39).  The annual Passover sacrifices fell into this category, for example, as did firstfruits offerings.  These were also an essential part of Israel's worship.  

In a sermon at Church of the Messiah on November 19, 2022, Rob Wilson described Israel's corporate and individual worship and how they were intertwined.