Cornerstone

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7; Psalm 84:1-4, 10

To make a vow (what we often call “a pledge”) – nadar – is a serious thing. It should never be taken lightly. A nadar means the act of verbally devoting something or a person to the service of God. It can be positive or negative in intent. In other words, it may be a vow to do something for God, or give something to God. On the other hand it may be a vow to NOT do something because of the relationship with God. It involves promising God something. It is a freewill offering. Laws concerning vows can be found in Numbers 30.

Biblical vows were both conditional and unconditional. Genesis 28:20-22 is an example of a conditional vow. Usually they are preceded by the condition, “If.” God ALWAYS considers an unconditional vow (a pledge) to be binding. Deut 23:22 says that if someone promises something to God he is obliged to fulfill his promise. The Biblical vow is ALWAYS to God. This word never refers to a promise made between individual human beings.

Almost anything can be vowed to God. A person can vow himself to service. Land, houses and possessions are even Biblical examples of vows that have been made. God will not accept any vow that is an abomination to Him, however, such as the wage of a harlot. Both men and women can make vows. Vows, however, are not a religious obligation. They are voluntary acts of devotion and love. Biblical examples show that they either preceded or followed divine blessing and were accompanied by joy.

In our lesson for today verse 4 states the rash vows should never be made. It fact, it is better not to make a vow (verse 5) than to not pay it. Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.” A vow is an expression of love, Thanksgiving, zeal and devotion to God. The context indicates that to make a vow in haste (vs. 1), to be rash in declaring what you will do for God (vs. 2), and then not to fulfill the vow (vs. 4,5) is to cause your flesh to sin (vs. 6). It is considered to be obnoxious to God for someone to say, “Oh, I made a mistake,” or “I didnt really mean it.” To make a vow is an act of worship that is not required but once done is binding.

Two special vows should be mentioned. The Nazarite Vow of Num 6:13ff and the herem of Num 21:1.

(Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) (Keil and Delitzsch)(Vines Complete Dictionary) (Smiths Bible Dictionary)

Dr. Gayle Woods

Ecclesiastes 2:1-13

The despondency of the book of Ecclesiastes centers around a word that the author uses repeatedly: Vanity. Vanity – hebel – means vapor or breath. It is translated in this manner when it is used throughout the Bible with the exception of the book of Ecclesiastes where it is most often translated as vanity.

There are a couple of things of interest concerning this word that should be noticed. 1) Hebel is the same as Abel the name for Adams son. It should be noticed as well that for some reason this is one of the few significant names in the book of Genesis that was not defined in the text. 2) The word is often used to describe “worthless” idols and their worshipers. In connection with this two principles are found: a) those who worship take on to some degree the character and nature of the god or God that they worship. b) it is the characteristic of all false gods to destroy those who worship them.

Hebel is normally found in one of three categories in its Old Testament usage. 1) It is used to designate the false gods that are worshiped by the people. 2) It is used to describe the exasperated person and his remarks. 3) Thirty-six times the word is used in the book of Ecclesiastes to mean vanity but with various shades of meaning. First, Solomon expresses his inability to find fulfillment and satisfaction in his work. He is exasperated because of his lack of creativity and his lack of control over the circumstances involved. Second, Solomon expresses his inability to understand the connection of sin and judgment, righteousness and deliverance when he sees that judgment and deliverance are not immediate. Third, Solomon expresses his lament regarding the shortness of life.

As we study the book of Ecclesiastes we should never be discouraged but should remember that the book was written by a sinful and disillusioned man. His logic is at time skewed by an improper premise. His claims are often exaggerated. His hopelessness due to the fact that he is trying to find meaning in life without going to the Author of life in repentance. He is trying to interpret what he sees without the aid of divine revelation and interpretation.

(Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament)

Dr. Gayle Woods