Numbers 30.1, 2

Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the people of Israel, saying, “This is what the LORD has commanded. If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”

Deuteronomy 23.21-23; Ecclesiastes 5.4-6

The last section of the third commandment concerns vows. A vow is a solemn pledge to the Lord, typically made in gratitude for or anticipation of some promised blessing, and declaring one’s resolve to perform certain tasks as expressions of faith and thanksgiving. Think: marriage vows.

Since vows are made to the Lord they must be fulfilled. Oaths – such as you might take in a court of law – are also taken unto the Lord and require the telling of truth or the performance of some promised duty.

God is faithful to His Word at all times. He cannot lie, and His truth does not fail. We cannot rightly take His Name upon us unless our word is as good as His, particularly when sworn to or before Him in the presence of others.

Sign up to receive Crosfigell, our thrice-weekly email devotional, featuring T. M. Moore’s insights to Scripture and the Celtic Christian tradition.