Scripture: “You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the LORD your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the LORD your God. If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin. You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth.” Deuteronomy 23:18, 21-23 ESV
Observation: Having addressed caring for the needs of foreign refugees, Moses continues his review of God’s holiness code as it pertains to the purity of the body (v.17) and sanctity of vows regarding their payment and fulfillment (vv.18 and 21-23 above). Between these verses, Moses reviews the policy for lending to foreigners and fellow Israelites (vv.19-20 and Exodus 22:25-27, see July 23, 2022, Daily Focus).
Of note, regarding payment, in verse 18, Moses likely means a monetary offering to the Lord. Thus, the law prohibits presenting vowed gifts to God from the wages of a prostitute or a dog (both unclean). The intent here is to fulfill our commitment through god-honoring resources. As for fulfillment, Moses addresses the timing and extent of vows because a belated or half-hearted performance will not cut it. Otherwise, an Israelite would be better off making no vows, which is not a sin.
Takeaway: We will fair better not to make vows than to rashly commit ourselves before God without counting the cost to ourselves and others. Jephthah’s tragic vow comes to mind here. Bargaining with the Lord to deliver the Ammonites into his hand, he promises to offer up whatever comes out the door of his house when he returns from battle. Sadly, his only child, his daughter, comes outside to greet him with tambourines and dances. At an unfathomable cost, Lephthah fulfills his vow to the Lord (Judges 11:20-40).
Indeed, we see vows taken seriously throughout the breadth of Scripture, whether in the Psalms (22:25, 50:14, et al.), the prophets (Isaiah 19:21, Nahum 1:15, Jeremiah 44:25, Malachi 1:14), or the wisdom literature (Proverbs 20:25 and Ecclesiastes 5:4-7). And Jesus appeals directly to our text in exhorting his followers not even to make an oath but simply say “Yes or “No” because “anything more than this comes from evil” (Matthew 5:33-37 ESV).
So here’s the challenge: when we are anxious or scared about our present or future circumstances (like Jephthah), we often make vows we cannot keep. And swearing by the Bible or by the name of God puts us in dangerous territory, for we know not what the future holds. Thus, we need to be straightforward in our communication. If we say “Yes,” we must commit ourselves wholeheartedly. Otherwise, it will not go well for us. That is why Jesus admonished the religious leaders for not being wholly devoted to God in his parable of the two sons: one agrees to work in the vineyard but is a no-show; the other initially says “No” but has a change of heart and helps his father (Matthew 21:28-33).
So no prevaricating, no mincing of words; be all in. When others ask for our time and resources, count the cost and say “Yes” or “No.” And when we fear what we cannot control, don’t bargain with a vow but sincerely cry out to our gracious Lord for help. Lastly, if it’s Jesus calling, we say, “Yes, Lord.” For the only One who is capable of perfectly fulfilling vows has finished his mission and is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf to ensure we fulfill our commitment in his perfect timing.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son who fully committed himself to do nothing on his own accord, but only what he sees you doing (John 5:19). Would you please help us follow in his ways, relying on your grace and the strength and the guidance of your Holy Spirit to fulfill our vows as your Son’s ambassadors with gladness and singleness of heart? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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