Justin Houtz

Numbers 30, 1 Corinthians 14

DateVersionReading Plan
May 27, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 30

Observation & Interpretation

Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of Israel and gave instruction regarding vows made by men and women. Exposition of vow conduct for women is markedly longer than that for the men. If a man vows a vow to the LORD, it is binding and he shall do all that proceeds out of his mouth (Num. 30:1-2). For women, the binding nature of vows made to the LORD were dependent on their father or husband hearing and/or agreeing to the vow. If the father or husband hears of it and says nothing, it is binding, but if he opposes her on the day he hears it, the pledge will not stand. For widows and divorcees, all vows made are binding because they are not under the authority of a father or husband (Num. 30:9). In the case where a man later objects to a vow, “he (and not the woman) is guilty and will suffer the penalty for breaking them.” (ESVSB) (Num. 30:15).

Application

The idea of a wife being under the authority of her father or husband in the way depicted in this chapter can be difficult for those in a modern Western culture. In a highly individualistic society, we can view such a hierarchy as overbearing or oppressive. Despite this challenge, we see clearly the responsibility of a father or husband to properly shepherd the women under their care. Rather than object on the grounds of cultural norms, men should realize the honor and weight of duty to which they have been called. Women should likewise read this text and be granted understanding as to what it should look like to be under a Godly, benevolent male authority.

1 Corinthians 14

Observation & Interpretation

In this chapter, Paul primarily addresses prophesy and tongues along with their orderly usage. Included in this is how women are to “keep silent in the churches” and that they are “not permitted to speak, but should be in submission” (1 Cor. 14:34). The ESVSB provides helpful comment on this passage:

Since Paul seems to permit wives to pray and prophesy (11:5, 13) as long as they do not dishonor their husbands by the way they dress (11:5), it is difficult to see this as an absolute prohibition (cf. Acts 2;17; 21:8-9). Paul is likely forbidding women to speak up and judge prophecies (this is the activity in the immediate context; cf. 1 Cor. 14:29), since such an activity would subvert male headship.

Application

As with the previous reflection on Numbers 30, the hierarchy of men and women is here explicated. Again, this can be abrasive to our modern Western sensibilities, but such as we have been given in order that we may live in a way that glorifies the Lord and aligns with His good creation. The primary manifestation of sin is the usurpation of God’s authority and, by extension, rebellion against the authority structure He has established among men and women. May God’s people instead seek to abide in His Word as He has graciously provided, responding in faithfulness to our Lord by living in a manner that comports to how we have been created.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, how wonderful it is that You have given us Your Word by which we can live in obedience to how we have been created. Father, help me to do this well, with honor, courage and integrity, living out my calling as a man to lead and care for the women in my life.

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