STRICTLY SPEAKING

STRICTLY SPEAKING

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

 

Numbers 30:1-16 Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel, "This is what the LORD has commanded about vows: … These are the laws the LORD gave Moses for husbands and wives, and for fathers with young daughters still living at home.

 

  Once again, I like and prefer KJV. Also, I am not a male chauvinist, but do however beginning with Adam see that we men are ultimately of primary responsibility before God. (Rom.5:12)

  This morning I received request from young woman asking for explanation of Numbers 30.

  KJV Numbers 30, with its looping style, is difficult for other than elder folk to understand. So, first I suggest they read in a favorite modern English version.

  Though it is there, the text is not emphasizing authoritarianism on the part of father or husband.

  As long as a female is under a dad or husband’s umbrella, before God they are to protect them as much as possible in all areas. It is no secret that there are those of many striped apes that prey on females. (This is not to say that females are an absolutely willy-nilly helpless lot. They are not. I know many strong women. A characteristic of each one is they fear not nor resist God’s umbrella design. Truth is, as I’ve grown older a team of females have increased my protection. And are quite good at it! Did I ever tell you about the cougar that showed up?)

  If an at-home daughter or wife makes a foolish or counterproductive (Think: indebtedness, obligations et al.) commitment, and the male knows about it, he has responsibility to let it go or cancel.

  Whichever way the male decides:

• The female before the Lord is free of responsibility. This is not to say those sworn to, including Christian brethren, will see it this way or honor the Lord. Indeed there well may be unhappy societal consequences.
• The male, if he allows by slothful neglect or dead set against conflict real or potential (Thereby not accepting responsibility before the Lord.) or by agreement accepts supportive obligation. (Again, think indebtedness, obligation et al.); is ultimately responsible before God and man.
    If the male willy-nilly wavers, by God’s measure he is fully responsible before Him and man for the consequences.
    To me the real lesson is, whether dad or daughter, husband or wife, or any others, that we should be wiser than natural inclinations ours in opposition to complete decision-making wisdom available from the Omniscient One.  EBB4