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MATTOT-TRIBES
23 JULY 2011
Numbers 30:2-32
Jeremiah 1:1-2:3
Philippians 3:12-16
A summary of this week’s Torah portion begins with Moses
speaking about the regulations regarding vows and oaths, including
cancellation of vows and oaths by either husbands or fathers. GOD also
tells Moses to take vengeance upon the Midianites, including the death
of Balaam. The spoils of war were taken from the Midianites and divided
by the tribes. The intentions of the tribes of Rueben, Gad and
half-tribe of Manasseh were to inherit the west side of the Jordan
River, called Transjordan.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, vows are solemn
promises that are made especially to GOD, such as a promise of love and
fidelity as in marriage. The sages taught that there are two types of
vows. One is when someone declares that an object(s) is forbidden. The
other type is that which a person obligates himself to do something
(Nazirite vow).
Messiah Yeshua taught us not to make vows or take oaths
unless we really mean the words (Matthew 5:33). Anything beyond the
words, “Yes,” or “No,” come from the evil adversary.
There is power in words. GOD takes promises and oaths
seriously and so should we (Psalm 50:14; Eccles 7:18-25). When we
promise to do something we should complete that promise. It is better
not to say or give a promise unless we really mean it. Willing to do
something and doing it are two different things (Romans 7:18-25).
As husbands and fathers we need to understand that we
have been given authority to be heads of our households. This means
that we must take a stand for our family. If we feel something is not
good for our family or our children, we must say so. We must not put
the power of silence upon ourselves. We must sense coming disaster and
speak out. Guilt will fall upon us for our silence and for allowing
consequences to come upon our family.
Our families need to be protected by our leadership. If
someone in our family makes a vow or promise, it must be fulfilled, and
we need to help to fulfill that. If, however, after prayerful
consideration, the vow or promise is thought to be hurtful to our family
member, it is our obligation to step in to help them “back out” of that
promise. For instance, a child making an inappropriate promise that
cannot/should not be fulfilled, and after consultation with the parents,
may say, “Sorry, my parents say I cannot because…”
Whatever happens in life, GOD has not given us a spirit
of fear, but power, a sound mind and authority to be the leaders of our
households.
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
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