Numbers 28-30

[sarah]

OK so I know this is jumping ahead a bit, but I read this chapter (Numbers 30) last week and it has really stayed on my mind.
I find it interesting that the Lord provides all sorts of "loopholes" for women who make rash commitments. At first I thought it was just another example of periodical "sexism" but upon further reflection I think there might be more to it.
I wonder if the Lord knows that women often have the tendency to over commit themselves, often based off an emotional response. Any one want to read and chime in?

[Josh]

Hmmm, well, it's too bad that wives couldn't nullify their husbands vows as well, if you look at the crazily awful story of Jepthah in Judges 11:29-40.

[sarah]

Josh, I thought about that story exactly when I read this passage. Very unfortunate for his daughter. That is a very high standard for the Lord to place on a husband.

[Josh]

So, do you think Jepthah was right to sacrifice his daughter? That's a tricky one in light of the passages outlawing human sacrifice in the OT. Yet, the moral of the story seems to be that a vow to the Lord cannot be broken.