Hannah had prayed to the lord for many years for a child. Finally she made a vow saying, If you will indeed look at the affliction of your maidservant and remember me, and forget your maidservant but will give me a son, then I will give him to the lord all the days of his life 1 Sam 1;11

There was a great spiritual need in Israel. at that time. Gods people had backslidden so badly Theirs leaders like Eli had failed. Hannah needed a son. God needed a prophet. So she must have pledged to give her son for God’s favor, by giving her son as a life long servant to the lord.
God answered her prayer and gave her a son. Hannah did not forget her promise. she brought her son to the temple and dedicated to the lord and Samuel was one of the great prophets of Israel.

Some examples of vows made were Jacob tithing if God takes him safely to his father’s home Gen 28:20_22), Israelites dealing with the Canaanites spoils of war, (Num 21:2), Absalom’s sacrificing to God at Hebron (2 Sam 5;8)

Vows could also be abused. Saul was prone to make foolish vows:let a curse fall on anyone who eats before evening (14:24_28) and not to keep the vows he made that David will not be killed (19:6)

Not making a vow is better than backing out of one. Ecc 5::5, Jesus counsels us not to make a vow but simply to keep our word. Matt 5:33_37)

Cynthia Sathiaraj
Chennai