The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 75: The Keeping of Vows (2026)
31 snips
Mar 16, 2026 A look at Old Testament feast rituals and their liturgical meaning. A close read of vows and what it meant to make binding promises to God. A covenant renewal in Moab and warnings against idolatry before entering the promised land. A prayerful reflection on Psalm 113 and what it means to belong to God rather than simply fit in.
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Feast Of Booths Marks Structured Thanksgiving
- The Feast of Booths is a celebration of abundance where Israelites return abundant gifts to God.
- Numbers lists decreasing daily bull offerings (13 down to 7) then an eighth solemn assembly, marking a structured week of thanksgiving.
Vows Are Binding But Social Context Modifies Them
- Vows to God are binding promises and failing to keep them carries moral weight.
- Numbers 30 details rules: men's vows stand; women's vows could be annulled by father or husband if opposed the day heard, reflecting legal protections in a broken social context.
Moses Renews Covenant And Warns Against Idolatry
- Deuteronomy 29 is Moses renewing the covenant before entering Canaan and warns against idolatry.
- Moses recounts Egypt, 40 years in wilderness, and urges Israel not to turn to foreign gods or face covenant curses.