Daily Chumash Matos – Maaseiy Sunday – The laws of Nedarim

Rishon

1. The laws of Nedarim:
   • Hashem spoke to Moshe to speak to all the heads of tribes saying: A person who made an oath or vow is to keep his word.
   • Daughter in her youth: If a woman, while in her youth [i.e. Na’arah], makes a vow, then her father can either accept it or annul it on the day he hears of the vow. If he remains quiet after hearing of the vow, then the vow shall stand valid. If, however, her father restrained her from the vow, on the day that he heard of her vow, then the vow is abolished, and Hashem will forgive her.
   • Naarah who is engaged: If a wife [who is a Naarah and is only engaged, Kiddushin/Eirusin] makes a vow, then her husband [and father] can either accept it or annul it on the day he hears of the vow. If the husband [or father] remains quiet after hearing of the vow, then the vow shall stand valid. If, however, her husband [and father] restrained her from the vow, on the day that he heard of her vow, then the vow is abolished, and Hashem will forgive her.
   • A married woman: If a wife who is married makes a vow regarding a matter that causes personal affliction, then her husband can either accept it or annul it on the day he hears of the vow. If he remains quiet after hearing of the vow, then the vow shall stand valid. If, however, her husband restrained her from the vow, on the day that he heard of her vow, then the vow is abolished, and Hashem will forgive her.
   • A single woman: The vow of a [single woman such as a] widow or divorcee stands valid.

Sheiyni

2. Bnei Yisrael wage war against Midian:
   • Hashem spoke to Moshe saying that he should take vengeance against Midian and he will then pass on. Moshe recruited 1000 soldiers from each Tribe. They went to battle together with Pinchas the son of Elazar, and the sacred vessels of the Temple [i.e. Aron], and the trumpets in hand.
   • The outcome of the battle: They killed every male, including all the five kings of Midian who were named Evi, Rekem, Tzur, Chur and Reva. Balaam the son of Beor was killed by the sword. They captured all the wives and children of Midian and all their animals and assets. Their cities and houses and buildings were all set on fire. The army brought all the spoils of people, animals and items to Moshe and Elazar.