Neder (Vow)

נֶדֶר

Strong’s number H5088 neder, neh'-der; or נֵדֶר nêder; from H5087; a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised:—vow(-ed).

This is made up of Hebrew letters nun, dalet, resh.

Nun is a picture of a fish or a seed sprouting, both symbols of activity, life, and the continuation of a generation. Also means emergence, faith, breaking down walls of separation.

Dalet is a picture of a door, gateway, path, or portal and indicates an entrance to knowledge, life or death, or a place where change takes place. Also binding with God. 

Resh symbolizes the Holy Spirit, the power of God, repentance, willingness, a bend in the path, a turning point. Also represents the head, such as a king or an ambassador of the king. 

There are a number of ways one can put together a Hebraic word picture, here is one way: Neder is a way to bond with God through the giving of something (an object, or even oneself) in a binding declaration that transfers the property or thing from the one who vows to God. it’s in the transfer that a connection is made with God. It’s serious business; non fulfillment after a verbal vow creates a liability trespass against God.

This word is related to the word “dira” (abode). What’s the implication here? Whoever makes a neder is making a home for God! Done properly, vows let God in or create a space within one’s own life for God’s involvement. Is it any wonder that the first vow recorded in Torah is Jacob’s vow to build a house for God?

Then Jacob made a neder, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord[a] will be my God 22 and[b] this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” Genesis 28:20-22

“I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13) takes on a fuller meaning when you consider how you can partner with God, invite Him in, make an “abode” for Him every time you ask Him what His will is for your future -and then together DO THE THINGS!

When we vow with our speech, our mouths should only be used to bring honor and glory to God. The words that come out of our mouths reveal what is inside of us. 

OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART, THE MOUTH SPEAKS. We are earthly ambassadors of His Kingdom - Our words should represent the King to the world and flow in wisdom, His authority, and be completely trustworthy.