obligations (an oath or pledge by which a person is bound) made by women under their social and economic authority. Vows involve promising a sacrifice or some other gift to God in anticipation of divine blessing (cf. 21:2–3; Gen 28:20–21; Judg 11:30–31; Lev 22:17–23; 27:1–13; 1 Sam 1:11; 2 Sam 15:7–8; Ps 56:12–13). Obligations impose positive requirements or restrictions on a person (cf. v. 13; 6:2). These various promises must be fulfilled (v. 2; cf. Lev 5:4; Deut 23:21–23; Judg 11:29–40; Eccl 5:4;