Meaning of VOTE

Voluntary commitment to consecrate oneself to God, or to consecrate a child or one's own property to Him. Under the rule of fear, or desire, men of all nations have a tendency to make vows that they undertake to fulfill (Gen. 28:20-22; Num. 21:2; 1 Sam. 1:11; 2 Sam. 15:8; Jon. 1:16).

The first vow mentioned in the Bible is that of Jacob in Bethel. In this vow he promised God to tithe all his income, and to build him a place of worship if He blessed him on his journey (Gen. 28:18-22).

Under the Law, the Israelites were not required to make vows, but, if they made a vow voluntarily, there was an obligation to fulfill them punctually.

The Law also gave instructions regarding exceptional cases in which its fulfillment was impossible (Num. 30:2-14; Deut. 23:21-23; Ps. 1:14; Eccl. 5:4, 5; Nah. 1:15; etc.).

The only cases of vows in the NT are that of Paul (or Aquila, in the opinion of some) at Cenchrea, which is shrouded in mystery, and that of the four men of Jerusalem (Acts 18:18; 21 :2. 3).

It is likely that it was a Nazirite vow, due to the fact that he shaved his head. According to the Law, the last shave had to be performed in the Tabernacle or Temple (Num. 6:18).