Proverbs 31:2 | Bible Study | Deeper Than You Realized

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Introduction: Proverbs 31:2 Bible Study

Welcome, to the bible study series Know the Bible: Proverbs 31 Verse 2. I am glad you are meeting me AT FORESTS EDGE, where women can study the word of God together and encourage one another while we walk out our faith, embrace womanhood, and live fearlessly.

In this study of Proverbs 31:2, we will look at the second verse in context. I have broken the chapter up into mini-studies so that busy women like myself can take in the information in just a few minutes each day. If you have more time then feel free to continue to the next section whenever you are ready.

This study is perfect for a personal bible study or a women’s small group.

New here? The Proverbs 31 overview sets the stage for the context of the chapter, otherwise, let’s jump right into Proverbs 31 verse 2!

Proverbs 31:2

“What, my son?
And what, son of my womb?
And what, son of my vows?”

Proverbs 31:2 NKJV

Proverbs 31:2 Strong’s Definition:

Vow- (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible H5088) נֶדֶר neder, neh’-der; or נֵדֶר nêder; from H5087; a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised:—vow(-ed).

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary Definitions from Proverbs 31:2:

Vow–  noun

1. A solemn promise made to God, or by a pagan to his deity. The Roman generals when they went to war, sometimes made a vow that they would build a temple to some favorite deity, if he would give them victory. A vow is a promise of something to be given or done hereafter.

A person is constituted a religious by taking three vows, of chastity, of poverty, and of obedience. Among the Isrealites, the vows of children were not binding, unless ratified by the express or tacit consent of their father. Numbers 30:2.

2. A solemn promise; as the vows of unchangeable love and fidelity. In a moral and religious sense, vows are promises to God, as they appeal to God to witness their sincerity, and the violation of them is a most heinous offense.

VOW, verb transitive

1. To give, consecrate or dedicate to God by a solemn promise. When Jacob went to Mesopotamia, he vowed to God a tenth of this substance, and his own future devotion to his service. Genesis 28:20.

When thou vowest a vow defer not to pay it. Ecclesiastes 5:4.

2. To devote.

VOW, verb intransitive To make vows or solemn promises. He that vows, must be careful to perform.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

Summary of Proverbs 31:2

Bathsheba is calling Solomon’s attention to what is coming next. She expresses “What my son.” 3 times in 3 different ways.

1. “What, my son?”
   1. This starts off as a simple call to attention. She establishes their relationship. Her authority as his mother. The importance is to listen because he needs to be paying attention to what she has to say next.
2. “What, son of my womb?”
   1. Here, she has his attention already, by repeating it she is solidifying the importance of her words to come. 
   2. She takes it a step deeper by signifying that he was once a part of her. The womb of a mother is the most important part of early life. It signifies sacrifice, sustaining life, and the deep bond between child and mother in those early moments.
3. What, son of my vows?”
   1. This is the third time she is calling for his attention. Next, she states his importance one step deeper. Not only did Solomon come from her body, but she made a vow to God for him. He is promised to God, dedicated to God, and set apart for God’s purpose.

Repetition is Key

We see things repeated 3 times over and over in the bible. Usually, repetition is used to show the significance of something. 

• Samuel was called by the Lord 3 times.
• Peter denied the Lord 3 times.
• Jesus goes to pray in the garden at Gethsemane 3 times.
• Jesus asked Peter if he loved him 3 times
• The angels say holy, holy, holy.

For example: If I were to say my husband’s name once, “Josh.” It would get his attention. Twice, “Josh, Josh.” His interest would peak. But, “Josh, Josh, Josh.” That would spark emotion. 

Another example: “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? (Luke 6:46 NKJV)

Jesus is asking “Why do you call me Lord, Lord…”

Doubling the word Lord is supposed to mean something more, a term of devotion. In this case, the people are saying Jesus is their Lord, but their actions don’t match their seemingly devoted speech. 

My Notes from Proverbs 31:2

Solomon Is a Rainbow Baby

One thing I never picked up on was the fact that Solomon was Bathsheba’s rainbow baby. A rainbow baby is a baby that is born after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or death of an infant due to natural causes. 

I guess when we have faced trauma, we are more likely to pick up on one when we see it. 

After the stillbirth of my daughter, my heart still aches to know her. If it weren’t for the blessed hope I have in Jesus, I would be in despair, the pain cuts so deep.

But I do have hope that I will see her again. And I hang on to that hope every moment I am on this temporary earth, knowing one day the time we spent apart will be like nothing. 

Thoughts on Bathsheba’s Perspective

I can’t imagine Bathsheba would feel any different. She had to watch her baby die. We are not told what she was thinking or if she was blaming herself or David. The Bible only shows David’s immense emotions and supplications to God. If David was that broken, I imagine Bathsheba would have been even more so. 

Then came Solomon, a son to comfort her. A rainbow baby does not replace the child that is lost. Instead, they give us an outlet to share our love. Rainbow babies give us a purpose and focus to keep moving forward. The rainbow shines through after the storm. It doesn’t mean the storm never happened, just that there is always HOPE.

By calling Solomon, “Son of my vows.” This signifies that Solomon was dedicated to God, an answer to prayers for a child. Once again the nickname Lemuel (Belonging to God) makes perfect sense.

Bathsheba must have been so thankful to God for Solomon. An answer to prayer.

The way Solomon begins this proverb shows how much he honored his mother. I see so much love and respect by including this teaching.

Transformation of Bathsheba’s Circumstances

Looking at the history of David and Bathsheba. Bathsheba starts as the woman David decided to have an adulterous affair with and then murder her husband. She became a widow, then a wife. Followed by a woman who lost her child. Finally a mother to the king’s son.

Not only that, but her son would be King of Israel. A king who is known for having wisdom. 

If you don’t think God can use you, because of your sin. Take a look at Bathsheba. A woman who could have been stoned (David, more so, just to be clear). But instead, God elevated her to not only a wife of the king but mother to the reigning King. This is significant because Solomon was not David’s firstborn son.

God knows what He is doing, and can use even the least of us for HIS GLORY!

Questions to Ponder from Proverbs 31:2:

1. Have you ever called someone by saying their name 3 times?
2. How do you think Solomon’s birth affected Bathsheba?
3. Are there other women in the bible who may have had a tarnished reputation that might be worth giving a second look?
4. Has God ever comforted you after a loss of some kind? If so did it change you?

Thank you, for meeting me here, AT FORESTS EDGE. I hope this in-depth women’s bible study of Proverbs 31 is a blessing to you. 

I’d love to know if you have gained insight from the study. 

If you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior you can find out more about salvation.

Ready for the next verse, Proverbs 31:3 . Or go back to Proverbs 31:1. Check out my favorite resources for bible study.

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Until we meet again,

Raeanna