16:8 spread the corner of my garment over you. Covering a woman with one’s garment is symbolic of entering into marital relations (Ruth 3:9). To “uncover” this relation is to violate it (Deut. 22:30).

I made my vow. The covenant relationship of God with Israel had been sealed with the oath, “you shall be my people, and I will be your God” (36:28; Lev. 26:12; Jer. 11:4; 30:22; contrast Hos. 1:9). For the divine oath, see Gen. 15:7–21; 26:3; Deut. 1:8.