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God also made a vow to King David that one of his descendants would reign on his throne forever. That promise was made in 2 Sam. 7:12-17. The prophecy was about Jesus Christ (Isa. 9:7).
Old Testament Vows and Oaths. Not only has God made vows, oaths, or promises, but He has told us how to make vows and oaths too! Listen to Deut. 6:13,
You shall fear only the LORD your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name. (NASB) Deut. 6:13 The first time that I saw this verse I was surprised. God actually told the Israelites to make an oath in His name. The command is repeated in Deut. 10:20. Hebrews 6:13 tells us that even God has made promises in His own name.
For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself . . . (NASB) Heb. 6:13 The prophet Isaiah does not criticize or rebuke anyone for swearing or making an oath in the name of God when he says,
Because he who is blessed in the earth will be blessed by the God of truth; and he who swears in the earth will swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from My sight! (NASB) Is. 65:16 Vows Today. Vows and oaths have often been broken and ignored, and it is no different today. One well known religion currently advocates the breaking of an oath if there is an advantage in doing it. Some people do not believe in polygamy and others do. But when a group starts suggesting that the old vow or promise between a husband and wife can be re-negotiated in order to allow for polygamy, it is clear that the initial vow was empty. It reflects on the person who wants to ignore his/her vow.
In Jesus’ day the Pharisees had distorted oaths and vows and made them meaningless too! According to those religious leaders, commitments came in different sizes, shapes, and with various degrees of importance. Some vows, oaths, or promises could be broken, but others could not. |
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| Life & Heart of Jesus | |||||
