What other biblical examples show the importance of fulfilling promises, like in 1 Kings 5:10? A Faithful Example: Solomon and Hiram 1 Kings 5:10: “So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he desired.” Hiram’s shipment of timber is more than a business deal; it illustrates the biblical principle that promises are sacred commitments to be honored in full. Old Testament Models of Promise-Keeping • God to Abraham and Sarah – Genesis 21:1-2: “The LORD visited Sarah… and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised.” • Joshua to Rahab – Joshua 6:22-25: the spies keep their oath, sparing Rahab’s family. • David to Jonathan – 2 Samuel 9:1-7: David shows kindness to Mephibosheth “for the sake of Jonathan.” • Ruth to Naomi – Ruth 1:16-17: Ruth binds herself to Naomi and never wavers. • God to Israel – Joshua 21:45: “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises… failed; all came to pass.” • Jacob’s vow at Bethel – Genesis 28:20-22; 35:1-7: Jacob fulfills his pledge to worship at Bethel. • Covenant renewal – Nehemiah 9–10: the people seal their commitment in writing. • Serious warning – Judges 11:30-39: Jephthah’s tragic fulfillment underscores the gravity of vows. Scriptural Commands Concerning Vows • Numbers 30:2: “When a man makes a vow to the LORD… he must not break his word.” • Ecclesiastes 5:4-5: “When you make a vow… do not delay to fulfill it.” • Psalm 15:4: “He keeps his oath even when it hurts.” New Testament Voices on Integrity • Matthew 5:33-37: Jesus teaches simple, truthful speech—“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes.’” • 2 Corinthians 1:20: “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” • James 5:12: “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no, so that you will not fall under judgment.” Why Fulfilling Promises Matters • Reflects God’s own nature—He is unfailingly true. • Builds trust within families, churches, and communities. • Guards our witness; broken promises stain the gospel message. • Invites God’s blessing, for He honors integrity (Proverbs 11:3). Living It Out • Think before you speak; treat every commitment as binding. • If circumstances change, communicate promptly and honestly (Proverbs 12:22). • Depend on the Spirit’s power; faithfulness is fruit He produces (Galatians 5:22). From Hiram’s lumber deliveries to the ultimate fulfillment of every promise in Christ, Scripture consistently shows that God expects His people to echo His own perfect reliability. |
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