What other scriptures highlight the significance of keeping vows to the Lord? Judges 21:5 and the Weight of an Oath “Then the Israelites asked, ‘Who among all the tribes of Israel failed to assemble before the LORD?’ For they had taken a great oath concerning anyone who failed to assemble before the LORD at Mizpah, saying, ‘He shall surely be put to death.’” (Judges 21:5) The pledge made at Mizpah shows how seriously Israel regarded a vow spoken “before the LORD.” Scripture weaves this same theme from Genesis to Revelation. Foundational Commands on Vows • Numbers 30:2 — “If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself, he shall not break his word; he must do whatever he has promised.” • Deuteronomy 23:21-23 — “When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay in fulfilling it… Be careful to follow through on what you vow, for you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.” • Leviticus 27:2 — “If anyone makes a special vow to the LORD…” (The entire chapter regulates how vows are valued and fulfilled.) Illustrations: When God’s People Kept Their Pledges • Genesis 28:20-22 — Jacob vows that if God brings him safely home, “of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” • 1 Samuel 1:11, 27-28 — Hannah’s promise: “I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life” is fulfilled when she brings young Samuel to Shiloh. • Jonah 2:9 — “I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!” • Psalm 116:14 — “I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.” • Psalm 76:11 — “Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to the One to be feared.” Warnings Against Rash or Broken Promises • Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 — “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it… It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not fulfill it.” • Proverbs 20:25 — “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to reconsider his vows.” • Psalm 15:4 — The righteous person “keeps his oath even when it hurts.” New Testament Echoes • Matthew 5:33-37 — “Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath…’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all… Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no.” • James 5:12 — “Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or earth or by anything else. Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no, so that you will not fall under judgment.” Why This Still Matters • God’s character is perfectly faithful; our integrity reflects His. • Vows invite divine witness: once spoken “to the LORD,” they become sacred promises, not casual intentions. • Keeping our word guards the unity and trust of the community, just as Israel’s covenant oath protected national faithfulness at Mizpah. Living It Out 1. Think before you speak—silence is better than a hasty pledge. 2. If you do promise, follow through promptly and joyfully. 3. Let everyday honesty (“Yes” means yes) make formal oaths almost unnecessary. 4. Remember that fulfilling commitments, large or small, honors the God who never breaks His own word. |
    |