Making vows

There are many men and women in the Old and New Testaments who have made vows. A vow is simply a commitment and its primary purpose is to build the house of the Lord. Some may suggest that we no longer need to make vows because we are not under the law. However, vows predate the law covenant and are relevant to us today. We will consider Jacob and David and the vows that they made.

God spoke to Jacob in a dream about a ladder stretching from earth to heaven. The Lord God was standing at the top of the ladder while angels ascended and descended upon it. God promised to be with Jacob, to keep him, to watch over him, to bless and multiply him. He promised to bring Jacob back to the place where he was resting for it was the land of his inheritance. When morning came, Jacob said, ‘Truly God is in this place’. Gen 28:16. Jacob made a vow using the words that God had just spoken to him in the dream. He used the words, ‘If God will be with me and keep me on this journey then the Lord will be my God’. That ‘if’ was not a bargain. Rather, it was a request for the Lord’s presence and power in Jacob’s life.

David walked in a similar manner to Jacob. He ‘swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob’. Psa 132:3-5. We see his tenacity and determination in the strength of his vow. ‘Surely I will not enter my house nor lie on my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes nor slumber to my eyelids until I find a place for the Lord; a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.’ David vowed that he would build the Lord a house. He gave from his own personal wealth, the king’s treasury and the spoils of war. And of course we know that all the people followed his willing example. Because he made this vow the Lord swore an oath toward David to enable him to fulfil it. The psalmist records, ‘The Lord has sworn to David a truth from which He will not turn back’. Psa 132:11. This is comforting, encouraging and strengthening for all who make vows.

We are told by Paul that David was a man after God’s own heart. Acts 13:22. David said to the prophet Nathan, ‘I’m dwelling in a house of cedar while the ark of the Lord is behind curtains’. 2 Sam 7:2. So, Nathan went to prayer and God said to him, ‘Go and say to David, “Do all that’s in your heart”.’ 1 Chron 17:2. In this context ‘heart’ means ‘heart and mind’. It is, therefore, not just an emotional response but a considered and calculated decision. We can all make a vow to build the Lord’s house; to serve His purpose in our generation. And we can be sure that He will enable our vow.

Helen Smith

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Feature Articles
April 2009

How does faith grow?

Behold the Lamb

Pray without ceasing

The springs of song

Holy to the Lord

Supporting identity

Why do we fast?

Making vows

Watch over your soul

Learning patience

God is. Great!