Category Archives: Keep Your Word

Oaths You Have Taken

In The Return of the King, Tolkien presents an incredibly moving scene where, in the face of certain destruction, the Beacons of Gondor are lit, calling for aid from their neighboring ally, Rohan. When King Théoden sees the beacons, he swiftly rallies the Rohirrim, the noble warriors sworn to answer his call. As the king’s nephew, Éomer, gives the command to summon riders from across the kingdom, he passionately proclaims: “Now is the hour! Riders of Rohan! Oaths you have taken, now fulfill them all!” This moment powerfully embodies the themes of honor, duty, and unwavering loyalty that define the Rohirrim. his moment powerfully embodies the themes of honor, duty, and unwavering loyalty that define the Rohirrim.

King David gives followers of God the same charge!

Jonah’s Vow

The story of Jonah is widely known. God called Jonah, one of His prophets, to preach a message of repentance to the people of Nineveh: “Repent or face God’s judgment.” However, Jonah was unwilling to go because Nineveh was an enemy of Israel, and he did not want them to be spared from God’s judgment.Continue reading “Jonah’s Vow”

Hannah’s Vow

Hannah’s vow is a pivotal moment in the biblical story. Her vow is found in 1 Samuel 1. The story recounts how Hannah, who is deeply distressed about her inability to have children, goes to the Tabernacle and makes a solemn vow to God. Her story begins with a brief summary of Hannah’s married lifeContinue reading “Hannah’s Vow”

Jephthah’s Vow

One of the more challenging accounts in Scripture related to vows is the story of Jephthah’s vow, recorded in Judges 11. Here’s a summary of the incident:” Jephthah, a judge of Israel, made a rash vow to God before leading the Israelites into battle against the Ammonites. He promised that if God granted him victory,Continue reading “Jephthah’s Vow”

Israel’s Vow

During Israel’s wandering, they were attacked by the Canaanites. In response to the needless attack, Israel prayed to the Lord and made the following promise: Then Israel made this vow to the Lord: “If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy their cities.” The Lord listened to Israel’s plea and gave the Canaanites over to them.Continue reading “Israel’s Vow”

Absalom’s Vow

In 2 Samuel, we learn about the vow Absalom claimed to have made to God and shared with his father: At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, “Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the Lord.  While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram, I made thisContinue reading “Absalom’s Vow”

Jacob’s Vow

For the next few days, let’s take a deep dive into some of the vows made by people in the Bible. The first human-initiated vow to God recorded in Scripture is found in Genesis 28—Jacob’s vow. Now, to set the stage for the situation that prompts Jacob to make this vow, we must go backContinue reading “Jacob’s Vow”

It’s A Trap!

If you’ve seen Star Wars, you’ll remember the iconic scene in Return of the Jedi when Admiral Ackbar shouts, “It’s a trap!” upon realizing that the Rebels have fallen into a cunning ambush set by the Emperor to lure them out of hiding—a trap that nearly destroyed the entire Rebel fleet. King Solomon makes aContinue reading “It’s A Trap!”

In The Presence of All

Psalm 116 is a psalm, most likely written by David, expressing gratitude and love for God. The psalmist loves God because He hears and answers prayers, delivers and saves, and offers care and comfort. It reflects on God’s salvation and calls others to join in worship and service. The psalm is a beautiful expression ofContinue reading “In The Presence of All”

Make the Vow

Sometimes we hesitate to make promises. This hesitation might stem from a fear of failing to keep them, or at times, from simply lacking the motivation or inspiration to commit to a promise or vow. As a result, we may resort to phrases like “we’ll see,” “maybe,” or “if I can.” While this cautious approachContinue reading “Make the Vow”