“Behold, on the mountains, The feet of him who brings good tidings, Who proclaims peace! O Judah, keep your appointed feasts, Perform your vows. For the wicked one shall no more pass through you; He is utterly cut off” (Nahum 1:15).
Written evidently during the time of the conflict between the Assyrians and God’s people, this prophecy provides encouragement for the righteous—that is, for those who perform God’s will—and assurance of destruction for the unrighteous.
Those who are faithful to keep God’s commandments and to perform their vows will be victorious. Nahum’s prophecy is clear and direct and is in keeping with all other instruction about always keeping vows.
In a spiritual context, a vow is a declaration to God that we intend to perform whatever we have promised. Vows were quite common in ancient times and are mentioned regularly throughout the Old Testament. And, in each case, the person either is keeping a vow or is being enjoined to do so.
While the New Testament does not record nearly as much about vows as the Old, they are mentioned; and, again, in each case, they are always mentioned in the context of being conscientious in keeping them. Actually, New Testament teaching directs more attention to not lying to one another and to being honest in every situation.
Regardless of the time period, God has never varied from His teaching about the necessity of keeping our word, whether it is a vow made to Him or a promise to one another. It is well that we take this instruction seriously as we begin a new year and as we contemplate resolutions.
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