Vowing

Through faith, we may make promises to God, knowing that He will answer us. These vows are clear actions that show our faith and hope in Him. A vow is not a bargain to manipulate God, but a response of trust, putting our confidence in what He has promised. This section explores vowing in Scripture. Its study, "The First Vow," looks at Jacob at Bethel, who promised that if God would be with him and bring him back in peace, Yahweh would be his God, and he would give Him a tenth of everything (Genesis 28:20-22). That vow is also where the tithe first appears as a promise between a person and Yahweh. This category is part of Giving & Provision, alongside Tithing, The Poor and the foundation of giving. If you have wondered whether believers today can make vows to God, or what it means to keep them, start with Jacob's story and see how his promise grew out of faith in God's own promises.