YAHVEH’S PROMISES

YAHVEH’S PROMISES

A promise is a declaration by one person to another that something will or will not be done. This declaration means that the person to whom it is given has the right to expect that it will be completed.

TYPES OF PROMISES
In the Scriptures there are scattered examples of promises that people give either to another person (Numbers 22:17; Esther 4:7) or to YAHVEH (Nehemiah 5:12), but the promises that YAHVEH gives to man are far more significant. These divine promises are absolutely trustworthy because YAHVEH is completely able to keep His promises (Romans 4:21). Divine promises in Scripture assure their recipients of many benefits, including son-ship (2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1), forgiveness of sin (1 John 1:9), answer to prayer (Luke 11:9), deliverance from temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13), sustaining grace for difficult times (2 Corinthians 12:9), provision for all needs (Philippians 4:19), reward for obedience (James 1:12) and eternal life (John 3:16). YAHVEH’s promises are certain and sure, but participation in their blessing often requires certain conditions. Divine promises also are not always guarantees of blessing. There are promises announcing the certainty of judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). In addition to the promises of YAHVEH, there are a great many promises that pertain to the unfolding of YAHVEH’s plan of redemption in the procession of historical events. Promises of this type become synonymous with prophecy. Along with their subsequent fulfilment, they are intricately woven into the history of redemption.

PROMISES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
The highlights of the promise theme in the Old Testament can be seen in the first promise of the gospel (the protevangelium) given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden immediately after the fall into sin (Genesis 3:15). Subsequent promises are the covenants YAHVEH made with Abraham (Genesis 12, 15 and 17) and with David (2 Samuel 7:1), followed by the promise of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31).

THE PROTEVANGELIUM
Genesis 3:15 says: “Your [Satan’s] offspring and her [Eve’s] offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head and you will strike his heel”. This statement is a promise that in the future the offspring of the woman will crush Satan. The offspring of the woman is individualized in the “he” of the last phrase. “He” shall strike you (Satan) on the head, although Satan will inflict a wound on the offspring of the woman. Here then, is the promise that gives Adam and Eve, as well as their descendants, the basis to expect the eventual destruction of their adversary Satan through their offspring.

THE PROMISE TO ABRAHAM
In Genesis 12:1-7 Abraham is told to leave his people and country and to go to a land that Adonai would show to him. YAHVEH in turn promises him that:
1.) His offspring would become a great nation;
2.) He would be blessed and his name made great;
3.) Through him other nations would be blessed; and
4.) The land of Canaan would be given to his descendants.
Of particular significance among these promises given to Abraham is that through his offspring he will bless many nations. This promise is repeated five times in the book of Genesis (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14) and points back to the promise of 3:15 as well as forward to HaMashiach.

THE PROMISE TO DAVID
In 2 Samuel 7, YAHVEH gave a promise to King David that his dynasty would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:16; Psalm 89:34-37). It is with this Davidic covenant that the promised line, which had previously run from Adam through Seth, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah, is now narrowed to the royal line of the house of David. David is to be the ancestor of the Moshiach-King to come (Psalm 89:3, 27-37).

THE PROMISE OF A NEW COVENANT
In Jeremiah 31:31-37, it is promised that in future days Adonai would make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. The content of this new covenant re-emphasizes and extends the basic promises of the former covenant: “I will be their God, and they will be my people....I will forgive their wickedness and will never again remember their sins” (Jeremiah 31:33-34). It would appear that the “new covenant” of Jeremiah is to be viewed as a restatement of the same basic promises included in the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. The new covenant was inaugurated with the first advent of HaMashiach and believers in HaMashiach are now recipients by Ruach HaKodesh of the blessings of that New Covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13). The complete and final realization of these blessings in all their fullness awaits the return of HaMashiach, the complete establishment of His Kingdom in its outward and final form and the blessedness of life in the new heavens and new earth. In the intervening time, YAHVEH’s people live in a day in which some of the benefits of the age to come are a present reality but the fullness of the new age is yet future.

THE PROMISE THEME IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
New Testament writers refer to the Old Testament promises in a way that indicates that they did not view these promises as separate and isolated assertions but rather as portions of a unitary promise that is ultimately fulfilled in HaMashiach (Luke 1:54-55, 69-73; 2 Corinthians 1:20). Yeshua is the fulfilment of the promises made to the patriarchs and David and these promises are accordingly to be viewed as having a single focal point in Him. In the books of Galatians and Ephesians, Paul develops this idea in more detail, saying to the Gentile Christians that they are made “heirs together with Israel, members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6, NIV). In fact, Paul says that Gentiles who trust in HaMashiach are incorporated into the seed of Abraham and are thus heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29) and he even goes so far as to equate the gospel with the promise given to Abraham when he states, “The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you’” (Galatians 3:8, NIV). These and other New Testament texts establish the close connection between the coming of HaMashiach and the fulfilment of the promise. The promises of YAHVEH find their point of convergence in HaMashiach and all that he accomplished and will yet accomplish, for His people. One further aspect of the promise particularly emphasized in the New Testament concerns the coming of Ruach HaKodesh. Paul refers to believers as sealed with the promised Ruach HaKodesh (Ephesians 1:13) and as receiving the promise of Ruach (Galatians 3:14). The gift of Ruach HaKodesh is not only the fulfilment of an Old Testament promise (Isaiah 32:15) and that of HaMashiach Himself (Luke 24:49), but it is also itself a promise of something yet future. Paul speaks of Ruach HaKodesh’s presence within the believer as a guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:14). Ruach HaKodesh is the “first-fruit” of future glory (Romans 8:23). One final aspect of the promise theme in the New Testament concerns the assurance of HaMashiach’s Second Advent and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:4, 9, 13).

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM YAHVEH’S PROMISES?

WE CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE ABOUT THE FUTURE.
“‘Soon I will die,’ Joseph told his brothers, ‘but God will surely come for you, to lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he vowed to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’” (Genesis 50:24) Joseph was ready to die. He had no doubts that YAHVEH would keep His promise and one day bring the Israelites back to their homeland. What a tremendous example! The secret of that kind of faith is a lifetime of trusting YAHVEH. Your faith is like a muscle; it grows with exercise, gaining strength over time. After a lifetime of exercising trust, your faith can be as strong as Joseph’s. Then at your death, you can be confident that YAHVEH will fulfil all His promises to you and to all those faithful to Him who may live after you.

WE CAN KNOW THAT YAHVEH IS FAITHFUL.
“God heard their cries and remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He looked down on the Israelites and felt deep concern for their welfare.” (Exodus 2:24-25)
YAHVEH’s rescue doesn’t always come the moment we want it. YAHVEH had promised to bring the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt (Genesis 15:16; 46:3-4). The people had waited a long time for that promise to be kept, but YAHVEH rescued them when He knew the right time had come. YAHVEH knows the best time to act. When you feel that YAHVEH forgot you in your troubles, remember that He has a time schedule we can’t see.

WE CAN KNOW THAT YAHVEH HAS A PLAN.
“In the book of the prophet Isaiah, God said, ‘look, I am sending My messenger before you and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: ’Prepare a pathway for the Lord’s coming! Make a straight road for him!’” (Mark 1:2-3) Hundreds of years earlier, the prophet Isaiah had predicted that John the Baptist (Yo-hanan ha-matbil in Hebrew) and Yeshua would come. How did he know? YAHVEH promised Isaiah that a Redeemer would come to Israel and that a messenger calling in the desert would prepare the way for Him. Isaiah’s words comforted many people as they looked forward to the Moshiach and knowing that YAHVEH keeps His promises can comfort you too.

WE CAN LEARN CONTENTMENT.
“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need”. (Philippians 4:12-13)
Are you content in any circumstances you face? Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. The secret was drawing on HaMashiach’s power for strength. Do you have great needs or are you discontented because you don’t have what you want? Learn to rely on YAHVEH’s promises and HaMashiach’s power to help you be content. If you always want more, ask YAHVEH to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every circumstance. He will supply all your needs, but in a way that He knows is best for you.

WHAT SHOULD BE CHARACTERISTIC OF OUR PROMISES?

OUR PROMISES OUGHT TO BE DEPENDABLE.
“As the time of his death drew near, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, ‘If you are pleased with me, swear most solemnly that you will honour this, my last request: Do not bury me in Egypt. When I am dead, take me out of Egypt and bury me beside my ancestors.’ So Joseph promised that he would.” (Genesis 47:29-30) Putting a hand under the thigh was a sign of making a promise, much like shaking hands today. Jacob had Joseph promise to bury him in his homeland. Few things were written in this culture, so a person’s word then carried as much force as a written contract today. People today seem to find it easy to say, “I didn’t mean that.” YAHVEH’s people however, are to speak the truth and live the truth. Let your words be as binding as a written contract.

OUR PROMISES SHOULD BE KEPT EVEN WHEN THEY ARE COSTLY.
“‘I asked the LORD to give me this child and he has given me my request. Now I am giving him to the LORD and he will belong to the LORD his whole life.’ And they worshiped the LORD there.” (1 Samuel 1:27-28) To do what she promised (1 Samuel 1:11), Hannah gave up what she wanted most-her son-and presented him to Eli to serve in the house of Adonai. In dedicating her only son to YAHVEH, Hannah was dedicating her entire life and future to YAHVEH. Because Samuel’s life was from YAHVEH, Hannah was not really giving him up. Rather, she was returning him to YAHVEH who had given Samuel to Hannah in the first place. These verses illustrate the kind of gifts we should give to YAHVEH. Do your gifts cost you little (Shabbat offerings, a comfortable tithe) or are they gifts of sacrifice? Are you presenting YAHVEH with tokens or are you presenting Him with your entire life?

OUR PROMISES SHOULD BE MADE WITH FIRM COMMITMENT.
“‘But why can’t I come now, Lord?’ he asked. ‘I am ready to die for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Die for me? No, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’” (John 13:37-38) Peter proudly told Yeshua that he was ready to die for Him. But Yeshua corrected him. He knew Peter would deny that he knew Yeshua that very night to protect himself (John 18:25-27). In our enthusiasm, it is easy to make promises, but YAHVEH knows the extent of our commitment. Paul tells us, “be honest in your estimate of yourselves” (Romans 12:3). Instead of bragging, demonstrate your commitment step by step as you grow in your knowledge of YAHVEH’s Word and in your faith.

THE PROMISE THEME IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
New Testament writers refer to the Old Testament promises in a way that indicates that they did not view these promises as separate and isolated assertions but rather as portions of a unitary promise that is ultimately fulfilled in HaMashiach (Luke 1:54-55, 69-73; 2 Corinthians 1:20). Yeshua is the fulfilment of the promises made to the patriarchs and David and these promises are accordingly to be viewed as having a single focal point in Him. In the books of Galatians and Ephesians, Paul develops this idea in more detail, saying to the Gentile Christians that they are made “heirs together with Israel, members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6, NIV). In fact, Paul says that Gentiles who trust in HaMashiach are incorporated into the seed of Abraham and are thus heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29) and he even goes so far as to equate the gospel with the promise given to Abraham when he states, “The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you’” (Galatians 3:8, NIV). These and other New Testament texts establish the close connection between the coming of HaMashiach and the fulfilment of the promise. The promises of YAHVEH find their point of convergence in HaMashiach and all that he accomplished and will yet accomplish, for His people. One further aspect of the promise particularly emphasized in the New Testament concerns the coming of Ruach HaKodesh. Paul refers to believers as sealed with the promised Ruach HaKodesh (Ephesians 1:13) and as receiving the promise of Ruach (Galatians 3:14). The gift of Ruach HaKodesh is not only the fulfilment of an Old Testament promise (Isaiah 32:15) and that of HaMashiach Himself (Luke 24:49), but it is also itself a promise of something yet future. Paul speaks of Ruach HaKodesh’s presence within the believer as a guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:14). Ruach HaKodesh is the “first-fruit” of future glory (Romans 8:23). One final aspect of the promise theme in the New Testament concerns the assurance of HaMashiach’s Second Advent and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:4, 9, 13).

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM YAHVEH’S PROMISES?

WHAT SHOULD BE CHARACTERISTIC OF OUR PROMISES?

OUR PROMISES SHOULD BE KEPT EVEN WHEN THEY ARE COSTLY.
“‘I asked the LORD to give me this child and he has given me my request. Now I am giving him to the LORD and he will belong to the LORD his whole life.’ And they worshiped the LORD there.” (1 Samuel 1:27-28) To do what she promised (1 Samuel 1:11), Hannah gave up what she wanted most-her son-and presented him to Eli to serve in the house of Adonai. In dedicating her only son to YAHVEH, Hannah was dedicating her entire life and future to YAHVEH. Because Samuel’s life was from YAHVEH, Hannah was not really giving him up. Rather, she was returning him to YAHVEH who had given Samuel to Hannah in the first place. These verses illustrate the kind of gifts we should give to YAHVEH. Do your gifts cost you little (Shabbat offerings, a comfortable tithe) or are they gifts of sacrifice? Are you presenting YAHVEH with tokens or are you presenting Him with your entire life?