And Amaziah said to the man of God, “But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?” The man of God answered, “The LORD is able to give you much more than this.”
In the above verse we read about King Amaziah and his conversation with a “man of God,” his counselor. Amaziah was planning on going to war against the Edomites. God had prepared him and equipped him. But, he went out and also hired 100,000 mighty men from Israel. He had paid them 100 talents of silver to fight for him. But, the “man of God” came to him and confronted him about hiring these extra warriors when God had promised him victory. As we read in the verse, Amaziah was okay letting the 100,000 soldiers to and was willing to trust God. But, he had an issue with the 100 talents of silver. He didn’t want to lose the cash down payment he made. His shortsightedness is noted by the “man of God.” He would be cared from by God. Although later in life Amaziah does turn to become an evil king, God does reward him through this victory over the Edomites. The “man of God” was sent to remind him of God’s faithfulness and the importance of him keeping is vows. In Psalm 15 we read about the qualities of a godly man, about a man who wants to dwell with God. One of the requirements is to keep your vow about something, even if it hurts you to do so:
Psalms 15:4b (ESV)
... who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
When we commit to something we are to follow through with that commitment. We are not to bypass the vow, even if it hurts. Amaziah was shortsighted in his decision making. The “man of God” convinced him to honor his vow and God would honor him. That is a principle we are to follow in life to please God. Just as God keeps His vows and covenants and promises to us, so, too, we are to reflect His nature by keeping our vows and promises. No matter if it hurts after we make the vow.
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