Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PROMISE

According to the ancient Yahwistic narrative, the Lord promised Abraham offspring, land, divine guidance, and to become a blessing for the whole world (Gen. 12:1-4a, 6-9). The birth of Isaac was promised (Gen. 18:9-15) and fulfilled (21:1-2a), and the land that had been promised (12:7) was granted, beginning with the purchase of the field in Machpelah (23:2-20). A pattern thus emerges whereby God is recognized as the faithful one whose promises are fulfilled. Significant events are seen not so much as the accomplishment of human endeavor but rather the work of God.

Moses was called as God’s instrument to bring about the Exodus (Exod. 3:7-8, 16-17) and was promised divine presence and success (vv. 10-12). During the Monarchy God assured David that his dynasty would rule forever in justice and peace (2 Sam. 7:4-17), a promise that led to messianic hope (Isa. 9:2-7; 11:1-9).

The prophets threatened punishment for sin but promised deliverance for the repentant (Hos. 2:14-16[MT 16-18]; 14:1-7; Isa. 1:18). Jeremiah promised a new covenant (Jer. 31:31-34), and Ezekiel, a new heart (Ezek. 36:26-27).

In the Psalms God is praised for fidelity to promises made (Ps. 18:30[31]; 105:9, 42), trusted because of them (12:6[7]; 119:50), but reminded in petitions to remember them (77:8[9]; 119:38, 41, 58).

In the NT Jesus promises satiety, laughter, the kingdom of God, a great reward in heaven (Luke 6:20-23; cf. Matt. 5:1-12), and eternal life (John 4:14; 6:35, 51; 11:26). Those who pray, fast, or give alms will be rewarded by the Father who sees in secret (Matt. 6:4, 6, 18). Those who ask will receive; those who seek, find; and to those who knock, it will be opened (Matt. 7:7).

The Pauline Letters teach that the promise made to Abraham is being fulfilled by Christians through faith and grace (Gal. 3:16-18; Rom. 4:13-21; 9:8-9). Paul was called to be an apostle “for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:1), in whom “every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes’ ” (2 Cor. 1:20), which the Gentiles share through the gospel (Eph. 3:6). The Letter to the Hebrews speaks of “better promises” (Heb. 8:6), the “promise” of eternal life (4:1; 9:15) inherited through “faith and patience” (6:12). Those who accept God’s “precious and very great promises” become “participants of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4).

Joseph F. Wimmer, O.S.A.

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PROMISE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)