There are a number of instances in the Word of God that specifically warn us against making impromptu grand promises. The account of Jephthah’s foolish vow in Judges 11 is one of them. The grisly account of John (the Baptist)’s death at Herod’s command is another: “On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.”
Proverbs tells us, “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.” Herod should have thought twice before making such a foolish oath. Perhaps Herod made that promise when he was abiding in too much wine. Perhaps he thought she would only ask something he could afford her in due time – a position of power or a financial sum. But to Herod’s distress, she asks her mother (Herod’s new wife) what she should get. To this point the story is doubled in impact, because it is not only Herod who makes a foolhardy decision he’ll regret, but the daughter also. In turning to her mother she looses out on her own choice. She could’ve asked for autonomy so she wouldn’t get married off to someone she despises. Or for land ownership so she wouldn’t be risking poverty in later life. She forfeits the opportunity of a lifetime when her mother seizes the opportunity to get revenge at cost of a prophet’s life.
Proverbs counsels us that being caught by our own foolish promise is like being ensnared – we must do all we can to appeal for forgiveness of the bond we’ve pledged, “My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.”
Unfortunately for Herod, to follow such advice would’ve mandated a rather significant amount of humility. In full sight of all his guests, he would’ve had to appeal for mercy to his step-daughter. That would be most unbecoming of a political leader – a man that Matthew suddenly refers to as “the king” even though he’s just told us Herod is a tetrarch and not a king. The reader can know that Matthew’s use of the term is meant as sarcasm, given that “the king” is in distress at needing to back out of his foolhardy promise. But like Jephthah, Herod’s foolishness is cemented into public record when he refuses to humble himself and seek forgiveness for saying such a stupid thing. Such is the trap of foolish promises coupled with pride!
We can’t help being struck by the care and love Jesus had for his friends as they blunder and bluster around, making grand promises they can’t keep while failing to understand the great promises Jesus is making. Just like us, really.
Tom Wright
APPLICATION: Intentionality
God makes grand promises because He can and does keep them. We should not, because we cannot.