“Putting up security for our neighbor” and “striking hands” are making a personal vow. They are personally securing someone else’s debt and/or life. Thus putting myself under an obligation.
Often there is good reason to put up security for another. Jacob was concerned for Benjamin’s life. So Judah in order to persuade his father Jacob to allow him and his brothers to go to Egypt for food promised him, “I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life.” (Genesis 43:9)
Often it seems that such vows become hard to keep putting ourselves in harm’s way (2). When Benjamin was about to be jailed Judah had to offer himself into slavery in order to keep his vow of security to his father. (Genesis 44:34) Judah humbled himself and pleaded for his younger brother’s freedom (3).
Jesus enacted the greatest sacrifice when he put up security for his neighbors and his friends. He presented his well-being and life for them. He allowed himself to be arrested, humiliated, tortured, and crucified. Now I am encouraged in view of God’s mercy, to offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is my spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
