The Sefer HaIkkarim teaches that the most certain and secure form of hope is hope that is based on a promise—תקות ההבטחה. This is the kind of hope we have when Hashem has clearly promised something, whether through written Torah, verbal prophecy, or the words of the Nevi’im.

When someone trustworthy makes a promise, we naturally rely on them to keep their word. How much more so when the one making the promise is Hashem, who is the ultimate truth. The Sefer HaIkkarim explains that just as a servant cannot demand anything from their master—unless the master explicitly promised it—so too, we have no basis to expect anything from Hashem except where He has promised it. But once Hashem has promised, our hope becomes firm and justified.

King David expressed this in Tehillim (119:49):

“Remember the word You promised Your servant, through which You gave me hope.”
“זְכֹר דָּבָר לְעַבְדֶּךָ עַל אֲשֶׁר יִחַלְתָּנִי”

This verse reflects David’s confidence—not because of his own worthiness, but because Hashem had already given His word. That promise became the foundation of his unwavering hope.

The Sefer HaIkkarim continues: Even if the thing being hoped for seems uncertain or unlikely in natural terms, if it was promised by Hashem, then it is as good as guaranteed. Hashem’s word turns something that is possible into something that is certain. Therefore, someone who places their hope in a true Divine promise can do so with absolute trust, as if the outcome is already assured.