Topical Bible: Alliances: Ratification of by Oaths

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In the biblical context, alliances were often ratified by oaths, serving as solemn commitments between parties. These oaths were not merely verbal agreements but were considered binding and sacred, invoking the name of God as a witness to the covenant. The practice of ratifying alliances by oaths is evident throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the seriousness with which such agreements were regarded.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham and Abimelech: One of the earliest examples of an alliance ratified by an oath is found in Genesis 21:22-32. Abraham and Abimelech, the king of Gerar, entered into a covenant concerning a well of water. Abraham gave sheep and cattle to Abimelech, and the two men swore an oath in Beersheba. The passage highlights the importance of oaths in ensuring peace and mutual respect: "So that day they made a covenant at Beersheba" (Genesis 21:32).

2. Jacob and Laban: In Genesis 31:44-54, Jacob and his father-in-law Laban made a covenant, setting up a heap of stones as a witness. They swore by the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, invoking divine oversight to their agreement. The oath served as a boundary marker and a pledge of non-aggression: "So Jacob took an oath in the name of the Fear of his father Isaac" (Genesis 31:53).

3. Israelites and Gibeonites: In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them. Despite the deception, the Israelites honored the oath they had sworn by the LORD, demonstrating the binding nature of oaths even when made under false pretenses: "We have given them our oath by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them" (Joshua 9:19).

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on political or military alliances, the concept of oaths remains significant. Jesus addressed the issue of oaths in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and integrity in speech: "But I tell you not to swear at all... Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'" (Matthew 5:34, 37). This teaching underscores the principle that one's word should be as binding as an oath, reflecting a heart aligned with God's truth.

Theological Implications

The ratification of alliances by oaths in the Bible underscores the gravity of making promises before God. Such oaths were not to be taken lightly, as they invoked divine witness and accountability. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as a covenant-keeping deity, and His people are called to reflect His faithfulness in their own commitments. The use of oaths in ratifying alliances serves as a reminder of the sacredness of one's word and the expectation of fidelity in all agreements.

In summary, the ratification of alliances by oaths in the Bible highlights the solemnity and sacredness of such commitments. Whether between individuals, tribes, or nations, these oaths were seen as binding under the watchful eye of God, who is the ultimate witness to all human covenants.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 21:23
Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land wherein you have sojourned.
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Genesis 26:28-31
And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with you: and we said, Let there be now an oath between us, even between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you;
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Joshua 9:15-20
And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation swore to them.
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1 Samuel 20:16,17
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.
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Library

Directions to Church-Wardens, &C.
... the oaths [6] , which are by an Act of Parliament made in the first year of King
William and Queen Mary [7] appointed to be taken instead of the oaths of ...
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