Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, oaths hold significant importance as solemn promises or declarations, often invoking God as a witness to the truth of one's word. The Jewish tradition, deeply rooted in the Old Testament, acknowledges the gravity of making oaths. However, the misuse or profanation of oaths is sternly condemned in Scripture, reflecting a broader concern for integrity and reverence for God's name.The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for making oaths, emphasizing the necessity of truthfulness and the fulfillment of vows. Leviticus 19:12 states, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." This command underscores the sanctity of God's name and the serious nature of invoking it in an oath. The Israelites were expected to uphold their promises, as failing to do so would not only be deceitful but also a direct affront to God's holiness. Despite these clear instructions, the Jewish people were often rebuked by the prophets for their failure to honor their oaths. The prophet Jeremiah, for instance, highlights the pervasive dishonesty and unfaithfulness among the people. In Jeremiah 7:9 , he questions, "Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods you have not known?" Here, perjury, or false swearing, is listed among serious transgressions, illustrating the moral decay that had infiltrated the society. The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ addressing the issue of oaths in His Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:33-37 , Jesus teaches, "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.' But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." Jesus emphasizes the importance of straightforward honesty, suggesting that a person's word should be reliable without the need for additional oaths. The apostle James echoes this teaching in his epistle, reinforcing the call for integrity among believers. James 5:12 advises, "Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' so that you will not fall under judgment." This instruction reflects a consistent biblical principle: the integrity of one's word is paramount, and the misuse of oaths is a serious matter that can lead to divine judgment. Throughout Scripture, the condemnation of profane oaths serves as a reminder of the need for sincerity and truthfulness in all interactions. The Jewish people, like all of humanity, are called to reflect God's character in their speech and commitments, ensuring that their words align with His truth and righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 23:10For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourns; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 4:2 Library The Third Commandment Archelaus's Ethnarchy is Reduced into a [Roman] Province. The ... Index of Subjects. Book 18 Footnotes Index of Subjects. The Decalogue: I --Man and God In Pilate's Judgment Hall Against Rash and Vain Swearing. Book 13 Footnotes Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... Resources Should a Christian pledge allegiance to the flag? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Order of DeMolay? | GotQuestions.org What sort of things should be in Christian wedding/marriage vows? | GotQuestions.org Oaths: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Oaths used for Binding to Performance of Any Particular Act Oaths used for Binding to Performance of Sacred Duties Oaths used for Confirming Covenants Oaths used for Deciding Controversies in Courts of Law Oaths used for Pledging Allegiance to Sovereigns Oaths: Custom of Swearing by the Life of the King Oaths: Expressions Used as As the Lord Liveth Oaths: Expressions Used as As Thy Soul Liveth Oaths: Expressions Used as Before God I Lie Not Oaths: Expressions Used As by the Fear of Isaac Oaths: Expressions Used As by the Lord Oaths: Expressions Used as God do So to Thee and More Also Oaths: Expressions Used as God do So to Thee, and More Also Oaths: Expressions Used as God is Witness Oaths: Expressions Used as I Call God for a Record Oaths: Expressions Used as I Charge You by the Lord Oaths: Expressions Used as The Lord do So to Me, and More Also Oaths: God Used, to Show the Immutability of his Counsel Oaths: Judicial from of Administering Oaths: Often Accompanied by Placing the Hand Under the Thigh of The Oaths: Often Accompanied by Raising up the Hand Oaths: Rash: The Jews Who Sought to Kill Paul Oaths: The Jews: Condemned for False Oaths: The Jews: Condemned for Profane Oaths: The Jews: Fell Into Many Errors Respecting Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take False Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take in the Name of Any Created Thing Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take Rash, or Unholy Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take, in Name of Idols Oaths: The Jews: Generally Respected the Obligation of Oaths: The Jews: Often Guilty of Falsely Taking Oaths: The Jews: Often Guilty of Rashly Taking Oaths: The Jews: To Take, in Truth, Judgment Oaths: The Jews: To Use God's Name Alone In Oaths: The Lawful Purpose of, Explained Oaths: To be Taken in Fear and Reverence Related Terms |