In the biblical context, oaths play a significant role in the establishment and confirmation of covenants. An oath is a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future action or behavior. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, and particularly within the biblical narrative, oaths were integral to the binding nature of covenants, serving as a guarantee of the commitments made between parties.

Old Testament Context

The use of oaths in confirming covenants is evident throughout the Old Testament. One of the earliest examples is found in Genesis 21:22-34, where Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant at Beersheba. Abraham swears an oath to Abimelech, ensuring peaceful relations and the fair treatment of each other's descendants. The oath serves as a formal ratification of their agreement, underscoring the seriousness and binding nature of their covenant.

In Genesis 26:28-31, Isaac and Abimelech also enter into a covenant, with an oath serving as a critical component of their agreement. The mutual swearing of oaths signifies a commitment to peace and cooperation, reflecting the cultural and religious importance of oaths in covenant-making.

The Mosaic Covenant, established between God and the Israelites, is another significant example. In Deuteronomy 29:12-15, the Israelites are called to enter into a covenant with the LORD, confirmed by an oath. This covenant, renewed periodically, underscores the Israelites' commitment to obey God's commandments, with the oath serving as a solemn affirmation of their dedication.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of oaths continues to hold importance, though with a nuanced understanding. Jesus addresses the use of oaths in Matthew 5:33-37, where He 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." Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of integrity and truthfulness, suggesting that one's word should be sufficient without the need for additional oaths.

Despite this teaching, the New Testament does not entirely dismiss the use of oaths. In Hebrews 6:16-18, the author references God's oath to Abraham, highlighting the unchangeable nature of God's promise. "Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath." This passage illustrates that oaths, when used appropriately, can serve to confirm and underscore the certainty of God's promises.

Theological Significance

Theologically, oaths in the context of covenants underscore the seriousness and binding nature of the commitments made. They serve as a reminder of the accountability before God and the community. In the biblical narrative, oaths are not merely formalities but are deeply rooted in the character and faithfulness of God, who Himself swears by His own name to fulfill His promises.

Oaths also reflect the relational aspect of covenants, emphasizing trust and fidelity between the parties involved. In a world where human promises can be fragile, the invocation of God's name in an oath serves as a powerful reminder of the divine witness to the covenant, calling for integrity and faithfulness in fulfilling one's commitments.Genesis 26:28
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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 31:44,53
Now therefore come you, let us make a covenant, I and you; and let it be for a witness between me and you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Preface
... and other civil pains annexed; imposing oaths, acts and ... observe anent the form or
method used in the ... from backsliding courses, to the confirming of halters ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the preface.htm

Letter cxcix. Canonica Secunda.
... stand; but, if they refuse, no violence should be used. ... let them be taught not to
take oaths at random ... change his mind, and not persist in confirming his impiety ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cxcix canonica secunda.htm

Dialogue i. --The Immutable.
... for He gave them, too, the same promises, confirming the former by ... Orth."Just now
you used the arguments of Marcion and ... by the God of all with oaths were not ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue i the immutable.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... of dissipation, by re-publishing the Book of Sports, to be used on Sundays. ... He was
standing at a neighbour's shop-window, 'belching out oaths like the madman ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

What does the Bible say about keeping your vows / oaths? | GotQuestions.org

Why did oaths involve putting a hand under someone's thigh (Genesis 24:9)? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to let your yes be yes and your no be no? | GotQuestions.org

Oaths: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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