Topical Encyclopedia Swearing falsely, or bearing false witness, is a significant moral and legal issue addressed in the Hebrew Scriptures. It is considered a violation of the Ninth Commandment, which states, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). This commandment underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity within the community of Israel.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, swearing falsely is condemned as an act that disrupts justice and community harmony. Leviticus 19:12 warns, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD" . This verse highlights the gravity of invoking God's name in false oaths, as it not only deceives others but also dishonors God Himself. The legal system in ancient Israel placed a high value on truthful testimony. Deuteronomy 19:16-19 outlines the consequences for a false witness: "If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. You must purge the evil from among you" . This passage illustrates the seriousness with which false testimony was treated, emphasizing the need for justice and the removal of deceit from the community. Prophetic Condemnation The prophets of Israel frequently condemned the practice of swearing falsely. Jeremiah 7:9-10 questions the people's behavior: "Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, 'We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations'?" . Here, false swearing is listed among other grievous sins, indicating its severity in the eyes of God. Zechariah 8:16-17 further emphasizes the importance of truth: "These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound decisions in your gates, do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love perjury, for I hate all these things, declares the LORD" . The prophetic message calls for a community built on truth and justice, reflecting God's character. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the issue of false swearing. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who pours out lies" among the seven things the LORD detests . This reinforces the idea that deceit and falsehood are fundamentally opposed to the wisdom and righteousness that God desires for His people. New Testament Reflection While the focus here is on the Jewish context, it is worth noting that the New Testament continues to uphold the principle of truthfulness. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, teaches, "But I tell you, do not 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" (Matthew 5:34-35). This teaching encourages a life of integrity where one's word is sufficient without the need for oaths. In summary, swearing falsely is consistently condemned throughout the Scriptures as an affront to God's holiness and a threat to communal justice and harmony. The Jewish tradition, as reflected in the Old Testament, places a strong emphasis on truthfulness, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that calls for integrity and righteousness among God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 16:59For thus said the Lord GOD; I will even deal with you as you have done, which have despised the oath in breaking the covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... Psalm CX. Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... Chapter xvii. Against Rash and Vain Swearing. The Third Commandment Matt. v. 27, 28 All his Insulting Epithets are Shewn by Facts to be False. Acts iv. 23 On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... Resources Should a Christian make a promise? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was John Chrysostom? | GotQuestions.org Swearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Profane Swearing of all Kinds is Desecration of God's Name and is Forbidden Profane Swearing: Nations Visited For Profane Swearing: Punishment For Profane Swearing: Son of Israelitish Woman Profane Swearing: The Wicked: Addicted To Profane Swearing: The Wicked: Clothe Themselves With Profane Swearing: The Wicked: Love Profane Swearing: Woe Denounced Against Swearing Falsely: Blessedness of Abstaining From Swearing Falsely: False Witnesses Guilty of Swearing Falsely: Fraud often Leads To Swearing Falsely: Hateful to God Swearing Falsely: Saints Abstain From Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Addicted To Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Plead Excuses For Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Shall be Cut off For Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Shall be Judged on Account of Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Shall Have a Curse Upon Their Houses For Swearing Falsely: we should not Love Related Terms |
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