Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, oaths hold significant importance as solemn promises or commitments made before God and others. They are often invoked to ensure truthfulness and fidelity to one's word. The patriarch Joseph, a central figure in the Book of Genesis, provides a notable example of requiring an oath, reflecting the weight and seriousness attributed to such commitments in biblical times.Joseph's Request for an Oath Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, rose to prominence in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers. His journey from a slave to the vizier of Egypt is marked by divine providence and wisdom. As the narrative unfolds, Joseph's relationship with his family is restored, and he is reunited with his father, Jacob, and his brothers. In Genesis 50:24-25, as Joseph nears the end of his life, he makes a significant request to his brothers, invoking an oath. He says, "I am about to die, but God will surely come to your aid and take you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Joseph then requires his brothers to swear an oath, saying, "God will surely attend to you, and you must carry my bones up from this place." This request for an oath underscores Joseph's unwavering faith in God's promises and his desire to be part of the fulfillment of the covenant made with his forefathers. By asking his brothers to swear an oath, Joseph ensures that his remains will be taken to the Promised Land, signifying his enduring connection to the covenant and the land promised by God. The Significance of the Oath The oath Joseph requires is not merely a personal request but a testament to his faith in God's covenantal promises. It reflects the belief that God's promises are certain and will be fulfilled in His timing. Joseph's insistence on an oath highlights the seriousness with which such commitments were regarded, serving as a binding assurance that his wishes would be honored. Furthermore, the fulfillment of this oath is recorded in Exodus 13:19, where Moses takes Joseph's bones with him during the Exodus from Egypt. This act of faithfulness to the oath made centuries earlier demonstrates the enduring nature of oaths and their role in the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people. Oaths in the Broader Biblical Context Throughout Scripture, oaths are depicted as sacred and binding. They are often made in the presence of God, invoking His name as a witness to the truthfulness and sincerity of the promise. The gravity of oaths is emphasized in passages such as Numbers 30:2, which states, "When a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of oaths in Matthew 5:33-37, urging His followers to let their "Yes" be "Yes," and their "No," "No," emphasizing integrity and truthfulness without the need for additional oaths. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical principle that one's word should be trustworthy and reliable. Joseph's requirement of an oath from his brothers serves as a profound example of the enduring significance of oaths in the biblical tradition, reflecting a deep trust in God's promises and the importance of faithfulness to one's word. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 50:25And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from hence. Nave's Topical Index Library The National Oath at Shechem Chapter xlii The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. The Old Catholics. Corn in Egypt Chapter xxvi Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King. 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The Immutability of God Resources Should a Christian pledge allegiance to the flag? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about keeping your vows / oaths? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain? | GotQuestions.org Oath: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Oath used in Solemnizing Covenants: Between Abraham and Abimelech Oath used in Solemnizing Covenants: Between Abraham and the King of Sodom Oath used in Solemnizing Covenants: Between Isaac and Abimelech Oath: Abraham Requires Oath of his Servant Eliezer Oath: David Swears not to Eat Until the Sun Goes Down Oath: David Swears to Bath-Sheba That Solomon Will be King Oath: Elisha Seals his Vow to Follow Elijah By Oath: Esau Confirms the Sale of his Birthright By Oath: Ezra Requires, of the Priests and Levites Oath: Gedaliah Confirms his Word By Oath: Gehazi Confirms his Lie By Oath: Jacob Confirms the Covenant Between Him and Laban By Oath: Jehoida Requires an Oath from the Rulers Oath: Joab Confirms his Word By Oath: Jonathan and David Confirm a Covenant By Oath: Joseph Requires a Similar Oath Oath: King of Samaria Confirms his Word With An Oath: Moses Covenants With Caleb By Oath: Peter Confirms his Denial of Jesus By Oath: Rahab Requires an Oath from the Spies Oath: Requires Joseph to Swear That he Would Bury Him With his Forefathers Oath: Saul Swears to the Witch of En-Dor Oath: Solomon Confirms his Word By Oath: The Elders of Gilead Confirm Their Pledge to Jephthah By Oath: The Israelites Confirm the Covenant With the Hivites Oath: The Israelites Swear in Mizpeh Oath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Oath: Zedekiah Swears to Jeremiah Related Terms |
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