Topical Bible: Witness: Qualified by Oath

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In the biblical context, the concept of a witness qualified by oath holds significant importance, particularly in legal and covenantal settings. The act of bearing witness under oath is deeply rooted in the principles of truth, justice, and accountability as outlined in the Scriptures. This entry explores the role and implications of such witnesses within the biblical narrative.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous instances where witnesses are required to testify under oath, emphasizing the gravity and solemnity of their testimony. In Deuteronomy 19:15, the law stipulates, "A lone witness is not sufficient to convict a man of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." This requirement underscores the need for corroboration and the reliability of witnesses, especially when their testimony is given under oath.

The role of witnesses in legal proceedings is further highlighted in Exodus 20:16, where the Ninth Commandment instructs, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." This commandment underscores the moral and ethical responsibility of witnesses to speak truthfully, particularly when their testimony is sworn before God.

In Numbers 5:19-22, the ritual of the "bitter water" test for a suspected adulteress involves an oath. The priest makes the woman swear an oath, invoking a curse upon herself if she is guilty. This passage illustrates the seriousness of oaths in determining truth and justice, as well as the divine involvement in the process.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to uphold the importance of truthful testimony, often in the context of legal and religious trials. In Matthew 26:63-64, during Jesus' trial before the high priest, He is put under oath: "But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, 'I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.' 'You have said so,' Jesus replied." Here, the invocation of an oath highlights the solemnity of the moment and the expectation of truthfulness.

The Apostle Paul also references the concept of oaths in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 1:23, he states, "I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth." Paul's appeal to God as his witness underlines the seriousness with which he regards his statements, reinforcing the idea that oaths are not to be taken lightly.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the act of witnessing under oath is intertwined with the character of God, who is the ultimate witness and judge. Hebrews 6:16-17 explains, "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 reveals that oaths serve to confirm truth and resolve disputes, reflecting God's own commitment to truthfulness and faithfulness.

The biblical mandate for truthful testimony under oath serves as a reminder of the believer's duty to uphold integrity and justice. It reflects the broader biblical theme of accountability before God, who sees and knows all. As such, witnesses qualified by oath are called to reflect God's truth in their words and actions, bearing testimony that aligns with His righteous standards.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 22:11
Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he has not put his hand to his neighbor's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
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Numbers 5:19,21
And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say to the woman, If no man have lain with you, and if you have not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of your husband, be you free from this bitter water that causes the curse:
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1 Kings 8:31,32
If any man trespass against his neighbor, and an oath be laid on him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before your altar in this house:
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Library

Carey's Last Days
... The watchman took him in custody, as a witness before the ... to make the application,
if taking an oath would be ... And when he was qualified by the rules of the ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... And persons that have visited these places bear witness, who often, when they hear
the Scripture ... Athanasius uses a qualified form of putting an oath. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston.
... to be a true and faithful witness to his ... as competent judges, because they were not
qualified according to ... interrogate, If he would take the oath of allegiance ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir rob%5Et.htm

Moravians and Methodists, 1735-1742.
... He had refused, that is, to take the oath of loyalty to ... Wesley himself; and, therefore,
he was thoroughly qualified to help ... Have you the witness within yourself ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter ix moravians and methodists.htm

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... in these words, "Upon my great oath and reputation ... this, but Lauderdale, who was
only a witness, and had ... lawful magistrate must he a man qualified according to ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 5.htm

Attitude as to Church-Fellowship.
... as we understand it, is only a qualified acknowledgment of ... with it; c) from the form
of oath required of ... a member of the North Carolina Synod; witness the case ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/attitude as to church-fellowship.htm

Letter xxi. (AD 391. )
... that you love both; but you think me qualified, whilst I ... to God and to Christ to
bear witness to me ... not things about which I may myself willingly take my oath. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxi a d 391.htm

The Life of John Campbel Earl of Loudon.
... As witness Upon the very entry, when the difference arose ... could think of none so
well qualified as the ... before the throne, first swear the oath of allegiance ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of john campbel.htm

A New Age and New Standards
... experts in piety, yet they were not qualified to enter ... of insisting on truthfulness
when a man was under oath. Solemnly to call God to witness a statement and ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter vi a new age.htm

The House of Zacharias.
... for the authority of an eye-witness by the ... Elisabeth meant God's oath; as though
her people were ... this sorrow they might never have been qualified to receive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/ii the house of zacharias.htm