Topical Bible: Idolatry: Consists in Swearing by Other Gods

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Idolatry, in the biblical context, is the worship or reverence of false gods or idols, which stands in direct opposition to the worship of the one true God, Yahweh. One specific manifestation of idolatry is the act of swearing by other gods, which is strictly prohibited in Scripture. This act not only signifies allegiance to these false deities but also represents a breach of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The First Commandment, as given in Exodus 20:3, states, "You shall have no other gods before Me." This command underscores the exclusivity of worship that God demands from His people. Swearing by other gods is a direct violation of this commandment, as it implies recognition and honor of entities other than Yahweh.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly warned against swearing by other gods. In Deuteronomy 6:13-14 , Moses instructs the Israelites, "Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you." This passage highlights the importance of swearing oaths solely in the name of the LORD, as a demonstration of fidelity and trust in Him alone.

The prophet Jeremiah also addresses this issue, condemning the people for their idolatrous practices. In Jeremiah 5:7 , God laments, "Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes." Here, swearing by other gods is equated with spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God.

The practice of swearing by other gods is not merely a cultural or religious misstep; it is a profound spiritual infidelity. It reflects a heart that has turned away from the true God and embraced the false promises of idols. This is further emphasized in Zephaniah 1:5 , where God declares judgment on those "who bow down on the roofs to worship the host of heaven, who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom."

The New Testament continues to affirm the exclusivity of allegiance to God. While the specific act of swearing by other gods is not as prominently addressed, the underlying principle remains. Jesus, in Matthew 5:34-37 , teaches about the integrity of one's word, emphasizing that oaths should not be necessary for those who speak truthfully: "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."

In summary, swearing by other gods is a form of idolatry that signifies a departure from the worship and allegiance due to the one true God. It is a practice that Scripture consistently condemns, urging believers to maintain their devotion and loyalty to Yahweh alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 23:13
And in all things that I have said to you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of your mouth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 23:7
That you come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves to them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Manner of Covenanting.
... to designate the making of a covenant, consists of two ... days besides, symbolized the
act of swearing to the ... people of Israel, who fell into idolatry by offering ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Greek Plagiarism from the Hebrews.
... With the prohibition, also, against swearing agrees the ... he knew the imperishable
world which consists of the ... the same, tacitly vilifying the idolatry of the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv greek plagiarism from the.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... other effect of that true wisdom which consists in the ... was ordained the service of
vowing and swearing to him ... of the world."[524] The sin of those is idolatry. ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... The grossest vice here prohibited is external idolatry. This commandment consists
of two parts ... those who swear by strange gods, and construes such swearing as a ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

The Treatise
... If righteousness consists of faith, it is clear that ... God, the other only makes worse
idolatry and the ... use of God's Name by lying, swearing, deceiving, cursing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

"Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not ...
... wherein the enmity of your hearts consists, I shall ... and love of the world is idolatry,
these things ... Can you say that cursing, swearing, lying, railing, anger ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xx because the carnal.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Oaths, see [644]Swearing. ... 763]29; cannot convert men, [764]347; relation to idolatry,
[765]353 ... of, [845]339, [846]341, [847]343; true glory of, consists in the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/index of subjects.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... been contaminated by the abominable certificate of idolatry. ... man; not the Church
which consists of a ... or easily speaking evil; or rashly swearing; or forfeiting ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... now to the preface itself, which consists of three ... Israel, who, notwithstanding all
the idolatry and tyranny ... where there is drinking, swearing, Sabbath-breaking ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Idols and Idolatry, refutation of, [567]477, [568]478; rage ... Man, old and new,
[719]16; consists of soul and ... Swearing, forbidden to men, [981]430; what God hath ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm