Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, oaths are solemn promises or affirmations, often invoking God as a witness to the truth of one's words or the binding nature of one's commitments. The use of oaths by the Lord Himself is a significant theme in Scripture, underscoring the seriousness and unchangeable nature of His promises and declarations.1. Divine Oaths in the Old Testament: The Lord's use of oaths in the Old Testament serves to confirm His promises and covenants with His people. One of the most notable instances is found in the covenant with Abraham. In Genesis 22:16-17 , after Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, the Lord declares, "By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore." Here, God swears by Himself, emphasizing the certainty and divine authority of His promise. Another significant example is found in the covenant with David. In Psalm 89:35 , the Lord states, "Once and for all I have sworn by My holiness—I will not lie to David." This oath underscores the eternal nature of God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage will endure forever. 2. Oaths and the Character of God: The use of oaths by the Lord highlights His unchanging nature and the absolute reliability of His word. In Numbers 23:19 , it is written, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" The divine oath serves as a powerful assurance to believers that God's promises are irrevocable and trustworthy. 3. Oaths in the New Testament: The New Testament also reflects on the concept of divine oaths, particularly in the context of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 6:13-18 , the author explains, "When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself... God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He confirmed it with an oath." This passage emphasizes that God's oath is a source of strong encouragement and hope for believers, anchoring their faith in His unchangeable purpose. 4. Theological Implications: Theologically, the use of oaths by the Lord underscores His sovereignty and the ultimate authority of His word. It also serves as a model for human conduct, illustrating the importance of truthfulness and integrity in one's commitments. Jesus, in His teachings, calls His followers to a higher standard, where their "Yes" means "Yes," and their "No," "No" (Matthew 5:37), reflecting the divine example of truthfulness without the need for additional oaths. In summary, the expressions used as oaths by the Lord in Scripture reveal His unwavering commitment to His promises and His desire for His people to trust in His unchanging nature. These divine oaths provide a foundation for faith and a model for human integrity. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 19:7Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably to your servants: for I swear by the LORD, if you go not forth, there will not tarry one with you this night: and that will be worse to you than all the evil that befell you from your youth until now. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 2:42 Library The Confessional Statement of the United Presbyterian Church of ... The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ... Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Letter ccxvii. To Amphilochius, the Canons. Letter ccvii. To the Clergy of Neoc??sarea. Ephesians i. 14-Nov Messiah Unpitied, and Without a Comforter Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles. Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... A New Age and New Standards Resources What does the Bible say about keeping your vows / oaths? | GotQuestions.orgWhy 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 Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Oaths used for Binding to Performance of Any Particular Act Oaths used for Binding to Performance of Sacred Duties Oaths used for Confirming Covenants Oaths used for Deciding Controversies in Courts of Law Oaths used for Pledging Allegiance to Sovereigns Oaths: Custom of Swearing by the Life of the King Oaths: Expressions Used as As the Lord Liveth Oaths: Expressions Used as As Thy Soul Liveth Oaths: Expressions Used as Before God I Lie Not Oaths: Expressions Used As by the Fear of Isaac Oaths: Expressions Used As by the Lord Oaths: Expressions Used as God do So to Thee and More Also Oaths: Expressions Used as God do So to Thee, and More Also Oaths: Expressions Used as God is Witness Oaths: Expressions Used as I Call God for a Record Oaths: Expressions Used as I Charge You by the Lord Oaths: Expressions Used as The Lord do So to Me, and More Also Oaths: God Used, to Show the Immutability of his Counsel Oaths: Judicial from of Administering Oaths: Often Accompanied by Placing the Hand Under the Thigh of The Oaths: Often Accompanied by Raising up the Hand Oaths: Rash: The Jews Who Sought to Kill Paul Oaths: The Jews: Condemned for False Oaths: The Jews: Condemned for Profane Oaths: The Jews: Fell Into Many Errors Respecting Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take False Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take in the Name of Any Created Thing Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take Rash, or Unholy Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take, in Name of Idols Oaths: The Jews: Generally Respected the Obligation of Oaths: The Jews: Often Guilty of Falsely Taking Oaths: The Jews: Often Guilty of Rashly Taking Oaths: The Jews: To Take, in Truth, Judgment Oaths: The Jews: To Use God's Name Alone In Oaths: The Lawful Purpose of, Explained Oaths: To be Taken in Fear and Reverence Related Terms |
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