Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, oaths are solemn promises or vows made before God, often invoking His name as a witness to the truth of one's words or the sincerity of one's intentions. The practice of taking oaths is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious life of the Jewish people, as evidenced throughout the Scriptures. However, the Bible also records instances where the Jews were guilty of rashly taking oaths, leading to unintended consequences and moral dilemmas.The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for making oaths, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and the fulfillment of vows. In Leviticus 19:12 , it is written, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." This command underscores the seriousness with which oaths were to be regarded, as they involved invoking the divine name. Despite these clear instructions, there are notable instances in the Old Testament where individuals or groups among the Jews made hasty oaths without fully considering the implications. One such example is found in the account of Jephthah, a judge of Israel. In Judges 11:30-31 , Jephthah made a rash vow to the LORD, saying, "If You will indeed deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to greet me on my return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering." Tragically, this vow led to the sacrifice of his daughter, highlighting the peril of making impulsive promises. Another instance is seen in the account of Saul, the first king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 14:24 , Saul made an oath during a battle, declaring, "Cursed be the man who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies." This rash oath resulted in his troops being weakened by hunger and nearly led to the death of his son Jonathan, who unknowingly violated the oath. The Jewish leaders in the New Testament also exhibited a tendency to make rash oaths. In Matthew 26:72-74 , Peter, under pressure, swore an oath denying his association with Jesus: "He denied it again, and with an oath, 'I do not know the man!'... Then he began to curse and swear, 'I do not know the man!' And immediately a rooster crowed." This incident illustrates the human propensity to make hasty declarations, especially under duress. The teachings of Jesus further address the issue of oaths. In the Sermon on the Mount, He admonished His followers to avoid making oaths altogether, advocating for simple honesty in speech. Matthew 5:34-37 records His words: "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... Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." These biblical narratives and teachings serve as a cautionary reminder of the potential pitfalls associated with rashly taking oaths. They underscore the importance of thoughtful deliberation and integrity in one's commitments, reflecting a broader biblical principle that values truthfulness and faithfulness in all aspects of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 21:7How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives? Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 14:7 Matthew 26:72 Library Against Rash and Vain Swearing. Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Nature of Covenanting. Exposition of the Moral Law. The Seven Ecumenical Councils English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources Is it wrong to swear to God? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13 36? | 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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