Dictionary of Bible Themes Solemn, binding statements made in God's name. The OT forbids the making of oaths in the name of other gods and the NT suggests that it is best to refrain from making oaths. Numbers 30:2Oaths are considered binding See also Deuteronomy 23:21Matthew 23:16-22 Deuteronomy 6:13 Oaths to be taken only in God's name See also Psalms 24:3-4Jeremiah 12:16 Leviticus 19:12 False oaths forbidden See also Exodus 20:7Leviticus 6:3-5 Zechariah 5:3-4 pp Dt 5:11 Exodus 22:11Examples of oaths Numbers 5:19In bearing witness 1 Kings 8:312 Kings 11:4 Ecclesiastes 8:2 In showing allegiance Jeremiah 38:16Ezekiel 17:13 Genesis 21:22-31; 26:26-31; 31:44-53 Joshua 9:3-21 In covenants Joshua 6:26Matthew 26:71-74 As a curse Genesis 14:22-23pp Mk 14:70-71 See also As assurance that a promise will be kept Genesis 24:3-9,37-41; 47:28-31; 50:24-25Psalms 132:1-5 Genesis 25:33 Unwise or thoughtless oaths See also Leviticus 5:4Matthew 14:6-7 pp Mk 6:22-23 James 5:12Advice against taking oaths See also Matthew 5:33-37See also 1345 covenant5440 perjury 5444 pledges 5741 vows 8652 importunity |
    |