Biblical Teachings on Strength and Loyalty in Oaths
Biblical teachings emphasize the strength and loyalty inherent in oaths, viewing them as solemn commitments that appeal to divine authority [1]. The lawful purpose of oaths is explained in Hebrews 6:16, which states that "men verily swear by the greater" to confirm an assertion, and "an oath for confirmation is an end of all strife" [3, 9]. This principle suggests that an oath's binding nature derives from its appeal to the highest authority [1].
Oaths have a long history in biblical narratives, appearing in ancient practices for various purposes. They were used to confirm covenants, decide legal controversies, pledge allegiance to rulers, and bind individuals to sacred duties or specific actions [3]. For instance, Numbers 30:2 states, "When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth" [5]. This highlights the expectation of steadfastness and faithfulness in fulfilling sworn commitments [2].
Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:33-37 summarize Old Testament instruction on oaths, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in all speech. He taught that because God is related to all things, breaking any oath, even those not explicitly mentioning God, violates God's command [6]. This elevates everyday speech to a level of binding commitment, implying that a simple "yes" or "no" should be as reliable as an oath [6].
God himself is depicted as making oaths, which underscores their gravity and reliability. For example, God swore an oath to Abraham, promising blessings and descendants [7, 8]. This divine oath serves as a foundation for hope, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to his promises [8]. The reliability of God's oath is a central theme in Hebrews, where it is noted that God's word and oath provide "strong encouragement" for those who have fled to take hold of the hope set before them [8]. The concept of loyalty and kindness (Hebrew hesed) is deeply connected to God's covenant relationship with his people, reflecting an intimate and wholehearted commitment [10].
The New Testament also presents Christ as a permanent High Priest appointed by "the word of the oath" [4]. This highlights the ultimate divine commitment to salvation through Christ. The steadfastness commanded of believers, such as cleaving to God and continuing in the apostles' doctrine, mirrors the unwavering nature of God's own purposes and ways [2].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Oath — The principle on which an oath is held to be binding is incidentally laid down in (Hebrews 6:16) viz. as an ultimate appeal to divine authority to ratify an assertion. On the same principle, that oath has always been held most binding which appealed to the highest authority, as regards both individuals and communities. As a consequence of this principle, appeals to God's name on the one hand, and to heathen deities on the other, are treated in scripture as tests of allegiance. (Exodus 23:13; 34:6; 29:12) etc. So also the sovereign's name is sometimes used as a ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Steadfastness — Exhibited by God in all his purposes and ways -- Nu 23:19; Da 6:26; Jas 1:17. Commanded -- Php 4:1; 2Th 2:15; Jas 1:6-8. Godliness necessary to -- Job 11:13-15. Secured by The power of God. -- Ps 55:22; 62:2; 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:24. The presence of God. -- Ps 16:8. Trust in God. -- Ps 26:1. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32. A characteristic of saints -- Job 17:9; Joh 8:31. Should be manifested In cleaving to God. -- De 10:20; Ac 11:23. In the work of the Lord. -- 1Co 15:58. In continuing in the Apostles' doctrine. -- Ac 2:42. In holding fast our”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Oaths — The lawful purpose of, explained -- Heb 6:16. Antiquity of -- Ge 14:22; 24:3,8. Used for Confirming covenants. -- Ge 26:28; 31:44,53; 1Sa 20:16,17. Deciding controversies in courts of law. -- Ex 22:11; Nu 5:19; 1Ki 8:31. Pledging allegiance to sovereigns. -- 2Ki 11:4; Ec 8:2. Binding to performance of sacred duties. -- Nu 30:2; 2Ch 15:14,15; Ne 10:29; Ps 132:2. Binding to performance of any particular act. -- Ge 24:3,4; 50:25; Jos 2:12. Judicial from of administering -- 1Ki 22:16; Mt 26:63. Often accompanied by raising up the hand -- Ge 14:22; Da 12:7; Re 10:”
- Hebrews “For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints a Son forever who has been perfected. -- Hebrews 7:28”
- Numbers “When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. -- Numbers 30:2”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 5:33: 5:33-37 Jesus here summarizes the Old Testament teaching on oaths (Lev 19:12; Num 30:2-4; Deut 23:21-23; Ps 50:14; Zech 8:17). The Pharisees had degrees of commitment for oaths—for example, ones that did not mention God were not as binding. Jesus shows that because God is related to all things (heaven, earth, Jerusalem, my head; see also Matt 23:16-22), breaking any oath breaks God’s command (see Exod 20:7). The point is that one must be altogether truthful. Jesus’ righteousness elevates the disciple’s everyday yes and no to the level of binding oath. Oaths becom”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6:13: For--confirming the reasonableness of resting on "the promises" as infallibly sure, resting as they do on God's oath, by the instance of Abraham. "He now gives consolation, by the oath of God's grace, to those whom, in the second, third, and fourth chapters, he had warned by the oath of God's 'wrath.' The oath of wrath did not primarily extend its force beyond the wilderness; but the oath of grace is in force for ever" [BENGEL].”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 6:13: 6:13-20 This passage focuses on the reliability of God’s faithfulness to his promises. The theme of God’s oath is developed with an illustration (6:13-15), followed by a general principle (6:16), followed by the main point: God has sworn a significant oath (6:17-18), which gives us hope because it shows that Jesus is our permanent High Priest (6:19-20). 6:13-14 Abraham was the premier exemplar of faith: He continued to believe that God would give him a son, then was willing to sacrifice that son in obedience to God (11:17-19; Gen 15:1-5; 22:1-14). In response to ”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 6:16: Men verily swear by the greater - One who has greater authority; who can take cognizance of the obligation, and punish the breach of it. An oath for confirmation - "This observation teaches us," says Dr. Macknight, "that both promissory oaths concerning things lawful and in our power, and oaths for the confirmation of things doubtful, when required by proper authority, and taken religiously, are allowable under the Gospel."”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 3:3: 3:3 Loyalty and kindness reflect the intimate and wholehearted commitment of God’s covenant relationship with his people (see Deut 6:8-9). • Write them: For a parallel command, see Prov 7:3.”