47. Does God forbid us to swear oaths in His name?
We are to speak the truth at all times in our daily life and discourse (Ephesians 4:25), without having to "swear" by God's name (or by anything else). Jesus says, "Let what you say by simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil" (Matthew 5:37).
A. Swearing by God's name is wrong whenever it is done falsely, thoughtlessly, in order to boast, or in any other sinful, uncertain, trivial matter.
B. An oath sometimes honors and glorifies God or serves our neighbor. Examples include swearing to tell the truth in court or marriage vows, where we assure our neighbor that we are accountable to God to tell the truth and keep our promises.
Leviticus 19:12 You shall not swear by My name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.Numbers 30:2 If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Note: Jephthah swore thoughtlessly and sinfully (Judges 11:30-40). Jesus testified under oath that He was the Messiah (Mark 14:60-62). Paul called on God to witness the truthfulness of his testimony (Romans 1:9; 2 Corinthians 1:23; and Galatians 1:20).
Eventual commentary - focus on Numbers 30:2 and Romans 13:1
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