Oath

Narrator: Chris Genthree
Duration: 2min
 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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A solemn asseveration with an appeal to God that what is said is true. The apostle said that among men an oath for confirmation is the “end of all strife” or dispute; and God, willing to show “the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath; that by two immutable things [His word and His oath] in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation” (Heb. 6:16-1816For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: (Hebrews 6:16‑18)). Jehovah swore that the Lord Jesus should be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (Psa. 110:44The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. (Psalm 110:4)).
In the common intercourse of life there should be no oaths, the simple “yea” and “nay” should be enough, “swear not at all” (Matt. 5:34-3734But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5:34‑37); James 5:1212But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. (James 5:12)): the context of these passages shows that they do not refer to judicial oaths (compare also Heb. 6:13,1613For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, (Hebrews 6:13)
16For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. (Hebrews 6:16); Heb. 7:2121(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) (Hebrews 7:21); Rev. 10:66And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: (Revelation 10:6)).