Introduction
Just what is an oath, how is it applied and what does the OT and NT have to say about oath keeping? This is an important subject for our consideration is because the Lord Himself taught this in Mat 5:33:
‘Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord”’.
Hebrews 6:16 mentions it this way:
‘For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.’
What is an oath?
‘Alah’ in Hebrew (Strong’s Concordance), invokes the name of deity, solemn appeal to the sacred as a witness to a declaration or truth. By saying we are taking an oath in God’s name, it is so serious that we are willing to suffer the judgement or consequence from the Lord if we break it. Oath is used interchangeably with the word vow in many instances.
“Webster defines it as an appeal to God as witness to the declaration (or truth) which one sincerely intends to keep; to do what one says or promised.
Both the OT (more) and the NT contain many references to oaths, totalling to approximately 54 times, certainly noteworthy for our learning.
Seriousness of oath keeping
In almost all references to oaths, there is a seriousness attached to keeping that particular oath. In some references, oaths are interchangeably used as vows. If one invites God to be a witness to a declaration between two persons or parties, surely one must first be truthful, then ensure that the specific oath is kept. That oath can be between the individual and God too.
Deut 23:21: “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you.”
Deut 23:22:” But if you abstain from vowing (an oath), it shall not be sin to you.”
The individual is not forced to make a vow, but if he did, then he has to fulfil it. If not, he has sinned. This entails not making any hasty or emotional outbursts of oaths.
Hasty and Regrettable Examples
In Mark 6:20-26, King Herod’s hasty promise to grant Herodias’ daughter whatever she asked came back to haunt him.
Mark 6:26:“And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.”
His oath cost the life of God’s prophet, the forerunner, John the Baptiser.
More Warnings – Seriousness Explained
Num 30:2:” If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”
This was the case attributed to King Herod’s oath. He could not break his own words.
Ecc 5:2-5: Summarised as: do not be rash with your mouth and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. Do what you vowed; better not to vow than to vow and not fulfil it.
The Christian must understand from the above two passages and others that he has to keep his vows, whether they were made by mouth or in any written form, with witnesses or by invoking God in a one-to-one situation with another person(s) or himself to God in private.
Ex 20:7: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”
Keeping the Oath/Regretting the Oath Contrasted
Hannah’s Vow: 1 Sam 1:10-28
The priest Elkanah’s wife, Hannah, was unable to produce a child and it caused her much pain and sorrow. In verse 10, she prayed to God in anguish for a male child who she then in verse 11, vowed to “give him to the Lord all the days of his life” to serve God. Verse 20: She conceived and after weaning the child Samuel (the prophet), she surrendered the child to God as she had vowed. She found grace and favour with God. Later, God blessed Hannah with 3 sons and 2 daughters. God looked after His faithful oath keeper.
Jephthah’s Foolish and Unnecessary Vow
Jephthah’s Vow (Judges 11:30-40)
Verses 30-31:’ v30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, “If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, v31 then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”’
Verses 32-33: Jephthah won a decisive victory (attributed to the Lord).
Verse 34: The first person coming out to greet him at his house was his only daughter. Anguish and pain overcame Jephthah, he tore his clothes – a sorry sight. “I have given my word to God and I cannot go back on it “(verse 35).
A regrettable and unnecessary vow that came back to cause him so much pain and distress. What happens afterwards is not explained, and his daughter asked for a 2-month interlude. Some have stated that he fulfilled the vow, others commented that she was left to live a life as an unmarried person and put away. Note that human sacrifices were unauthorised by God under any circumstances.
Today’s Oath – Baptism
We make vows today in several contexts both in religion and in society. Did you know that in Mat 28:19-20 and Mark 16:16, God has commanded baptism as a vow – prerequisite to salvation. We take a vow of confession to the Lord that we will keep the faith and remain faithful as Christians. Yet, many have disavowed their confession, straying from the faith. To these, we say repent.
Marriage Vow – Oath
Marriage is a vow-oath between a man and a woman. For a Christian, it is before God. From a secular perspective, it is just as serious as it is a civil union conducted formally and registered before witnesses (includes Christian marriages). It is a union of two souls in the Lord to honour God and each other.
Other Vows
Becoming a Citizen
A statutory declaration is required by the government of a country when a person applies to become a citizen of the country. The oath taking is taken in a private-public setting and, like the marriage vow, one has to fulfil the obligations that come with the oath taking. Christians comply with these regulations.
Court Appearances
In civil society, we may be called upon to appear in courts of the land as witnesses or in other capacities. Here the law of the land requires us to swear an oath or affirmation. This is a promise that we are telling the truth. Christians take that oath by holding or touching the Bible. We comply with these procedures.
Conclusion
Christians should lead by example and conduct themselves as honest and trustworthy people whose mouth (words) and written assurances are sufficient as proof. We should not invoke the name of God unnecessarily and think that this is the only way we are taken seriously. Do not be rash; it can have consequences, discuss with church members and with members of one’s family before promising or making vows – oaths.