Oath
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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 Gods 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 sovereigns name is sometimes used as a form of obligation. ( Genesis 42:15 ; 2 Samuel 11:11 ; 14:19 ) Other forms of oath, serious or frivolous, are mentioned, some of which are condemned by our Lord. ( Matthew 6:33 ; 23:16-22 ) and see ( James 5:12 ) (There is, however, a world-wide difference between a solemn appeal to God and profane swearing.) The forms of adjuration mentioned in Scripture are --
[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
[E] indicates this entry was also found in Easton's Bible Dictionary
Bibliography InformationSmith, William, Dr. "Entry for 'Oath,'". "Smith's Bible Dictionary".