A lawful oath is part of religious worship, wherein, upon just occasion, the person swearing solemnly calls God to witness what he asserts, or promises, and to judge him according to the truth or falsehood of what he swears.
Recall that in the previous chapter religious oaths and vows were included as elements of biblical worship. This probably sounds strange to 21st century Christian ears because we typically do not make vows in the context of church very often. There are some notable exceptions. In the PCA, of which I am a member, we ask new members to take a membership vow before the assembed congregation. Newly ordained officers and newly installed pastors also make vows pertinent to their new duties, responsibilities, and privileges.
All of which is to say--there are occasions in the Christian life, especially the corporate life of the local church, in which solemn statements are made before God and the assembled body of Christ. We are always mindful that simplicity is best, for our Lord told us to let our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no."
Recall also the parallel between such oaths and vows and the biblical pattern of covenant. Essentially a vow is a little covenant. Blessings and curses are attendant upon the keeping and breaking of such little covenants.
Tomorrow: The proper form of an oath or vow.
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