Have you ever watched a movie or television program set in a court of law? Did you notice that when an individual was called to testify that he was asked to raise a hand with the palm facing forward? Then he was asked to swear or affirm that what he was going to say was the truth and nothing but the truth. The other hand was placed on a Bible.
By placing a hand on the Bible, the individual is saying that he is swearing on the Word of God that he will tell the truth. The person is admitting that God is the ultimate witness to his testimony. The practice came from the belief that no one should willingly lie after swearing on a Bible, and that he will tell the truth.
In Exodus 17:16, we read, “For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” The word ‘sworn’ is from a Hebrew word meaning “to raise the hand.” God originated the practice of holding up the hand in swearing an oath. In fact, when making the promise to Abraham, God used this same word (Genesis 22). In this case, he promised that the nation of Amalek would suffer punishment for its actions against Israel.
Normally one must swear by one greater than himself. But God cannot swear by one greater because God is the greatest. There is no higher authority than God. He can only swear by himself (Hebrews 6:13).
I am glad we have such a powerful God. I am glad he loves us enough to make wonderful promises to us. He has always kept his promises and oaths in the past, so we know he will keep them now and in the future.
Keep reading and studying your Bible. Learn all you can about our great God. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
