Can I Swear?
Divine Code for October 10, 2022
Today: Page 222
Topic 3:6 -- 3:10
In situations where it is necessary to swear in the Name of G-d, one may do so if one is absolutely telling the truth about the past and is certain that one can keep promises one makes for the future.
It does not suit a pious Noahide to use another entity besides the Name of G-d when swearing, such as the name of a king, but it is not forbidden. (see also this blog about 12:1-12:3)
If one must swear in a court of law and one is not required to do so in G-d's Name, one must not want to use G-d's Name.
If someone lays his hand on a Tenach and then promises something, that is the same as swearing in G-d's Name.
If someone hears an oath and says amen or yes, that is also an oath.
In general, today in courts of law, it will not be a problem if one does not want to swear on a Bible. Should it be necessary for any reason, one can swear on the Old Testament. But if possible, one should ask to swear on a Tenach or Chumash. After all, the New Testament has no faith value for Noahides.
Reading schedule the Divine Code
Yesterday: Topic 3:1 - 3:5
Tomorrow: Topic 3:11 - 3:14
Brought By Angelique Sijbolts
Angelique Sijbolts is one of the main writers for the Noahide Academy. She has been an observant Noahide for many years. She studies Torah with Rabbi Perets every week. Angelique invests much of her time in editing video-lectures for the Rabbis of the Academy and contributes in administrating the Academy's website in English and Dutch. She lives in the north of the Netherlands. Married and mother of two sons. She works as a teacher in a school with students with special needs. And is a Hebrew Teacher for the levels beginners and intermediate. She likes to walk, to read and play the piano.
Sources
The Divine Code 4e edition by rabbi Moshe Weiner
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