Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 4:2

2 And thou shalt swear , the LORD liveth in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness , and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory .

This is to be understood, partly by way of command, as Deut. 10.20. and partly by way of direction if thou sweat, or when thou swearest; it is put here Synecdochically for the whole Worship of God, hereby acknowledging, and owning God, as the only God,

Here he prescribes. 1. The form of the Oath, viz. the Lord liveth, or by the Life of God, which was that form which they did use in swearing, 1 Sam. 14.39, 45. and many other places, so Ioseph sware by the Life of Pharaoh, Gen. 42.15, 16. and Elisha very frequently useth this form, 2 King. 2.2, 4, 6. and 3.14. and 5.16. which is also to be understood exclusively, q. d. not by any Idol, as Baal, &c. or any Creature, Chapter 5.7. Matthew 5.34, 35, 36. Iames 5.12. but by God alone, Isa. 65.16. See H[illegible: 1 letter]s. 2.17. for by this indeed we declare the Godhead of him, whom we Worship Isaiah 19.18. 2. The qualification of it, in which indeed are comprized all the requisites to a religious Oath, and Worship of God both in our general, and particular calling with respect to God, our Selves, our Neighbours. 1. In Truth, that the matter, and substance of it be really true in it self, Rom. 9.1. that which agrees with the intent of the mind, Psal. 24.4. and with the intent of him that administers it, not doubtful, feigned, or deceitful, as they did, Isa. 48.1. and chap. 5.2. but as true as the Lord lives. 2. In Iudgment, i. e. Either in matter or places of Judicature for the decision of controversies deliberately, advisedly, and reverently, well considering, both of the form, and matter of the Oath, Lev. 5.4. that Gods name be neither taken in vain customarily, or in matters trivial, Deut. 5.11. nor abused by oaths that are rash, and precipitant, such as Sauls was 1 Sam. 14.39. and as Herods, Matth. 14.7. and without necessity. 3. In Righteousness that none be injured by it, that the things we engage be 1. Both lawfull, and possible. See 1 Sam. 25.21, 22. and 28.10. 1 King. 19.2. And 2. That we look to the performance, Psal. 15.4. Matth. 5.33. the want of either of which circumstances make it a bond of iniquity, Eccl. 5.4, 5.

This shall be a means to work upon the Heathen Nations, and prevail with them to come into the same way of Workship, that now scorn both you, and me, because I am forced to make them the rod of my anger against you in regard of your provocations, Psal. 47.8, 9. chap. 3.17. they shall think themselves happy to be incorporated with thee, that it may be with them, according to that promise, Gen. 12.3. and 22.17, 18. they shall, as it were, bless themselves in such like form, the Lord make me and mine as Israel; blessed be Israel, and the God of Israel. Or rather,

Whereas, before they glorified in their Idols now, being taken into the true Church, among Gods Israel, they shall glory in God alone, Psal. 106.5. who indeed alone is the Glory of his People, Psal. 89.17. and 148.14.

Marginal references: 2 Cor. 10.17.