You shall not take" — What is the intent of this

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Bachodesh 7:2

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 19, 2025

You shall not take": What is the intent of this? (Leviticus 19:12) "You shall not swear falsely in My name" speaks only of swearing. Whence is it derived that it is also forbidden to take it upon oneself to swear? From "You shall not take the name of the L–rd your G–d in vain." So long as you do not take it upon yourself to swear I am your G–d, (tempering justice with mercy.) Once you take it upon yourself to swear, I am your "Judge" (connoting absolute justice). For it is written (Exodus 34:7) "and cleanse He will not cleanse." It cannot be said that he will not be cleansed (at all), for it is written "and cleanse," and it cannot be said that he will be (entirely) cleansed for it is written "He will not cleanse." The meaning must perforce be that He cleanses those who repent, and He does not cleanse those who do not repent. I might think that here, too, (in the instance of a vain oath) the same obtains. It is, therefore, written (Ibid. 20:7) "for the L–rd will not cleanse, etc."

Themes

Divine justice Repentance Covenant

Biblical References

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