Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Matthew 5:35
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool, etc.] That the Jews were wont to swear by the earth, is clear from the above mentioned instances; and is condemned by Christ for this reason, because the earth is God’s “footstool”, referring, as before, to (<236601>Isaiah 66:1) on which he treads; and where he also manifests forth his glory, and is a considerable part of the work of his hands. Neither by Jerusalem, which the Jews used to swear by: such forms of vows as these are to be met with in their writings f330; “as the altar, as the temple, µlçwryk, “as Jerusalem”;” that is, by Jerusalem, I vow I will do this, or the other thing. “R. Judah says, he that says Jerusalem (i.e. as Bartenora observes f331 , without the note of comparison, as) says nothing.” In the Gemara f332 it is, “he that says as Jerusalem, does not say anything, till he has made his vow concerning a thing, which is offered up in Jerusalem.” Dr. Lightfoot f333 has produced forms of vowing and swearing, which have not occurred to me. “Jerusalem; µlçwryl, “for”, or “unto Jerusalem”, which exactly answers to eiv Ierosoluma, here; and “by Jerusalem”;” The reason given for prohibiting this kind of oath, is; for it is the city of the great king: not of David, but of the King of kings, the Lord of hosts; who had his residence, and his worship, here; (see <194802> Psalm 48:2).
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