The fearsome judgments upon the Egyptians, the firm resolve against the Amalekites, and particularly the dread at Sinai and the blood of the covenant all pointed to this. The initial events instilled in the Israelites a sense of frailty under the might of the Almighty, causing them to tremble at the thought of God as the avenger of those who defy His will. The latter two experiences revealed that the fear of death looms over the sinner at the moment of transgression and the imminent danger of death thereafter. God revealed Himself as the supreme, inaccessible Sovereign of creation, gracious to those who obey while fierce against His adversaries, assuring them of His watchfulness but maintaining a careful distance. Each lawbreaker must carry the conviction that residing under the roof of God is beneficial, yet they must also fear the consequences of transgressing His will. Thus, the state of the lawless captures the essence of love, fear, adoption, and servitude. An Israelite, living within this faith and in relation to God, experienced a blend of jubilant, serene, uplifting sentiments along with distressing, debilitating, and constraining emotions. He fluctuated between these feelings, influenced by the condition of his heart and conscience, balancing the one against the other, so that at all times he was a reverent honoror of the One who performs wonders, maintains truth, and continually manifests His mercy, even through His wrath (Ex. 20:5; Ex. 34:6-7; Num. 14:18; Deut. 7:9-10), Jehovah his God. His heart never allowed love to completely overshadow fear, nor fear to stifle love; rather, both emotions had a place in his heart throughout his life. Initially, it is likely that fear prevailed over love, but ultimately love triumphed over fear, as demonstrated in Moses' example, which we should reflect upon regarding the soul’s feelings. It was unthinkable not to fear God, whose presence inspired such dread; however, as God displayed mercy and favor, and as an individual experienced submission to His will, this fear diminished, thereby granting the heart and conscience the right and courage to approach God with trust and filial boldness.
And by His name you shall take an oath. Oaths typically refer to acts of devotion in which we affirm, deny, or promise something, invoking God as the witness of truth and the punisher of unrighteousness. The origin of oaths arises from our doubts and distrust regarding the righteousness and integrity of others. This mistrust is often justified, for 'every man is a liar' (Psalm 115:2). Invoking oaths does not offend God; rather, it acknowledges His sovereignty even more profoundly. Consequently, God not only permits oaths but also instructs that they may resolve doubts and disputes (Exodus 22:10-11). His law prescribes that individuals should swear only in His name because the awareness of God's omniscience and stringent justice serves to reassure the one invoking the oath and deter them from deceiving those who hear it. Jesus Christ does not prohibit swearing by God's name; rather, He teaches believers to live in such a holy and upright manner that they need not swear at all, as their word alone should suffice—'yes' or 'no' (Matthew 5:33-37). The name of such a high Witness should be invoked only in the gravest matters and when an oath is the sole means of affirming the truth. Moreover, we should only affirm or deny in God’s name what we thoroughly understand, and promise only what we are determined, capable, and ready to fulfill, lest we violate God's command, 'You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain' (Deuteronomy 5:11; Exodus 20:7). Above all, we must guard against the misuse and violation of oaths; for whoever calls upon the God of truth as a witness to a lie makes themselves unworthy of trust and exposes themselves to the full measure of God's justice, insulting His majesty and undermining the peace and well-being of society, which is upheld by the respect for vows. In our Orthodox Church, those taking significant oaths often raise their hand to heaven, symbolizing their call to witness the One who dwells above, and kiss the Cross and Gospel as a pledge that they, as genuine children of the Church, regard the saving sufferings of Jesus Christ as the foundation of their oath's fidelity. Furthermore, should they prove disloyal or breach their oath, they bring upon themselves the weight of God's justice and alienation from the salvation secured through the sufferings of the Son of God on the Cross and proclaimed in the Holy Gospel.
THEOSIS