[Greek] ὅρκος (horkos), [Hebrew] Sheva, [Latin] sacramentum: oath, vow, something which restrains someone, putting oneself under a curse, declaration; Mt.5:33, Mt.14:7,9, Mt.26:72, Mk.6:26, Lk.1:73, Acts 2:30, Heb.6:16,17, Jas.5:12
The Covenant at Beer-sheba (Well of the Oath[Seven]): Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech with seven lambs. This location later becomes Abraham’s Well. Seven becomes a number of perfection (sealing an oath).
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term refers to an oath or declaration made in the presence of others (or of the gods). An oath taken (along with a self-curse) is generally believed to be strengthened. One promises to put oneself under a curse if one does not speak the truth. One may raise his hand upwards (in direction of the gods) when giving an oath. An oath given in public life (office) served to provide a divine (religious) basis to the political order. The invoked gods were seen as witnesses to the oaths being made. Judicial oaths wielded authority in sentencing, perjury, lack of witnesses, lack of proof, and legal dealings. The gods used the river Styx to swear oaths upon.
Hesiod’s Work and Days 282 states “And Zeus honored her (Styx) and gave her very great gifts, for he appointed her to be the great oath of the gods.” Homer’s Odyssey 374 states “But swear to tell naught of this to my dear mother. The old woman swore a great oath by the gods to say naught.” Xenophon’s Anabasis 3.2.10 states “I was saying that we have many fair hopes of deliverance. For, in the first place, we are standing true to the oaths we took in the name of the gods, while our enemies have perjured themselves in violation of their oath, have broken the truce.” Euripides’ Media 754 states “That is good. But what punishment do you call down upon yourself if you do not abide by your oath?” Euripides’ Iphigenia in Tauris states “You have bound me with an easy oath and sworn very well. I will not take much time to carry the oath I swore.”
Tattoos (marks): Tattoos were given to those to denote membership and loyalty in a group (slaves, soldiers, and cultic followers). The Latin word for tattoo is sacramentum. The soldier’s tattoo provided a visible and public image in showing one’s loyalty to his superior officer (and government). The recruit also makes an oath to the gods.
“Step forward, recruit [‘Lucius Junius Brutus’], and swear by the gods of Rome, the manes of your ancestors, and your own honor an unbreakable oath that you will follow your commander wherever he may lead you. You will obey orders enthusiastically and without question. You relinquish the protection of Roman civil law and accept the power of your commander to put you to death without trial for disobedience and desertion. You promise to serve under the standard for your allotted time of duty and not to leave before your commander discharges you. You will serve Rome faithfully, even at the cost of your life, and will respect the law with regards to civilians and your comrades in camp. Congratulations. You are now a soldier of Rome!” Sacramentum military oath
Old Testament: This term is related to the Hebrew shevah, which means to swear, to raise one’s hand, and to “seven” oneself. In Hebrew culture seven is considered a number of perfection. An oath, a solemn profession of loyalty, is more powerful than a contract. God shows His faithfulness to His people through covenants (oaths). The oath is strengthened by self-cursing. Only an oath by God was permitted. Swearing by other gods was viewed as idolatry. Over time the oath was abused, desecrated, and trivialized. It is also interesting to note that are 394 scriptural references to the number seven.
The Lord, your God, shall you fear Him; Him shall you serve, and by His name shall you swear (Deut.6:13). You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain (Exo.20:7). Remembers that even though no one else is about, God will be witness between you and me (Gen.31:50). Not one shall see the land which I promised an oath to their fathers (Num.14:23). Let not your mouth form the habit of swearing or becoming too familiar with the Holy Name (Sir.23:9). This is why the place is called Beer-sheba, the two took an oath there (Gen.21:31)
New Testament: This term refers to different aspects of making an oath. Such examples include God swearing an oath, making (and abusing) an oath, and fulfilling a promise. The permanent nature of an oath is illustrated by God’s faithfulness to His people. One cannot make a true oath without the witness of God. Peter, fearful of being associated with Jesus, makes a false oath of not knowing Jesus. One also must not use clever language in hopes of avoiding being bound by an oath. Herod assents to Herodias’s request for John the Baptist’s head.
Scripture:
“Again Peter denied it with an oath, ‘I do not know the man!’” Mt. 26:72
In his fear Peter denies knowing Jesus
“But since he (David) was a prophet and knew that He would set up one of his descendants upon his throne.” Acts 2:30
God remained true in swearing an oath to David that his descendant (Jesus) will reign in his throne.
“Again you have hear that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.’” Mt.5:33
One can make at true oath by calling upon God as witness
Conclusion:
Exorcise, exorcism, sacrament, seven
The gods, as witnesses, played an important role in the making of oaths. Inanimate objects (representing the gods) and raising one’s hands (in the direction of the gods) were also sometimes used in making oaths. The validity of an oath was strengthened by a curse. I did not realize that the goddess Styx was very important in making oaths.
Roman soldiers often wore the ‘SPQR’ tattoo, which was an abbreviation for ‘The Senate and People of Rome’. It is interesting to note that in the movie Gladiator, Russel Crowe’s character Maximus also had worn a ‘SPQR’ tattoo.
In the Old Testament, to “seven oneself” means to swear an oath to another. Beer-sheba means well of the seven (oath). This is where Abraham made an oath with Abimelech. In this covenant Abraham gave Abimelech seven lambs so Abimelech can be a witness that Abraham dug this well. The New Testament continues its prohibitions against abusing, manipulating, and diminishing oaths.
Catholic perspective: It is not surprising that there are seven sacraments. Sacraments are the physical manifestations of God’s individual grace. Sacraments are also indications of God’s perfect and faithful covenant with His people.
An exorcism is a calling up or driving out of evil spirits. An exorcist may swear an oath (in the name of a higher power) to draw the demon out.
I swear that this has to be one of the most interesting terms that I have studied in recent times!
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