Swearing falsely was another abomination (Jeremiah 7:9–12) that caused God’s name to be profaned. Those who swore falsely would be cursed (Zechariah 5:4). Swearing falsely was particularly odious to God, because God is a God of truth. God is honoured when oaths are sworn in his name, thereby calling God to serve as both witness and judge to the veracity of words spoken. But God’s name is profaned when oaths are sworn in his name, with the deceptive purpose of giving credibility to a lie.
5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts.