Matthew 5:35
Verse
Context
Sermons

Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool--(quoting Isa 66:1); neither by Jerusalem for it is the city of the great King--(quoting Psa 48:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool,.... 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 Isa 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 (q); "as the altar, as the temple, "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 (r), without the note of comparison, as) says nothing.'' In the Gemara (s) 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 (t) has produced forms of vowing and swearing, which have not occurred to me. "Jerusalem; "for", or "unto Jerusalem", which exactly answers to , 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 Psa 48:2. (q) Misn. Nedarim, c. 1. sect. 3. (r) In. ib. (s) T. Bab. Nedarim, fol. 11. 1. (t) In loc. ex Tosapht. in Nedarim, c. 1.
Matthew 5:35
Oaths and Vows
34But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;35or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.36Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
'Why Study the Book of Zechariah?' & 'Understanding Its Historical Context'
By Mike Bickle2549:03God's Heart for the NationsJerusalem's SignificanceGEN 12:3PSA 87:2PSA 122:6ISA 66:10JER 29:10JOL 3:14HAG 1:8ZEC 8:2ZEC 12:3MAT 5:35Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of studying the Book of Zechariah, which focuses on Jerusalem's destiny and God's fervent love for the city. He explains that every chapter reveals God's plans for Jerusalem, highlighting its role as the center of His eternal throne and the model for the nations. Bickle encourages believers to engage with Jerusalem emotionally, rejoicing in its glory and mourning its struggles, as this city is pivotal in God's unfolding plan for the world. He stresses that understanding Zechariah is crucial for grasping God's heart and intentions for Jerusalem, especially as global tensions rise around it. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper connection to Jerusalem, urging believers to pray for its peace and recognize its importance in God's narrative.
Why We Love Jerusalem: The Most Unique City in History
By Mike Bickle2459:13Significance of JerusalemIntercession for JerusalemPSA 48:12PSA 87:2ISA 60:15ISA 66:10JER 3:17EZK 9:4ZEC 8:2MAT 5:35HEB 12:22REV 21:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound significance of Jerusalem in God's plan, asserting that it is the only city that the Lord has declared His zeal and love for throughout scripture. He explains that Jerusalem is not only the center of God's spiritual and political plans but also the future governmental capital of Jesus's reign on earth. Bickle encourages believers to align their hearts with God's perspective on Jerusalem, recognizing its unique role in the end times and the blessings that come from supporting it. He highlights the importance of understanding Jerusalem's destiny and the need for intercession for the city, especially as conflicts around it intensify. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a deeper engagement with the biblical narrative surrounding Jerusalem and its implications for the church and the world.
The Corridor of Glory: The Mountain-City of God's House
By Mike Bickle241:12:33The Millennial KingdomThe Beauty of JesusPSA 48:1PSA 145:5ISA 2:2ISA 60:13JER 3:17EZK 40:4EZK 47:12MAT 5:35EPH 1:10REV 21:10Mike Bickle explores the profound concept of the 'Corridor of Glory,' emphasizing the dynamic convergence of the heavenly and millennial Jerusalems. He articulates God's desire to establish His throne of glory in a mountain city, where the two realms will unite, allowing for a full manifestation of His presence among His people. Bickle highlights the significance of understanding this convergence, as it shapes our perception of God's eternal plan and our role within it. He encourages believers to meditate on the beauty of Jesus and the glory of His kingdom, which will ultimately fill the earth. The sermon serves as a call to recognize the importance of these truths in our spiritual journey.
Millennial Jerusalem: The City of the Great King (Ps. 48)
By Mike Bickle241:05:17Millennial KingdomThe City of GodPSA 48:1PSA 50:2ISA 2:2ISA 62:7JER 3:17EZK 43:7MAT 5:35EPH 1:9HEB 11:10REV 21:2Mike Bickle explores the concept of Millennial Jerusalem, emphasizing its significance as the city of the great King, where the earthly Jerusalem is fully restored and united with the new Jerusalem from heaven. He highlights that this city will be the epicenter of God's glory, where believers will dwell forever, experiencing a unique blend of natural and supernatural realities. Bickle encourages listeners to embrace new biblical ideas and to seek understanding through scripture, as the Millennial Jerusalem represents a profound fulfillment of God's promises. He emphasizes the importance of the convergence of these two Jerusalems, which will bring unprecedented glory and blessing to the earth.
Why and How Do We Stand With Israel?
By Mike Bickle231:02:05The Role of the ChurchPrayer for IsraelPSA 132:13ISA 2:2JER 3:17ZEC 8:2MAT 5:35MAT 23:37ROM 11:18ROM 11:25REV 20:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of standing with Israel and praying for the peace of Jerusalem, highlighting that true peace can only come through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He reflects on the growing global awareness and participation in prayer for Israel, noting the prophetic call he received 27 years ago to focus on this mission. Bickle explains that the salvation of Israel is intricately linked to the Gentile church, urging believers to understand their role in God's plan for Jerusalem. He warns of the spiritual battle surrounding this city, where both Jesus and Satan vie for control, and calls for unity and action among Christians to support Israel. Ultimately, he encourages believers to engage deeply with Romans 11 to grasp the divine purpose for Israel and the church's responsibility in this end-time narrative.
God's Zeal to Release Blessing (Joel 2:18-27)
By Mike Bickle2153:37Fasting and PrayerGod's BlessingsPSA 132:13ISA 34:2EZK 39:12JOL 2:18ZEC 1:14MAT 5:35MAT 6:26LUK 21:26ROM 2:4JAS 5:16Mike Bickle emphasizes God's desire to bless His people both physically and spiritually, as illustrated in Joel 2:18-27. He explains that fasting and prayer can invoke God's zeal for the land, leading to material blessings and spiritual outpourings. Bickle highlights the continuity between the blessings of the Millennial Kingdom and what believers can experience today, urging them to seek God's extravagant blessings in their lives. He reassures that God's heart for restoration and provision is unwavering, and that the faithful can expect pockets of mercy and blessing even in challenging times. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a wholehearted response to God through prayer and intercession to release His blessings in the present age.
Convergence: Earthly Jerusalem and Heavenly Jerusalem
By Mike Bickle1650:30Millennial KingdomConvergence of RealmsGEN 28:12ISA 2:2EZK 43:7ZEC 14:16MAT 5:35JHN 1:51HEB 12:22REV 21:2Mike Bickle discusses the profound connection between the earthly Jerusalem and the heavenly Jerusalem, emphasizing that during the Millennial Kingdom, the New Jerusalem will descend and serve as the eternal capital for the redeemed. He explains that this convergence allows for a dynamic relationship between the two cities, where the resurrected saints will inhabit the New Jerusalem while engaging in assignments on the Millennial Earth. Bickle highlights the significance of Jesus' throne being present in both Jerusalems, symbolizing the unity of the heavenly and earthly realms. He encourages believers to understand the fullness of God's plan, which includes the healing of nations through the leaves of the Tree of Life from the New Jerusalem. Ultimately, he paints a picture of a glorious future where the two realms will operate together in harmony.
Jerusalem: Her Glory, Significance, and Struggle
By Mike Bickle131:13:42Jerusalem's SignificanceGod's Heart for JerusalemPSA 48:1PSA 102:14PSA 122:6ISA 60:1ISA 62:7JER 3:17EZK 5:5ZEC 8:2MAT 5:35HEB 11:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound significance of Jerusalem, urging believers to align their hearts with God's passion for the city. He highlights that Jerusalem is uniquely chosen by God, destined to be the eternal throne of Jesus, and central to His end-time purposes. Bickle encourages the church to engage with Jerusalem spiritually, understanding its impact on global events and God's prophetic timeline. He calls for a deeper connection to Jerusalem, advocating for prayer and support for the city as a reflection of God's heart. Ultimately, he stresses that standing with Jerusalem is essential for believers, as it holds eternal implications for both the church and the nations.
The Rod and the Cross
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 99:5ISA 66:1LAM 2:1MAT 5:35HEB 1:13HEB 10:11HEB 10:13JAS 2:3The preacher delves into the concept of 'Footstool' as mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing God's authority and power over all things. The footstool represents a place of worship and reverence, emphasizing God's holiness and sovereignty over heaven and earth. Through various verses in the Old and New Testaments, the footstool is associated with the exaltation of the Lord, the defeat of enemies, and the eternal reign of Christ. The sermon highlights the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing its eternal significance and the victory over sin and death, leading believers to a life of unbroken fellowship and victory.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool--(quoting Isa 66:1); neither by Jerusalem for it is the city of the great King--(quoting Psa 48:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool,.... 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 Isa 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 (q); "as the altar, as the temple, "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 (r), without the note of comparison, as) says nothing.'' In the Gemara (s) 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 (t) has produced forms of vowing and swearing, which have not occurred to me. "Jerusalem; "for", or "unto Jerusalem", which exactly answers to , 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 Psa 48:2. (q) Misn. Nedarim, c. 1. sect. 3. (r) In. ib. (s) T. Bab. Nedarim, fol. 11. 1. (t) In loc. ex Tosapht. in Nedarim, c. 1.