TSK · Genesis 26:31

But Abram replied to the king of Sodom,“I raise my hand to the LORD, the Most High God, Creator of heaven and earth, and vow

Early in the morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He put them on her shoulders, gave her the child, and sent her away. So she went wandering aimlessly through the wilderness of Beer Sheba.

Abraham took some sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech. The two of them made a treaty.

Early in the morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took two of his young servants with him, along with his son Isaac. When he had cut the wood for the burnt offering, he started out for the place God had spoken to him about.

So now, come, let’s make a formal agreement, you and I, and it will be proof that we have made peace.”

Jonathan Violates Saul’s Oath Now the men of Israel were hard pressed that day, for Saul had made the army agree to this oath:“Cursed be the man who eats food before evening! I will get my vengeance on my enemies!” So no one in the army ate anything.

and called David’s enemies to account.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David.

For people swear by something greater than themselves, and the oath serves as a confirmation to end all dispute.