King James Bible
"Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name."
This command calls for reverent awe and worship of Yahweh alone, rejecting the polytheism surrounding Israel. The 'fear' combines respect, obedience, and recognition of God's supreme authority over all creation. Service flows from proper fear, encompassing worship, obedience to the law, and exclusive devotion. In the wilderness context, this counters the temptation to serve the gods of Canaan that Israel would soon encounter. Taking oaths by God's name acknowledges Him as the ultimate witness and judge of truth. This practice affirms loyalty to Yahweh while implicitly forbidding oaths by other deities, reinforcing monotheistic commitment in daily legal and social life.