s,
_conspiracy_,) of man."[317] And concerning an oath or vow, thus it is
written, "If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his
soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to
all that proceedeth out of his mouth."[318] To show how essentially the
idea of binding is connected with that of Covenant engagement, it may be
remarked that in the original of each of these passages, the verb
signifying _to bind_, is different from that in the original of each of
the others, and that all of the verbs are emphatic.[319] And what should
be most carefully observed here, the binding spoken of in each of these
cases is connected with the voluntary actions of the parties brought
under obligation. Again, other scriptures point out, that in Covenanting
men are _joined_ to the Lord. "They shall ask the way to Zion with
their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the
Lord, in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten."[320] They
imply not less than that the covenants made should be adhered to. The
same is expressed in passages, in one of which some are said to _take
hold_ of the Lord's strength, in the other, of his covenant.[321] A
covenant is designated as _sure_. That of Nehemiah and Israel is so
represented.[322] And finally, those who engage in the exercise are said
_to cleave_ to the Lord. That is represented by Moses as the design of
the discharge of the duty. "That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and
that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto
him."[323] "Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and
to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name."[324] By the emblem of
the girdle which cleaves permanently to the loins, the truth of the
appointment of Covenanting as a means of securing devotedness to the
Lord is taught. "For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so
have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel, and the whole
house of Judah, saith the Lord."[325] The girdle which the prophet had
been commanded to hide, in process of time was marred; it was profitable
for nothing. It represented not the faithful in Israel who clave to the
Lord, but those who, having vowed and sworn to him deceitfully,
fulfilled not their obligations. And David said, "My soul followeth hard
(cleaveth) after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." It was in the
exercises of vowing to God and fulfilling his obligations that he