This is how I've heard it: that in the bible times, people would swear on the temple, or altar, or some other holy thing or on heaven, and it would be binding. Completely. To not honor what you have promised by swearing on the holy thing would condemn you.
That this verse is saying not to make a promise or an oath using such objects or anything else for that matter.
Instead of saying "By heaven, I am going to (fill in the blank)!" Just say "I will (fill in the blank)".
Anyway, that's how it was explained to me.
This reminds me of the story of the man who vowed that whatever walked in thru the door, he would sacrifice. And the next thing to walk in the door was his only daughter. And because of his vow, he had to do it. Even his daughter agreed that it had to be done. Dont fully understand how that could happen, but there it is. ( this is Old Testament and dont remember where it is, or the guy's name. Just the story)
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