Many Dinim in the Torah are dependent on speech, such as Nedarim, Limud HaTorah, saying testimony (Eidus), uttering Hashem’s name, Sefiras Haomer, etc. The question is - how is the written word recognized? For example, if one is writing Torah thoughts, does he have to say Birkas Hatorah first? Is a written statement considered an actual neder/testimony? Is a written falsehood considered a lie? This sugya discusses all these scenarios and others.

This concept is relevant to Parshas Yisro, as the Mechilta discusses the communication between Yisro and Moshe. The poskim use this Mechilta as a basis for this very subject.