Hebrews 7:20-22 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord swore and will not repent, Thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
‘The Lord swore and will not repent, Thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.’ The 18th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (7:21; Ps. 110:4). Paul’s argument here is that God has never failed to fulfil His oaths. Since He did not establish the Levitical priesthood or the law of Moses by an oath, He was free to change or abolish them at His pleasure.
Fourteen oaths of God in Scripture: To Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3; 15:18-21; 22:16-18; Luke 1:72-74; Heb. 6:13-14). Confirmed in Isaac (Gen. 26:3; Ps. 105:9-11; Jer. 11:5). Confirmed in Jacob (Gen. 28:13-15; Ps. 105:9-11). Confirmed in Israel (Deut. 29:1-15). To rebellious Israel (Deut. 1:34-35; Heb. 3:11, 18; 4:3; Ps. 95:11). To rebellious Moses (Deut. 4:21). To David (2Sam. 7:1-29; Ps. 89:4, 89:35; 132:11; Acts 2:30-32). To Israel to destroy the Antichrist (Isa. 14:24-27; Rev. 19:11-21). To all creatures that they must bow to God (Isa. 45:23; Php. 2:9-11). Of the destruction of the temple (Jer 22:5). Of the perpetual desolation of Bozrah (Jer. 49:13). Of the eternal destruction of Babylon (Jer. 51:14; Isaiah 13-14). Of Messiah and His everlasting priesthood (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 7:21, 28). Of the new covenant to take the place of the law (Isa. 49:8; 59:21; 61:8; Jer. 32:40; Rom. 11:27; Heb. 8:6-13; 10:16).
‘Surety’ [Greek: enguos] giving surety or bail. Christ became the guarantee that the benefits of the new covenant would be given to all men who meet the terms. In this sense, He is the mediator (8:6; 9:15).
‘Better testament’ – The new covenant is a better one as compared with the old covenant or the law of Moses (2Cor. 3:6).
Living the Word 