Hebrews 7:20
And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
Hebrews 7:20 (KJV)
Context
Hebrews 7 contrasts the priesthood of Melchizedek with the Levitical priesthood. Melchizedek, both king and priest, blessed Abraham, and his name means “king of righteousness.” He appears without genealogy or recorded end, foreshadowing Jesus’ eternal priesthood.
The Levitical priests came from the tribe of Levi and served under the Law of Moses. Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, belongs to a different order—the order of Melchizedek. This chapter argues that Jesus’ priesthood is higher and eternal.
Meaning
Hebrews 7:20 emphasizes that Jesus was made priest “not without an oath.” Unlike the Levitical priests, whose appointment came through the law without a divine oath, Jesus’ priesthood was established by God’s solemn promise. This oath is recorded in Psalm 110:4: “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
The oath shows that God’s decision is unchangeable. When God swears, He does so by Himself, confirming the permanence of His covenant. Therefore, Jesus’ priesthood is not temporary or imperfect like the Levitical order; it is everlasting and guaranteed by God’s own word.
Biblical connections
The oath in Psalm 110:4 is directly quoted in Hebrews 7:21, where the author contrasts the priests who were made without an oath with Jesus, who was made priest with an oath. This connection underscores the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and the certainty of the believer’s hope.
Application
Because Jesus is our eternal High Priest, He intercedes for us before God, providing forgiveness, salvation, and access to the Father. His priesthood, established by God’s unbreakable oath, gives believers assurance that our hope is anchored in God’s faithful promise. We can draw near to God with confidence, knowing that our mediator is permanent and His work is complete.
Reflection
God’s oath in Hebrews 7:20 reveals His unwavering commitment to His Son and to us. This truth invites us to trust in Jesus’ finished work and to rest in the security of His eternal priesthood.
