Hebrews 7:20-21 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’”
The better hope we have now than what the Old Testament people had was confirmed through an oath. The Old Testament priests became such by heredity, coming from the lineage of Levi. Jesus became a high priest through an oath made by the Father, the “Lord” who speaks in Psalm 110. The author has a high view of Scripture and sees it originating in God. By making this oath, God confirms the sureness of the prophecy that a new priest would come someday who would be the final priest for all humanity. There would be no more need for a high priest to bring the needs of the people to God and to seek their forgiveness. The references to Melchizedek in Psalm 110 may seem obscure to a modern reader, but the author of this epistle sees this psalm as an open window into the future coming of the Son of God. Melchizedek serves as a useful type for Jesus who mirrors the actions and characteristics of this ancient priest king. The coming of Jesus was part of God’s plan since before creation. The voice from heaven recorded at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration were also confirmations and a form of oath from the Father. The author is added support for his argument that Jesus provides salvation for those who will believe in him.
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