May 7, 2006
TO SWEAR AN OATH & ADJURE
Hebrews 7:21

   We have considered how great Melchisedec was, a greatness that exceeded even the greatness of Abraham, the man whom God promised to make great! Abraham's greatness was given of God and thus deserves our high esteem. Yet Melchisedec was far greater, and his greatness is further proved by God's oath, "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 Who said unto Him, 'The Lord swore and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec'" (Heb. 7:20-21).
   In the Bible swearing with an oath began with God's dealings with Abraham. God had promised to give him and his seed the land of Canaan, and added an oath. Both the promise and oath were reconfirmed to Isaac and Jacob (Gen 50:24). God's promise and oath were often referred to throughout the Old Testament. Even Zacharias referred to God's oath to Abraham in Luke 1:73. Stephen recalled when "the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham" (Acts 7:17).
   The many references to God's oaths make it all the more significant that the Levitical priesthood of Aaron and his sons was consummated with no oath whatever. Thus the priesthood of Melchisedec is substantially greater than that of Aaron. The Melchisedec priesthood was also better in that it was not subject to death but continued in the power of an endless life. It had a more excellent ministry and administered a better hope in the greater and more perfect tabernacle. It was based on better promises, a better covenant, and better sacrifices. Best of all, it made those "who did the service, perfect as pertaining to the conscience...for by one offering He has perfected forever them that are sanctified." It achieved forgiveness such that there was no more offering for sin. Believers were invited to "enter into the holiest of all by the blood of Jesus, a new and living way."     That oaths were no light matter can be seen from the Lord's caution in His sermon on the mount, "It has been said to them of old time, 'Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:' But I say unto you, 'Swear not at all; neither by heaven..." (Mt. 5:33-34). James repeated the Lord's caution to "swear not [at all]," as a matter of practical godliness (James 5:12). Solemn and serious was the matter of promising and the added oath showed God's steadfastness of His words.

Ivan L. Burgener