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18 On the one hand, a former commandment is annulled because of its weakness and uselessness,(A) 19 for the law brought nothing to perfection; on the other hand, a better hope[a] is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20 [b]And to the degree that this happened not without the taking of an oath[c]—for others became priests without an oath,

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Footnotes

  1. 7:19 A better hope: this hope depends upon the sacrifice of the Son of God; through it we “approach the throne of grace” (Hb 4:16); cf. Hb 6:19, 20.
  2. 7:20–25 As was the case with the promise to Abraham (Hb 6:13), though not with the levitical priesthood, the eternal priesthood of the order of Melchizedek was confirmed by God’s oath (Hb 7:20–21); cf. Ps 110:4. Thus Jesus becomes the guarantee of a permanent covenant (Hb 7:22) that does not require a succession of priests as did the levitical priesthood (Hb 7:23) because his high priesthood is eternal and unchangeable (Hb 7:24). Consequently, Jesus is able to save all who draw near to God through him since he is their ever-living intercessor (Hb 7:25).
  3. 7:20 An oath: God’s oath in Ps 110:4.

18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless(A) 19 (for the law made nothing perfect),(B) and a better hope(C) is introduced, by which we draw near to God.(D)

20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath,

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