07/24/2026
Heb 7:22-“By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” Continuing the discussion of the virtues of the Jesus, and that He was so ordained to the superior priesthood by “…an oath…” as seen in the previous verse-“(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:).”, Paul now adds succinctly “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” This exclaims that in essence, the old covenant made with the Levitical priests could never suffice to redeem man, but there was a need, which was satisfied in Jesus, of this “…better testament.” Of this “By so much was Jesus a made surety of a better testament…”, Albert Barnes relates-“…By so much - Inasmuch as an oath is more solemn than a mere appointment. The meaning is, that there is all the additional security in the suretyship of Jesus which arises from the solemnity of an oath. It is not implied that God would not be true to his mere promise, but the argument here is derived from the custom of speaking among people. An oath is regarded as much more sacred and binding than a mere promise, and the fact that God has sworn in a given case furnishes the highest security that what he has promised will be performed…Was Jesus made a surety - The word “surety” - occurs nowhere else in the New Testament nor is it found in the Septuagint. It properly means, a bondsman; one who pledges his name, property, or influence, that a certain thing shall be done. When a contract is made, debt contracted, or a note given, a friend often becomes the “security” in the case, and is himself responsible if the terms of the contract are not complied with. In the case of the new covenant between God and man, Jesus is the “security” or the bondsman…”. Strongs Greek Dictionary defines “…surety…”, as “…(a limb); pledged (as if articulated by a member), that is, a bondsman…”. Webster follows with “…Foundation of stability; support…”. Jesus was not a second thought or a preliminary means whereby God made a covenant with us for salvation. He was made of God the greatest “…surety…” ever to secure and assure it. Paul next concludes with what Jesus was “…made a surety…” for, in stating “…of a better testament.” This denotes the greater covenant or “…testament…” that God made supremely through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is exclusive in His character and purpose. Barnes continues-“… Of a better testament - Rather, “of a better covenant.” The former covenant was what God made with his people under the Mosaic dispensation; the new covenant is that made by means of Christ. This is “better” because: (1) The terms are more simple and easy; (2) The observances and rites are much less onerous and hard; (3) It relates to all people, not being confined to the Jewish people; (4) It is now sure. The former was administered through the instrumentality of the Levitical priesthood, this by the Son of God; that was transitory and changing, this is permanent and eternal…”. No wonder Paul will add later of Jesus in Heb 13:8-“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” He is not a temporal priest ruled by the certainty that he will die someday, but the eternal Son of God who alone can give us eternal life as Jesus promised in Joh 10:28-“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” Let us rejoice today in the “new covenant…” of grace. Hallelujah!
