Definition: (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:)

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 7:21. It’s a really interesting and slightly complex idea about priesthood in the Old Testament. Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the priests of Israel – those who performed rituals and sacrifices – weren’t just appointed to be priests; they were appointed by God with a special, unbreakable promise. Let’s unpack it further: “Without an oath…” - Think of an oath as a solemn commitment. It's something someone promises to keep. This verse says the priests weren’t given an oath by God; they were made with one. It wasn’t a casual agreement; it was a binding promise. “…by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent…” - This is where it gets really important. The person who made the promise – the High Priest – declared to God that He would never change his mind or repent (change direction) about what he was doing. He swore an oath of loyalty and faithfulness. “…Thou [are] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” - This is the key part! "Melchisedec" is a very important figure in Jewish tradition – often translated as "the Lord." The verse says that this priest, who was made by God with this oath, would be a priest forever. He wasn't just a temporary role; he was destined to serve God eternally. So, what does this mean for us today? It suggests that the priesthood of God, especially in the Old Testament, is a special and eternal role. It’s not about being appointed to be priests, but rather about having a deeply rooted, unbreakable promise from God that guarantees their continued service. It emphasizes the importance of trust and faithfulness when it comes to religious matters. In short, Hebrews 7:21 is saying that God has established a unique and everlasting priestly role for those who are truly chosen by Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with an analogy? Discuss the significance of Melchisedec? Connect it to other biblical passages about priesthood?