Heb 6:17-18 | JFB | STEP | 17. Wherein —that is, Which being the case among men, God, in accommodation to their manner of confirming covenants, superadded to His sure word His oath: the "TWO immutable things" ( ). willing . . . counsel — Greek, "willing . . . will "; words akin. Expressing the utmost benignity [BENGEL ]. more abundantly —than had He not sworn. His word would have been amply enough; but, to make assurance doubly sure, He "interposed with an oath" (so the Greek ). Literally, He acted as Mediator, coming between Himself and us; as if He were less, while He swears, than Himself by whom He swears (for the less among men usually swear by the greater). Dost thou not yet believe, thou that hearest the promise? [BENGEL ]. heirs of promise —not only Abraham's literal, but also his spiritual, seed ( ).

Hebrews 6:17-18

17. Wherein—that is, Which being the case among men, God, in accommodation to their manner of confirming covenants, superadded to His sure word His oath: the "TWO immutable things" (Heb 6:18).

willing . . . counsel—Greek, "willing . . . will"; words akin. Expressing the utmost benignity [BENGEL].

more abundantly—than had He not sworn. His word would have been amply enough; but, to make assurance doubly sure, He "interposed with an oath" (so the Greek). Literally, He acted as Mediator, coming between Himself and us; as if He were less, while He swears, than Himself by whom He swears (for the less among men usually swear by the greater). Dost thou not yet believe, thou that hearest the promise? [BENGEL].

heirs of promise—not only Abraham's literal, but also his spiritual, seed (Ga 3:29).

18. immutable—Translate, as in Heb 6:17, "unchangeable."

impossible . . . to lie—"ever to lie"; this is the force of the Greek aorist [ALFORD]. His not being able to deny Himself is a proof, not of weakness, but of strength incomparable.

consolation—under doubts and fears, and so "encouragement," literally, "exhortation."

fled for refuge—as if from a shipwreck; or, as one fleeing to one of the six cities of refuge. Kadesh, that is, holy, implies the holiness of Jesus, our Refuge. Shechem, that is, shoulder, the government is upon his shoulder (Isa 9:6). Hebron, that is, fellowship, believers are called into the fellowship of Christ. Bezer, that is, a fortress, Christ is so to all who trust in Him. Ramoth, that is, high, for Him hath God exalted with His right hand (Ac 5:31). Golan, that is, joy, for in Him all the saints are justified and shall glory.

lay hold upon the hope—that is, the object of our hope, as upon a preservative from sinking.

set before us—as a prize for which we strive; a new image, namely, the race course (Heb 12:1, 2).