13. When God gave Abraham his promise, he swore by himself since he couldn’t swear by anyone greater.
14. He said, I will certainly bless you and multiply your descendants.
15. So Abraham obtained the promise by showing patience.
16. People pledge by something greater than themselves. A solemn pledge guarantees what they say and shuts down any argument.
17. When God wanted to further demonstrate to the heirs of the promise that his purpose doesn’t change, he guaranteed it with a solemn pledge.