Goodspeed(i)
12 so that you may never grow careless, but may learn to follow the example of those who through their faith and endurance are the possessors of God's promises.
13 For when God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to make oath by, he did so by himself,
14 and said, "I will certainly bless you richly, and greatly increase your numbers."
15 And so after waiting patiently, he received what God had promised him.
16 For men make oath by something greater than themselves, and they accept an oath as settling finally any disagreement they may have.
17 Therefore, God in his desire to make it perfectly clear to those to whom he made his promise, that his purpose was unalterable, bound himself with an oath,
18 so that by these two unalterable things, which make it impossible for God to break his promise, we who have taken refuge with him may be greatly encouraged to seize upon the hope that is offered to us.
19 This hope is like an anchor for our souls. It reaches up secure and strong into the sanctuary behind the heavenly curtain,