Hebrews Chapter 7
Hebrews 7:1 MKJV For this Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.
He had begun to discuss the issue in Heb_5:10, but had to spend some time warning these discouraged Christians about the danger of not continuing and progressing in their Christian life.
These Jewish Christians would be very interested in Jesus as their High Priest, but would have a significant intellectual objection to the idea. This is because Jesus did not come from the priestly tribe (the tribe of Levi) or the priestly family (the family of Aaron).
a. The writer to the Hebrews wants to remove these intellectual problems the Jewish Christians had with the gospel. These intellectual hang-ups were keeping them from continuing on to maturity in Jesus.
b. In the same way, too many Christians are hung up on intellectual things that could be resolved so they could move on with Jesus. If a Christian is hung up on issues like creation and evolution, the validity of miracles, chronology, or other such things, they should get the issues resolved so they can move on with Jesus.
This chapter is also important because it shows us how we should think of the Old Testament institutions of the priesthood and the Law.
After Abraham defeated the confederation of kings who took his nephew Lot captive, he met with a mysterious priest named Melchizedek, who was also king over the city of Salem (an ancient name for the city of Jerusalem).
Priest of the Most High God: Melchizedek was not merely a worshipper of the true God. He had the honored title priest of the Most High God. The greatness of God magnifies the greatness of Melchizedek’s priesthood.
Melchizedek is a type of The Christ, head and body, who combines the office of Priest and King in blessing the world in the Kingdom we prayer for. "We shall be kings and priests unto God, and shall reign on the earth." (Rev_5:10)
Hebrews 7:2 MKJV To him Abraham also gave a tenth of all. He was first by interpretation king of righteousness, and after that also king of Salem, which is king of peace,
Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave Melchizedek a tithe, which is a tenth part of all. In this case, all refers either to all the spoils of battle, or all of Abraham’s possessions in total.
d. First being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”: The name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness,” and he was also king of peace (because the name Salem means “peace”).
i. The order is subtle, but important. First, Melchizedek in his very name is called “king of righteousness”. Then he is called “king of peace”. As always, righteousness comes before peace. Righteousness is the only true path to peace. People look for that peace in escape, in evasion, or in compromise; but they will only find it in righteousness.
Is “righteousness” first in your life, before peace?
Hebrews 7:3 MKJV without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest continually.
Unlike the Aaronic priesthood with its rules of succession this is not how the Melchizedek priesthood works.
Without father, without mother: There is nothing said about the genealogy of Melchizedek in the Genesis 14 passage or anywhere else. As far as the Biblical record is concerned, he has no father or mother, no beginning of days nor end of life.
i. Though virtually all the commentators disagree with each other on this point, some think that without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God means that Melchizedek was a heavenly being, if not a pre-existant appearance of Jesus Himself.
f. Made like the Son of God: Melchizedek was made like the Son of God. It really isn’t that Jesus has Melchizedek’s kind of priesthood. Instead, Melchizedek has Jesus’ kind of priesthood.
i. Made like in Heb_7:3 is aphomoiomenos, a Greek word used nowhere else in the New Testament. “It is a suggestive word, used in the active of ‘a facsimile copy or model’ and in the passive of ‘being made similar to.’“ (Guthrie)
ii. Melchizedek did not inherit the office from his father or mother--thus typifying Christ's priesthood, which came not of the lineage of the flesh, as did the Aaronic priesthood.
g. Remains a priest continually: The Melchizedek priesthood had no beginning and no ending; the order of his priesthood was to be perpetuated; consequently his priesthood did not pass away until the antitypical priesthood came.
Hebrews 7:4 MKJV Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Paul uses these verses (4-10) to stress the superiority of Melchizedek over Abraham and all of his descendants—including the priests of the Law. This was needed not only to wean the Jewish Christians’ minds away from any undue vestiges of Law worship, but also to build Paul’s argument (which he has made since 1:2) of Jesus’ superiority over everything.
Paul already has made Jesus greater than angels (Chapter 1) and Moses (3:3); now he makes him greater than Abraham. By this time, Jewish Christians (and we) should be getting the point! Note how Paul doesn’t just say Abraham, but Abraham the Patriarch. He doesn’t want us to miss the point that Abraham was the man of the day. Even so, Abraham paid respect to Melchizedek.
Hebrews 7:5 MKJV And truly they who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priest, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the Law, that is, from their brothers, though they come out of the loins of Abraham.
Because the whole tribe of Levi was genetically in the loins of Abraham when he did this, we see the Levitical priesthood paying tithes to the priesthood of Melchizedek. This shows Melchizedek is in a position of authority over Abraham and his descendant Levi.
Here Paul strengthens the point that Abraham’s tithe was something beyond the Law arrangement. At the same time he shows how the Levitical priesthood were lesser than Melchizedek; even though they received a lesser tithe, they yet were only descendants of him who paid tithes.
Hebrews 7:6 MKJV But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
As well, the lesser is blessed by the greater. Therefore Melchizedek showed he was greater than Abraham when he blessed Abraham. On his part, Abraham accepted that Melchizedek was greater when he received the blessing.
“The blessing here spoken of . . . is not the simple wishing of good to others, which may be done by inferiors to superiors; but it is the action of a person authorized to declare God’s intention to bestow good things on another.” (Macknight, cited by Clarke)
Even though Abraham was possessor of the greatest promises ever given a human being, Melchizedek was so great as to bless this one who already was so greatly blessed.
Hebrews 7:7 MKJV And without all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.
This verse stands alone because it is Paul’s summary, his point, his lesson, his RULE: In our own modern words--
THERE IS NO POSSIBLE ARGUMENT:
GREAT BLESSINGS ARE PASSED FROM
THE GREATER TO THE LESSER.
(Therefore: Melchizedek was greater than Abraham.)
Hebrews 7:8 MKJV And here men who die receive tithes; but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.
In verse 8 Paul introduces a point which he will develop in verses 16, 17, 24, 25. His point is that Melchizedek “lives on,” while the other tithes-receivers (the Levites) were dying men.
Hebrews 7:9 MKJV And if I may say so, Levi, also, who receives tithes, paid tithes in Abraham.
“If I may say so,” in Heb_7:9 is important. The writer to the Hebrews knows he is making an allegorical point, so he doesn’t want to be taken too literally.
Hebrews 7:10 MKJV For he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
Verse 10 shows, at least in God’s sight, the power of genealogy! The Levites, being children of Abraham, never can ascend above Abraham—never can be as great a priesthood as Melchizedek—because their father PAID TITHES to Melchizedek.
This brings to mind Hebrews 11. Abraham (and all the faithful ancients) will not be “made perfect” without the great Melchizedek priesthood of the future.
This also brings to mind the great “mystery” which Jesus posed to the Pharisees: How can David’s son be David’s Lord? The whole genealogical concept of Hebrews 7:9, 10 argues against it! We have been blessed to know the answer.
Hebrews 7:11 MKJV Therefore if perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the Law), what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
If perfection were through the Levitical priesthood: Why would God even make a different order of priesthood (displayed by Melchizedek) if the Levitical priesthood were entirely sufficient? If perfection could come through the Levitical priesthood, what need was there for another priesthood?
The simple fact that God describes a priest . . . according to the order of Melchizedek shows there is something lacking in the priesthood according to the order of Aaron.
Under it the people received the law: The Levitical priesthood is the priesthood associated with the Law of Moses. The priesthood of Melchizedek is associated with Abraham, not with Moses.
Jesus, not being of the tribe of Levi, could not have served as a Priest under the Mosaic Law, which gave this office to Aaron and his sons forever; typifying the sacrificial preparation of Messiah's priesthood. The Aaronic priesthood pictures the sufferings of Christ. The Great Priest, of the Melchizedek order, will do his great work during the Millennial Age or Kingdom Age.
Hebrews 7:12 MKJV For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made in the law also.
Note the priority: “On the bases of it (the priesthood), the people received the Law.” We might often and easily think the Law was primary and the priesthood its servant. Paul says no. Then he argues that since the Levitical priesthood could not bring perfection, a new priesthood was needed.
(7:12) Then, in harmony with his previous reasoning, Paul shows that the new priesthood would necessitate a new law (covenant). [He will develop this later in Hebrews.]
The very essence of the Levitical law consisting in its sacrificial offerings; and as these could not confer perfection, could not reconcile God to man, purify the unholy heart, nor open the kingdom of heaven to men, consequently it must be abolished, according to the order of God Himself; for He said, Sacrifice and offering, and burnt-offering, and sacrifice for sin, He would not; see Psa_40:6, Psa_40:7, compared with Heb_10:5-10, and with Psa_110:4, where it is evident God designed to change both the law and the priesthood, and to introduce Jesus as the only Priest and Sacrifice, and to substitute the Gospel system for that of the Levitical institutions. The priesthood, therefore, being changed, Jesus coming in the place of Aaron, the law of ordinances and ceremonies, which served only to point out the Messiah, must of necessity be changed also.
If you think that you must also keep the Law set out in the Old Testament to be acceptable with God—do you understand what this verse is saying?
Hebrews 7:13 MKJV For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man gave attendance at the altar.
Another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar: Under the Law of Moses, God strictly commanded that only those from the family of Aaron could serve at the altar in sacrifice.
He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe: Jesus is obviously not from the family of Aaron or even the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Judah (the tribe of Jesus’ lineage) had nothing to do with Aaron’s priesthood, the priesthood associated with the Law of Moses. Therefore according to the priesthood of Aaron and the Law of Moses,
Now Paul begins to show how Jesus can be this new priest, not being a
Levite. By saying that Jesus is from a tribe from which no one has officiated at
the altar, Paul is saying that the entire Jewish altar function ceases.
Are you understanding the change of dispensations that Paul is teaching?
Hebrews 7:14 MKJV For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
Please note the contrast: verse 14 begins, “For it is evident…” Verses 15- 17 begin, “And this is clearer still…” Thus verse 14 will make one point about Jesus, and 15-17 will make a SUPPORTIVE point.
In verse 14, Paul’s point is that Jesus, being from Judah is OUTSIDE THE MOSAIC ARRANGEMENT concerning priests.
In the genealogies as given by Matthew and Luke. The Messiah was to be the son of David.
Hebrews 7:15 MKJV And it is still far more evident, since there arises another priest after the likeness of Melchizedek,
And besides, it is more abundantly strikingly manifest. It is very difficult to translate these words, but the apostle’s meaning is plain, viz., that God designed the Levitical priesthood to be changed, because of the oath in Psa_110:1-7, where, addressing the Messiah, he says: Thou art a Priest for ever after the order, or, similitude, of Melchisedec, who was not only a priest, but also a king. None of the Levitical priests sustained this double office; but they both, with that of prophet, appear and were exercised in the person of our Lord, who is the Priest to which the apostle alludes.
So, if you are one who puts themselves under the Law—having to keep the Sabbaths, feasts and dietary laws, do you see that you are not recognizing that we are of Melchizedek and not Aaron?
Hebrews 7:16 MKJV who is made, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
Not according to the law of a fleshly commandment: Jesus’ priesthood is not based upon law or heredity (a fleshly commandment), but upon the power of God’s endless life.
but after the power of an endless life; this may be understood either of the Gospel, according to which Christ is a priest; and which is called "life", in opposition to the law which is the ministration of death; and because it is the means of quickening dead sinners, and of reviving drooping saints; and points out Christ the way of life, and has brought life and immortality to light: and may be said to be "endless", in distinction from the law, which is temporary; and because it is itself permanent and everlasting; contains in it the promise of eternal life.
Hebrews 7:17 MKJV For He testifies, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
Psa 110:4 The LORD has made a promise that will never be broken: "You will be a priest forever, just like Melchizedek."
This could be said of the Messiah, who was a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. It could never be said of a priest according to the order of Aaron, none of whom had the power of an endless life and each of whom served a limited term as priests - limited to their own life-span.
Matt._27:1 says: When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. Among those who conspired to put Jesus to death, there were priests of the order of Aaron. But Jesus by the power of an endless life, Jesus showed that His priesthood was superior, when He triumphed over death!
Hebrews 7:18 MKJV For truly there is a putting away of the commandment which went before, because of the weakness and unprofitableness of it.
(Heb_7:18-19) Why the law (the former commandment) is annulled or set aside as a means of establishing our relationship and access to God.
For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
It evidently was not God's intention to allow the Law Covenant to stand perpetually, nor to allow its priestly arrangements to continue forever.
Hebrews 7:19 MKJV For the Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw near to God.
It answered the end for which it was designed - that of introducing a more perfect plan, and then vanished as a matter of course. It did not expiate guilt; it did not give peace to the conscience; it did not produce perfection Heb_7:11, and therefore it gave place to a better system.
”Let all legalists mark this: The Law made nothing perfect. Let the Seventh Day Adventists mark: The Law made nothing perfect. Let all those who dream of the Law as a rule of life remember: The Law made nothing perfect.” (Newell)
The law made nothing perfect: Therefore, the law is valuable as it shows us God’s perfect standard, but it was not ultimately intended to be the basis of a man’s walk with God. This is because the law is weak and unprofitable when it comes to saving me or giving me power over sin.
On the other hand: Since now, in Jesus, we have a better hope, through which we draw near to God, we are wrong to go back to building our Christian walk on the law. Therefore the law is “annulled” in the sense that it no longer is the dominating principle of our life.
In Galatians, Paul shows the law as being a tutor that brings us to Jesus; in Hebrews, the law is associated with a priesthood which has been made obsolete by a superior priesthood.
But we have a better hope, and draw near to God through a better priesthood and High Priest. Our hope is in Jesus, not in the Law of Moses!
Have you put yourself under the Aaronic Priesthood or Jesus?
Hebrews 7:20 MKJV And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath
Hebrews 7:21 MKJV (for those priests were made without an oath, but this one was made with an oath by Him who said to Him, "The Lord swore and will not repent, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,")
Paul brings forward Aaron, only to set him aside in the presence of Jesus. The high priest of the order of Aaron was appointed by heredity, not by personal character. Not so with Jesus and the priestly order of Melchizedek! God even sealed His choice by an oath.
The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Psalms 110:4 KJV
Melchisedek -- A priest upon his throne. The whole plan of reconciliation was of God, and is wrought out in Christ.
Hebrews 7:22 MKJV by so much was Jesus made a surety of a better covenant.
Jesus has become a surety: Surety (the ancient Greek word egguos) describes someone who gives security. It is a person who would cosign a loan to guarantee payment, or someone who puts up bail for a prisoner. Jesus Himself is the guaranteed of a better covenant.
Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only did he lay his life down for his friend (Adam) and pay his ransom penalty, which we all benefit from, but he is now our guarantee. Do we really sit down and think about all that Jesus has done for the world of Mankind? Are we grateful?
Hebrews 7:23 MKJV And they truly were many priests, because they were not allowed to continue because of death;
Also there were many priests: The priesthood under the Law of Moses constantly changed, and so could be better or worse through the years. But He . . . has an unchangeable priesthood. Jesus will never die, and has a permanent priesthood. We don’t need to worry about a “bad priest” replacing Him!
The object of this verse and the following is, to state one more reason of the excellence of the priesthood of Christ. It is, that owing to the frailty of human nature, and the shortness of life, the office of priest there was continually changing. But here there was no such change. Christ, being exalted to the heavens to live forever there, has now an unchangeable priesthood, and everything in regard to his office is permanent.
Hebrews 7:24 MKJV but He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
Hebrews 7:25 MKJV Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost those who come unto God by Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.
The unchanging nature of Jesus’ priesthood means that the salvation He gives is also unchanging, permanent, and secure. Most people read this verse as if it said Jesus is able to save from the uttermost. But it really says Jesus is able to save to the uttermost. Because He is our High Priest forever, He can save forever.
Those who come to God through Him: This tells us who Jesus is able to save. It means those who abide in the Son and have fellowship with the Father.
He ever lives to make intercession for them: Certainly, this strengthens us - the knowledge that Jesus is praying for us, and that He ever lives to pray for us! How this would have encouraged these Jewish Christians who felt like giving up on the Christian life!
a. Rom_8:33-34 reflects how important Paul thought the intercessory work of Jesus was on our behalf. There, he pictures Jesus defending us against every charge or condemnation through His intercession for us.
b. “Our blessed Lord is interceding for us, but He is in no sense appeasing God. All that God’s holy Being and righteous government could demand was once for all, completely and forever, satisfied at the Cross.” (Newell)
c. Jesus’ intercession on our behalf is not a matter of placating an angry Father who wants to destroy us. It is not a matter of continually chanting prayers on behalf of His people. It means He continually represents us before the Father, so that we can draw near through Him, and that He defends us against Satanic accusation and attack.
d. Luk_22:31-32 gives an example of Jesus’ intercession for His people: Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren. Jesus prays to strengthen us in trial and attack, and against Satan’s accusations.
Hebrews 7:26 MKJV For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens,
For such a High Priest was fitting for us: The priests under the Law of Moses did not have the personal character of the Son of God. Jesus is holy, harmless (without guile or deception), undefiled, separate from sinners (in the sense of sharing in their sin—by virtue of his special birth). Although a member of our race according to the flesh, Jesus has an unimpaired life, transferred from the spirit plane to his virgin mother's womb. Thus he did not inherit sin or its condemnation. If the virgin birth is denied, this statement would not be true.
Jesus is far superior in His personal character than any earthly priest.
Who is holy -- In order to be the Redeemer of Adam, and his race, Jesus had to be a perfect human being. See Luke 1:35
Has become higher than the heavens: The perfect character of Jesus is proven by two facts. First, by His exaltation in heaven. Second, by the fact that He did not need to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins - which the other priests needed to do daily!
Hebrews 7:27 MKJV who does not need, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice daily, first for his own sins and then for the people's sins. For He did this once for all, when He offered up Himself.
Paul was combating the prevalent thought that the Law Covenant and its priestly arrangements were divinely intended to be perpetual. He was discussing the change of dispensation and that everything pertaining to the Tabernacle and the "Most Holy" passed away to give place to the "better sacrifices" of the Gospel age.
One fulfillment of the one type. Our Lord offered himself at Jordan and he offered up all the members of his Body, the Church, at Pentecost. The presentation was at Pentecost, to be completed during the Gospel age. This cannot mean the contrary to what Paul had just stated--that our Lord had no sins. The "Head" was perfect but the "Body" was imperfect.
The once doing of this sacrificial work in the beginning of this antitypical "Atonement Day" is sufficient for all time.
His offering of himself at Jordan was accepted of the Father; the remainder was merely the fulfilling of the terms of the sacrifice. His personal sacrifice was finished at Calvary. The body which God prepared for sacrifice may properly be viewed from two standpoints--the human body of Jesus, and the Church which is his body. The body which God prepared for sacrifice may properly be viewed from two standpoints--the human body of Jesus, and the Church which is his body.
Hebrews 7:28 MKJV For the Law appoints men high priests who have infirmity, but the word of the swearing of an oath, after the Law, has consecrated the Son forever, having been perfected.
For the law appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses: Under the Law of Moses, the priests were always men with weaknesses. But Jesus a Son who has been perfected forever. Because He is a perfect High Priest, He was able to offer up Himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sin. Jesus is perfectly qualified to be our perfect High Priest - perfected for
Who is consecrated forevermore - Margin, “Perfected;” see the note at Heb_2:10. The idea is, that the appointment is “complete” and “permanent.” It does not pass from one to the other. It is perfect in all the arrangements, and will remain so forever.
Quotes taken from John Guzik, Charles Russell, Albert Barnes, E.W. Bullinger, John Gill, Adam Clarke, Cambridge Bible, Expositor’s Bible, William Baker and more.
He had begun to discuss the issue in Heb_5:10, but had to spend some time warning these discouraged Christians about the danger of not continuing and progressing in their Christian life.
These Jewish Christians would be very interested in Jesus as their High Priest, but would have a significant intellectual objection to the idea. This is because Jesus did not come from the priestly tribe (the tribe of Levi) or the priestly family (the family of Aaron).
a. The writer to the Hebrews wants to remove these intellectual problems the Jewish Christians had with the gospel. These intellectual hang-ups were keeping them from continuing on to maturity in Jesus.
b. In the same way, too many Christians are hung up on intellectual things that could be resolved so they could move on with Jesus. If a Christian is hung up on issues like creation and evolution, the validity of miracles, chronology, or other such things, they should get the issues resolved so they can move on with Jesus.
This chapter is also important because it shows us how we should think of the Old Testament institutions of the priesthood and the Law.
After Abraham defeated the confederation of kings who took his nephew Lot captive, he met with a mysterious priest named Melchizedek, who was also king over the city of Salem (an ancient name for the city of Jerusalem).
Priest of the Most High God: Melchizedek was not merely a worshipper of the true God. He had the honored title priest of the Most High God. The greatness of God magnifies the greatness of Melchizedek’s priesthood.
Melchizedek is a type of The Christ, head and body, who combines the office of Priest and King in blessing the world in the Kingdom we prayer for. "We shall be kings and priests unto God, and shall reign on the earth." (Rev_5:10)
Hebrews 7:2 MKJV To him Abraham also gave a tenth of all. He was first by interpretation king of righteousness, and after that also king of Salem, which is king of peace,
Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave Melchizedek a tithe, which is a tenth part of all. In this case, all refers either to all the spoils of battle, or all of Abraham’s possessions in total.
d. First being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”: The name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness,” and he was also king of peace (because the name Salem means “peace”).
i. The order is subtle, but important. First, Melchizedek in his very name is called “king of righteousness”. Then he is called “king of peace”. As always, righteousness comes before peace. Righteousness is the only true path to peace. People look for that peace in escape, in evasion, or in compromise; but they will only find it in righteousness.
Is “righteousness” first in your life, before peace?
Hebrews 7:3 MKJV without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest continually.
Unlike the Aaronic priesthood with its rules of succession this is not how the Melchizedek priesthood works.
Without father, without mother: There is nothing said about the genealogy of Melchizedek in the Genesis 14 passage or anywhere else. As far as the Biblical record is concerned, he has no father or mother, no beginning of days nor end of life.
i. Though virtually all the commentators disagree with each other on this point, some think that without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God means that Melchizedek was a heavenly being, if not a pre-existant appearance of Jesus Himself.
f. Made like the Son of God: Melchizedek was made like the Son of God. It really isn’t that Jesus has Melchizedek’s kind of priesthood. Instead, Melchizedek has Jesus’ kind of priesthood.
i. Made like in Heb_7:3 is aphomoiomenos, a Greek word used nowhere else in the New Testament. “It is a suggestive word, used in the active of ‘a facsimile copy or model’ and in the passive of ‘being made similar to.’“ (Guthrie)
ii. Melchizedek did not inherit the office from his father or mother--thus typifying Christ's priesthood, which came not of the lineage of the flesh, as did the Aaronic priesthood.
g. Remains a priest continually: The Melchizedek priesthood had no beginning and no ending; the order of his priesthood was to be perpetuated; consequently his priesthood did not pass away until the antitypical priesthood came.
Hebrews 7:4 MKJV Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Paul uses these verses (4-10) to stress the superiority of Melchizedek over Abraham and all of his descendants—including the priests of the Law. This was needed not only to wean the Jewish Christians’ minds away from any undue vestiges of Law worship, but also to build Paul’s argument (which he has made since 1:2) of Jesus’ superiority over everything.
Paul already has made Jesus greater than angels (Chapter 1) and Moses (3:3); now he makes him greater than Abraham. By this time, Jewish Christians (and we) should be getting the point! Note how Paul doesn’t just say Abraham, but Abraham the Patriarch. He doesn’t want us to miss the point that Abraham was the man of the day. Even so, Abraham paid respect to Melchizedek.
Hebrews 7:5 MKJV And truly they who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priest, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the Law, that is, from their brothers, though they come out of the loins of Abraham.
Because the whole tribe of Levi was genetically in the loins of Abraham when he did this, we see the Levitical priesthood paying tithes to the priesthood of Melchizedek. This shows Melchizedek is in a position of authority over Abraham and his descendant Levi.
Here Paul strengthens the point that Abraham’s tithe was something beyond the Law arrangement. At the same time he shows how the Levitical priesthood were lesser than Melchizedek; even though they received a lesser tithe, they yet were only descendants of him who paid tithes.
Hebrews 7:6 MKJV But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
As well, the lesser is blessed by the greater. Therefore Melchizedek showed he was greater than Abraham when he blessed Abraham. On his part, Abraham accepted that Melchizedek was greater when he received the blessing.
“The blessing here spoken of . . . is not the simple wishing of good to others, which may be done by inferiors to superiors; but it is the action of a person authorized to declare God’s intention to bestow good things on another.” (Macknight, cited by Clarke)
Even though Abraham was possessor of the greatest promises ever given a human being, Melchizedek was so great as to bless this one who already was so greatly blessed.
Hebrews 7:7 MKJV And without all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.
This verse stands alone because it is Paul’s summary, his point, his lesson, his RULE: In our own modern words--
THERE IS NO POSSIBLE ARGUMENT:
GREAT BLESSINGS ARE PASSED FROM
THE GREATER TO THE LESSER.
(Therefore: Melchizedek was greater than Abraham.)
Hebrews 7:8 MKJV And here men who die receive tithes; but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.
In verse 8 Paul introduces a point which he will develop in verses 16, 17, 24, 25. His point is that Melchizedek “lives on,” while the other tithes-receivers (the Levites) were dying men.
Hebrews 7:9 MKJV And if I may say so, Levi, also, who receives tithes, paid tithes in Abraham.
“If I may say so,” in Heb_7:9 is important. The writer to the Hebrews knows he is making an allegorical point, so he doesn’t want to be taken too literally.
Hebrews 7:10 MKJV For he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
Verse 10 shows, at least in God’s sight, the power of genealogy! The Levites, being children of Abraham, never can ascend above Abraham—never can be as great a priesthood as Melchizedek—because their father PAID TITHES to Melchizedek.
This brings to mind Hebrews 11. Abraham (and all the faithful ancients) will not be “made perfect” without the great Melchizedek priesthood of the future.
This also brings to mind the great “mystery” which Jesus posed to the Pharisees: How can David’s son be David’s Lord? The whole genealogical concept of Hebrews 7:9, 10 argues against it! We have been blessed to know the answer.
Hebrews 7:11 MKJV Therefore if perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the Law), what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
If perfection were through the Levitical priesthood: Why would God even make a different order of priesthood (displayed by Melchizedek) if the Levitical priesthood were entirely sufficient? If perfection could come through the Levitical priesthood, what need was there for another priesthood?
The simple fact that God describes a priest . . . according to the order of Melchizedek shows there is something lacking in the priesthood according to the order of Aaron.
Under it the people received the law: The Levitical priesthood is the priesthood associated with the Law of Moses. The priesthood of Melchizedek is associated with Abraham, not with Moses.
Jesus, not being of the tribe of Levi, could not have served as a Priest under the Mosaic Law, which gave this office to Aaron and his sons forever; typifying the sacrificial preparation of Messiah's priesthood. The Aaronic priesthood pictures the sufferings of Christ. The Great Priest, of the Melchizedek order, will do his great work during the Millennial Age or Kingdom Age.
Hebrews 7:12 MKJV For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made in the law also.
Note the priority: “On the bases of it (the priesthood), the people received the Law.” We might often and easily think the Law was primary and the priesthood its servant. Paul says no. Then he argues that since the Levitical priesthood could not bring perfection, a new priesthood was needed.
(7:12) Then, in harmony with his previous reasoning, Paul shows that the new priesthood would necessitate a new law (covenant). [He will develop this later in Hebrews.]
The very essence of the Levitical law consisting in its sacrificial offerings; and as these could not confer perfection, could not reconcile God to man, purify the unholy heart, nor open the kingdom of heaven to men, consequently it must be abolished, according to the order of God Himself; for He said, Sacrifice and offering, and burnt-offering, and sacrifice for sin, He would not; see Psa_40:6, Psa_40:7, compared with Heb_10:5-10, and with Psa_110:4, where it is evident God designed to change both the law and the priesthood, and to introduce Jesus as the only Priest and Sacrifice, and to substitute the Gospel system for that of the Levitical institutions. The priesthood, therefore, being changed, Jesus coming in the place of Aaron, the law of ordinances and ceremonies, which served only to point out the Messiah, must of necessity be changed also.
If you think that you must also keep the Law set out in the Old Testament to be acceptable with God—do you understand what this verse is saying?
Hebrews 7:13 MKJV For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man gave attendance at the altar.
Another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar: Under the Law of Moses, God strictly commanded that only those from the family of Aaron could serve at the altar in sacrifice.
He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe: Jesus is obviously not from the family of Aaron or even the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Judah (the tribe of Jesus’ lineage) had nothing to do with Aaron’s priesthood, the priesthood associated with the Law of Moses. Therefore according to the priesthood of Aaron and the Law of Moses,
Now Paul begins to show how Jesus can be this new priest, not being a
Levite. By saying that Jesus is from a tribe from which no one has officiated at
the altar, Paul is saying that the entire Jewish altar function ceases.
Are you understanding the change of dispensations that Paul is teaching?
Hebrews 7:14 MKJV For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
Please note the contrast: verse 14 begins, “For it is evident…” Verses 15- 17 begin, “And this is clearer still…” Thus verse 14 will make one point about Jesus, and 15-17 will make a SUPPORTIVE point.
In verse 14, Paul’s point is that Jesus, being from Judah is OUTSIDE THE MOSAIC ARRANGEMENT concerning priests.
In the genealogies as given by Matthew and Luke. The Messiah was to be the son of David.
Hebrews 7:15 MKJV And it is still far more evident, since there arises another priest after the likeness of Melchizedek,
And besides, it is more abundantly strikingly manifest. It is very difficult to translate these words, but the apostle’s meaning is plain, viz., that God designed the Levitical priesthood to be changed, because of the oath in Psa_110:1-7, where, addressing the Messiah, he says: Thou art a Priest for ever after the order, or, similitude, of Melchisedec, who was not only a priest, but also a king. None of the Levitical priests sustained this double office; but they both, with that of prophet, appear and were exercised in the person of our Lord, who is the Priest to which the apostle alludes.
So, if you are one who puts themselves under the Law—having to keep the Sabbaths, feasts and dietary laws, do you see that you are not recognizing that we are of Melchizedek and not Aaron?
Hebrews 7:16 MKJV who is made, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
Not according to the law of a fleshly commandment: Jesus’ priesthood is not based upon law or heredity (a fleshly commandment), but upon the power of God’s endless life.
but after the power of an endless life; this may be understood either of the Gospel, according to which Christ is a priest; and which is called "life", in opposition to the law which is the ministration of death; and because it is the means of quickening dead sinners, and of reviving drooping saints; and points out Christ the way of life, and has brought life and immortality to light: and may be said to be "endless", in distinction from the law, which is temporary; and because it is itself permanent and everlasting; contains in it the promise of eternal life.
Hebrews 7:17 MKJV For He testifies, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
Psa 110:4 The LORD has made a promise that will never be broken: "You will be a priest forever, just like Melchizedek."
This could be said of the Messiah, who was a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. It could never be said of a priest according to the order of Aaron, none of whom had the power of an endless life and each of whom served a limited term as priests - limited to their own life-span.
Matt._27:1 says: When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. Among those who conspired to put Jesus to death, there were priests of the order of Aaron. But Jesus by the power of an endless life, Jesus showed that His priesthood was superior, when He triumphed over death!
Hebrews 7:18 MKJV For truly there is a putting away of the commandment which went before, because of the weakness and unprofitableness of it.
(Heb_7:18-19) Why the law (the former commandment) is annulled or set aside as a means of establishing our relationship and access to God.
For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
- In its weakness and unprofitableness, the law made nothing perfect, for while the law sets God’s perfect standard, it gives no one the power to keep that standard.
- Of the commandment - Relating to the office of priest, or to the ceremonial rites in general. This does not refer to the moral law.
It evidently was not God's intention to allow the Law Covenant to stand perpetually, nor to allow its priestly arrangements to continue forever.
Hebrews 7:19 MKJV For the Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw near to God.
It answered the end for which it was designed - that of introducing a more perfect plan, and then vanished as a matter of course. It did not expiate guilt; it did not give peace to the conscience; it did not produce perfection Heb_7:11, and therefore it gave place to a better system.
”Let all legalists mark this: The Law made nothing perfect. Let the Seventh Day Adventists mark: The Law made nothing perfect. Let all those who dream of the Law as a rule of life remember: The Law made nothing perfect.” (Newell)
The law made nothing perfect: Therefore, the law is valuable as it shows us God’s perfect standard, but it was not ultimately intended to be the basis of a man’s walk with God. This is because the law is weak and unprofitable when it comes to saving me or giving me power over sin.
- The law provides expert diagnosis of our sin problem, which is absolutely essential. But the law does not provide the cure to our sin problem. Only Jesus can save us from our sin problem.
On the other hand: Since now, in Jesus, we have a better hope, through which we draw near to God, we are wrong to go back to building our Christian walk on the law. Therefore the law is “annulled” in the sense that it no longer is the dominating principle of our life.
- “The Greek word translated disannuling [annulling], athetesis, is the same as appears in Heb_9:26 for the putting away of sin ‘by the sacrifice of Himself.’ The disappearance of the Law is as absolute, therefore, as the putting away of sin!” (Newell)
- The law does not give you a better hope. The law does not draw you near to God the way God’s grace given in Jesus does. Yet many Christians live a legal relationship with God, instead of a grace relationship with Him!
- “Although the law performed a valuable function, its essential weakness was that it could not give life and vitality even to those who kept it, let alone to those who did not. In fact its function was not to provide strength, but to provide a standard by which man could measure his own moral status. Its uselessness must not be regarded in the sense of being totally worthless, but in the sense of being ineffective in providing a constant means of approach to God based on a totally adequate sacrifice.” (Guthrie)
In Galatians, Paul shows the law as being a tutor that brings us to Jesus; in Hebrews, the law is associated with a priesthood which has been made obsolete by a superior priesthood.
But we have a better hope, and draw near to God through a better priesthood and High Priest. Our hope is in Jesus, not in the Law of Moses!
Have you put yourself under the Aaronic Priesthood or Jesus?
Hebrews 7:20 MKJV And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath
Hebrews 7:21 MKJV (for those priests were made without an oath, but this one was made with an oath by Him who said to Him, "The Lord swore and will not repent, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,")
Paul brings forward Aaron, only to set him aside in the presence of Jesus. The high priest of the order of Aaron was appointed by heredity, not by personal character. Not so with Jesus and the priestly order of Melchizedek! God even sealed His choice by an oath.
The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Psalms 110:4 KJV
Melchisedek -- A priest upon his throne. The whole plan of reconciliation was of God, and is wrought out in Christ.
Hebrews 7:22 MKJV by so much was Jesus made a surety of a better covenant.
Jesus has become a surety: Surety (the ancient Greek word egguos) describes someone who gives security. It is a person who would cosign a loan to guarantee payment, or someone who puts up bail for a prisoner. Jesus Himself is the guaranteed of a better covenant.
- A better covenant: The Old Covenant had a mediator (Moses), but no one to guarantee the people’s side of the covenant; so they continually failed under it. But the New Covenant - a better covenant - has a cosigner on our behalf! Therefore, the New Covenant depends on what Jesus has done, not on what we have done. He is the surety, we are not.
- Covenant: The word used for covenant (the ancient Greek word diatheke) is not the usual term for “covenant” (syntheke). The literal meaning of diatheke is closer to the idea of a “testament” in the sense of a “last will and testament.” Perhaps the writer is trying to stress that while a covenant might be thought of as an agreement that two equal parties arrive at, a testament is dictated by the testator. The “agreement” under which we meet with God through Jesus is not something we have negotiated with Him. He has dictated the terms to us, and we will accept or reject the terms.
Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only did he lay his life down for his friend (Adam) and pay his ransom penalty, which we all benefit from, but he is now our guarantee. Do we really sit down and think about all that Jesus has done for the world of Mankind? Are we grateful?
Hebrews 7:23 MKJV And they truly were many priests, because they were not allowed to continue because of death;
Also there were many priests: The priesthood under the Law of Moses constantly changed, and so could be better or worse through the years. But He . . . has an unchangeable priesthood. Jesus will never die, and has a permanent priesthood. We don’t need to worry about a “bad priest” replacing Him!
The object of this verse and the following is, to state one more reason of the excellence of the priesthood of Christ. It is, that owing to the frailty of human nature, and the shortness of life, the office of priest there was continually changing. But here there was no such change. Christ, being exalted to the heavens to live forever there, has now an unchangeable priesthood, and everything in regard to his office is permanent.
Hebrews 7:24 MKJV but He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
Hebrews 7:25 MKJV Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost those who come unto God by Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.
The unchanging nature of Jesus’ priesthood means that the salvation He gives is also unchanging, permanent, and secure. Most people read this verse as if it said Jesus is able to save from the uttermost. But it really says Jesus is able to save to the uttermost. Because He is our High Priest forever, He can save forever.
- “The verb ‘to save’ is used absolutely, which means that Christ will save in the most comprehensive sense; he saves from all that humanity needs saving from.” (Morris)
- He gave himself a “ransom for all.” 1 Tim 2:5. His death was a propitiation for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2. “Having obtained eternal redemption for us” Heb. 9:12.
- The Lord not only saves us from the sins that are past, but throughout our course he also covers with the robe of his merit those blemishes and weaknesses which result from the imperfection of our human body.
Those who come to God through Him: This tells us who Jesus is able to save. It means those who abide in the Son and have fellowship with the Father.
- Once saved always saved? Can a Christian lose his salvation? Abide in Jesus and you never need to worry about it.
- An attempt to come to God by any other means, as, for example, the sacrifice of the Mass, is an abomination in the sight of God
- Christ will yet save us in the fullest sense in the "first resurrection." The saving of the world will then begin.
He ever lives to make intercession for them: Certainly, this strengthens us - the knowledge that Jesus is praying for us, and that He ever lives to pray for us! How this would have encouraged these Jewish Christians who felt like giving up on the Christian life!
a. Rom_8:33-34 reflects how important Paul thought the intercessory work of Jesus was on our behalf. There, he pictures Jesus defending us against every charge or condemnation through His intercession for us.
b. “Our blessed Lord is interceding for us, but He is in no sense appeasing God. All that God’s holy Being and righteous government could demand was once for all, completely and forever, satisfied at the Cross.” (Newell)
c. Jesus’ intercession on our behalf is not a matter of placating an angry Father who wants to destroy us. It is not a matter of continually chanting prayers on behalf of His people. It means He continually represents us before the Father, so that we can draw near through Him, and that He defends us against Satanic accusation and attack.
d. Luk_22:31-32 gives an example of Jesus’ intercession for His people: Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren. Jesus prays to strengthen us in trial and attack, and against Satan’s accusations.
Hebrews 7:26 MKJV For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens,
For such a High Priest was fitting for us: The priests under the Law of Moses did not have the personal character of the Son of God. Jesus is holy, harmless (without guile or deception), undefiled, separate from sinners (in the sense of sharing in their sin—by virtue of his special birth). Although a member of our race according to the flesh, Jesus has an unimpaired life, transferred from the spirit plane to his virgin mother's womb. Thus he did not inherit sin or its condemnation. If the virgin birth is denied, this statement would not be true.
Jesus is far superior in His personal character than any earthly priest.
Who is holy -- In order to be the Redeemer of Adam, and his race, Jesus had to be a perfect human being. See Luke 1:35
Has become higher than the heavens: The perfect character of Jesus is proven by two facts. First, by His exaltation in heaven. Second, by the fact that He did not need to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins - which the other priests needed to do daily!
Hebrews 7:27 MKJV who does not need, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice daily, first for his own sins and then for the people's sins. For He did this once for all, when He offered up Himself.
Paul was combating the prevalent thought that the Law Covenant and its priestly arrangements were divinely intended to be perpetual. He was discussing the change of dispensation and that everything pertaining to the Tabernacle and the "Most Holy" passed away to give place to the "better sacrifices" of the Gospel age.
One fulfillment of the one type. Our Lord offered himself at Jordan and he offered up all the members of his Body, the Church, at Pentecost. The presentation was at Pentecost, to be completed during the Gospel age. This cannot mean the contrary to what Paul had just stated--that our Lord had no sins. The "Head" was perfect but the "Body" was imperfect.
The once doing of this sacrificial work in the beginning of this antitypical "Atonement Day" is sufficient for all time.
His offering of himself at Jordan was accepted of the Father; the remainder was merely the fulfilling of the terms of the sacrifice. His personal sacrifice was finished at Calvary. The body which God prepared for sacrifice may properly be viewed from two standpoints--the human body of Jesus, and the Church which is his body. The body which God prepared for sacrifice may properly be viewed from two standpoints--the human body of Jesus, and the Church which is his body.
Hebrews 7:28 MKJV For the Law appoints men high priests who have infirmity, but the word of the swearing of an oath, after the Law, has consecrated the Son forever, having been perfected.
For the law appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses: Under the Law of Moses, the priests were always men with weaknesses. But Jesus a Son who has been perfected forever. Because He is a perfect High Priest, He was able to offer up Himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sin. Jesus is perfectly qualified to be our perfect High Priest - perfected for
Who is consecrated forevermore - Margin, “Perfected;” see the note at Heb_2:10. The idea is, that the appointment is “complete” and “permanent.” It does not pass from one to the other. It is perfect in all the arrangements, and will remain so forever.
Quotes taken from John Guzik, Charles Russell, Albert Barnes, E.W. Bullinger, John Gill, Adam Clarke, Cambridge Bible, Expositor’s Bible, William Baker and more.
