HEBREWS 7 JESUS CHRIST: PRIEST AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK Verses 1-3 MELCHIZEDEK, PRIEST OF THE MOST HIGH GOD 1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace, 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. Now the writer of Hebrews elaborates upon his argument that Jesus Christ is a better High Priest that those of the Levitical/Aaronic priesthood. The writer has already quoted Psalms 110:4 The LORD has sworn and will not relent, You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. three times {Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20} and will quote this verse two more times {Hebrews 7:17, 21} concerning Jesus Why does Hebrews spend so much time associating Jesus with Melchizedek 1? Because the average Jew would know that all priests that served in the Temple descended from the tribe of Levi but Jesus Christ s earthly incarnation was from the tribe of Judah. How can one reconcile the fact that Jesus is a better High Priest when he did not come from the priestly line of Levi? So, to be a legitimate High Priest, Jesus must receive His priesthood from another, superior source. Does such a source exist? Yes, absolutely in the priestly order of Melchizedek. The writer of Hebrews now explains how this is possible by recounting the story of Melchizedek from Genesis 14:14-20. By comparing Melchizedek with Jesus the writer of Hebrews identifies Jesus as a Priest of the Most High God in the same manner as Melchizedek was long before Levi was even born. Melchizedek was the King of Salem ancient Jerusalem, the city of David and the place identified with the presence of the LORD. The characteristics of Melchizedek are: (1) Melchi-zedek { king of righteousness } Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1. (2) King of Salem { king of Peace } John 14:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:16. (3) Priest of the Most High God { Elyon } Mark 5:7; Acts 16:17. (4) Without father or mother, without genealogy (5) Having neither beginning of days nor end of life John 1:1-4. (6) Remains a priest continually John 12:34; Romans 8:34; 2 Cor. 9:9; 11:31; Hebrews 1:8; 10:14. It is significant that all these attributes are also true of Jesus Christ so that Melchizedek represents a type of Christ. Notice the bread and wine in Genesis 14:18 symbols of Christ s sacrifice! 1 It should be noted that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints [Mormon church] associates their priesthood with that of Melchizedek. However, there is no scriptural basis for this. The Bible teaches that there is only one priest after the Order of Melchizedek Jesus Christ. Note that for the Mormon claim to be true, their priests would have to have either descended from or been ordained by Jesus, not Melchizedek, since Jesus is the last one mentioned in that order. Additionally, as far as we know, Jesus did not formally establish a priestly order of Melchizedek. Indeed, the scriptures tell us that all believers are saints in Jesus Christ and that we are ALL part of the royal priesthood {1 Peter 2:4-6, 9,10; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6}. 1
Verses 4-10 MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD BETTER THAN LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD 4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. 5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; 6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. 8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. We know that the sons of Levi, who comprised the Jewish priesthood, collected tithes and offerings from the other tribes and were given that responsibility by God {Numbers 18:26-32; 2 Chronicles 31:4-6}. But here, the greatness or superiority of Melchizedek s priesthood is considered because Abraham, the father of Levi who receives tithes, gave him a tenth (tithe) of all the spoils. Note the subtlety of the argument for it is based on genealogy and the fact that Melchizedek was not descended from Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob and Jacob begot Levi. Thus, from the Jewish understanding, Levi [who receives tithes and offerings] paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham since he was in his grandfather s loins at the time. In this way the priesthood of Melchizedek represents a better or superior priesthood than that of Levi. In like fashion, Jesus Christ represents a better priesthood because He is a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Therefore, since Jesus Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek {Hebrews 5:6; 6:20; 7:17,21}, His priesthood is not only legitimate but also superior! Note an important spiritual principle: the lessor is blessed by the greater (or superior). One cannot bless above and beyond their authority and position. Are you spiritually mature, strong in the faith? Then help those others in the faith who are struggling with matters of temptation, sin, grief and sorrow. Bless them by praying for them, by showing kindness and taking the time to encourage and counsel them. Verses 11-17 JESUS CHRIST BRINGS PERFECTION TO THE PRIESTHOOD FOREVER 11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For He testifies: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. 2
Since Psalms 110:4 testifies of another priesthood being established, this implies that another priest should arise. This priesthood would not only be different from that of Levi, but also from Aaron the High Priests. When the priesthood changes, there is an associated change in the rules of engagement, i.e., there is a change in the law that prescribes the dynamics of the priesthood. This happened when Jesus transferred us from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in His blood. {See e.g., Matthew 9:16,17; 26:26-29; Hebrews 9:16-22}. Note the acknowledgement that the Law given to Moses spoke of no priest arising out of the tribe of Judah. But there was a change of Covenants and that necessitated a change in priesthood according to the model of Melchizedek. The contrast is between the law of fleshly commandment [which cannot save from sin] and the law of the power of an endless life Jesus Christ! Even though the Levitical priesthood and its order was established, another priest was to rise according to the order of Melchizedek with Melchizekek s distinguishing characteristics! What are these? Hebrews 7:3 tells us the answer:..without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. Every Levitical priest and High Priest eventually died and the animal sacrifices continued. But Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again to live forever-making intercession for us. Since Jesus Christ will never die again His sacrifice is once for all and brings perfection {or completion} to the priestly ministry. What is this priestly ministry? It is the spiritual service of (1) offering up blood sacrifices to God on behalf of the people and (2) identifying with the needs of the people. In short, priests are intercessors who represent God to the people and the people to God (see notes in Hebrews 5:1-4). Since Jesus Christ is a {high} priest according to the order of Melchizedek, He is superior to and better than Levitical (Aaronic) priesthood since, like Melchizedek, He precedes and supercedes them. How great and marvelous is God s plan of salvation that does not compromise His righteousness, holiness or integrity yet pours out His love, grace and mercy to save the sinner! Verses 18-24 JESUS CHRIST IS THE GUARANTEE OF A BETTER COVENANT 18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 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. 20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath 21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The Lord has sworn and will not relent, 'You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek ), 22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. 23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 3
In the concluding verses of this chapter, the writer of Hebrews now presents the practical result of the fact that Jesus Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. As a priest, Jesus is the initiator of a New covenant since we have seen that every priesthood { also there were many priests } has an associated set of rules describing/regulating it. See Hebrews 9:11-15. The writer of Hebrews is basically saying that the former commandment, that is the Law given to Moses also known as the Old Covenant, was never intended to be permanent. It has been annulled by a New Covenant the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Greek word used here [115 athetesis (ath-et'-ay-sis)] means cancel out, set aside or put away {used only one other time and translated put away sin in Heb. 9:26}. This is consistent with what Paul writes in Gal. 3:1-29. The reasons given for the annulling of the Old Covenant are threefold: (1) It has a built-in weakness 2 {because the flesh is weak, it could not save us from our sins} (2) Romans 3:19-26; 7:5-14; 8:1-10(11-15); Galatians 4:7-11; (3) It was unprofitable 3 {no one can keep the Law 100% & besides, no Law can save us} (4) Acts 13:38-41; Romans 3:10-12; Galatians 3:10-14; 5:1-6; James 2:10-13 (5) It made nothing perfect 4 {it could not lead to closure or full maturity, yet it was necessary} (6) Colossians 2:6-17; Hebrews 8:6-13; 10:11-14. This New Covenant represents a Last Will and Testament of God. Note what the writer of Hebrews reminds us about the dynamics of a Will, or in our context, a Covenant: Hebrews 9:16-22. In the New Covenant we have a better hope because through it we are made children of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This hope is permanent, reserved or sealed for us in Heaven. For that reason alone we can and should draw near to God {cp. Hebrews 4:14-16}. Note again that Jesus was made a priest by the oath or authority of God quoting again from Psalms 110:4 basically on His own authority for there is no one greater! Verse 22 is the key verse in this passage: by so much more Jesus has become a surety 5 of a better covenant. Just as Jesus Christ has been already been shown to be better 6 or superior to the prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, Aaron and the Levitical priesthood now Jesus is shown to be the guarantor/sponsor/underwriter of a better/superior Covenant. Jesus is God s handshake [surety] to us confirming the deal the New Covenant of Salvation through the sacrificial blood of Christ Jesus. It is very important to stress this, especially to help convince the Jewish Christians of the legitimacy of Jesus priesthood. {See Hebrews 8:6,7; 9:15; 12:24; 13:20,21}. In chapter 8:7-12 we will see that this New Covenant was prophesied to the Jews {Jeremiah 31:31-34}! Finally, since Jesus has died but was raised to life never to die again, He continues forever as priest and mediator so that His priesthood is unchangeable. AMEN! 2 The Greek word used here [772 asthenes (as-then-ace') ] is elsewhere translated sick, impotent, more feeble. 3 The Greek word used here [512 anopheles (an-o-fel'-ace)] means useless, having no practical utility, lit. not helpful or unserviceable. Carries the idea of futility. This word used only here and in Titus 3:9. 4 The Greek word used here [5048 teleioo (tel-i-o'-o)] means to finish, consummate, bring to a close or end, accomplish. Carries with it the idea of full maturity. 5 The Greek word used here [1450 egguos (eng'-goo-os)] comes from en and guion (a limb) and means pledged (associated with engualizoo, meaning to put a pledge in the hollow of the hand). A pledge or the one who gives the pledge or guarantee. This is the only place in the NT where this word is used. 6 Better [2909 kreitton (krite'-tohn)] superior, stronger, nobler, more useful, more serviceable, more advantageous, more excellent. 4
Verses 25-28 JESUS CHRIST REDEEMS COMPLETELY AND PERMANENTLY The Superiority of Christ s Priesthood 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession [INTERVENTION] for them. 26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. Therefore : Because of all of this (vv. 1-24) Jesus Christ, as great High Priest, is able to save to the uttermost. Jesus is able to deliver, preserve, keep safe and protect a person from eternal judgment and separation from God. Jesus always lives to make not only intercession for us, but also to intervene on our behalf as Judge Advocate General. The fact that Jesus who died but now will always live means that His priestly ministry is unchangeable and non-variable. {There is no shadow of turning with God}. And He is able to do this entirely all encompassing! The Greek word here is [3838 panteles (pan-tel-ace')] and it comes from two other Greek words [pan = all inclusive] and [telos = point aimed at as a limit] so this word can mean; full-ended, entirety, completely, perfectly, utterly. [Jesus used a form of telos when He cried out from the cross; It is finished! in John 19:30.] See Ephesians 3:14-21. (We derive our English words telescope and television from this.) But note carefully, only those who come to God through Him. No one comes to the Father except through Him {John 14:6} and as the Father draws them {John 6:44}. And we are told by the apostle Peter in Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Because Jesus is separate from sinners, we can be separated unto Him never having to fear separation again! See Romans 8:35-39. In Christ Jesus we are also a royal priesthood {1 Peter 2:9,10; 3:18}. [To make intercession for them] The idea is not "intercession," but "intervention." It includes every form of Christ's identifying himself with human interests. The attempt has been made to trace this idea to Philo, who alludes to the [logos hiketees], "the suppliant Logos," and the [logos parakleeetos], the "advocate-logos." But the Logos is not treated by Philo as a divine-human personality intervening for human beings, but as a poetical personification allegorically considered. In this scheme the suppliant logos is the visible Cosmos striving to realize its ideal. 1793 entugchano (en-toong-khan'-o)] to chance upon, i.e. (by implication) confer with; by extension to entreat (in favor or against). 5
Jesus Christ is both High Priest and the blood sacrifice! As the Lamb of God {John 1:29, 36} Jesus blood, shed on the cross of Calvary, not only covers or cleanses but also removes sin as far as the west is from the east {Psalms 103:8-12} never to be remembered anymore {Psalms 79:8; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17}. Jesus Christ is the one-and-for-all sacrifice that not only procures our salvation but forever seals it as well {2 Corinthians 1:20-22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:11-14; 4:30}. Our salvation is permanent and secure because Jesus position as priestly intercessor is permanent and secure. Only such a savior is fitting. Note the character of both the sacrificer {Priest} and the sacrifice {Lamb}: (1) Holy pure physical and moral excellence (2) harmless never injuring anyone, without malice, innocent (3) undefiled unstained & unpolluted by evil, ethical cleanness (4) separate from sinners did not partake of man s wickedness, unique (5) made higher than the heavens exalted above all creation holy 3741 hosios (hos'-ee-os)] of uncertain affinity; properly, right (by intrinsic or divine character; thus distinguished from 1342, which refers rather to human statutes and relations; from 2413, which denotes formal consecration; and from 40, which relates to purity from defilement), i.e. hallowed (pious, sacred, sure): 3741 hosios- undefiled by sin, free from wickedness, religiously observing every moral obligation, pure holy, pious harmless 172 akakos (ak'-ak-os) ]from 1 (as a negative particle) and 2556; not bad, i.e. (objectively) innocent or (subjectively) unsuspecting: harmless, simple. 172 akakos- 1) without guile or fraud, harmless, free from guilt 2) fearing no evil from others, distrusting no one. Free from evil. Undefiled 283 amiantos (am-ee'-an-tos) ]from 1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of 3392; unsoiled, i.e. (figuratively) pure: undefiled. 283 amiantos- not defiled, unsoiled: free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed and debased, or its force and vigor impaired Separated [from sinners] 5563 chorizo (kho-rid'-zo) ] from 5561; to place room between, i.e. part; reflexively, to go away: depart, put asunder, separate. 5563 chorizo- to separate, to divide, to part, to put asunder, to separate oneself from, to depart: a) to leave a husband or wife; used of divorce b) to depart, to go away [For such an High Priest became us] Was suited to our condition. That is, there was that in our character and circumstances which demanded that a high priest for us should be personally holy. It was not requisite merely that he should have great power; or that he should be of a rank superior to that of the Jewish priesthood; but there was a special propriety that he should surpass all others in "moral" purity. Other priests were mere mortal men, and it was necessary that their office should pass to other hands; they were "sinful" men also, and it was necessary that sacrifices should be made for themselves as well as others. We need, however, a different priest. We need not only one who ever lives, but one who is perfectly holy, and who has no need to bring an offering for himself, and all the merit of whose sacrifice, therefore, may be ours. Such an high priest we have in the person of the Lord Jesus; and there is no truth more interesting, and no proposition more susceptible of proof, than that HE IS EXACTLY FITTED TO MAN. In his moral character, and in the great work which he has accomplishcd, he is just such a Saviour as is adapted to the wants of ignorant, fallen, wretched, sinful man. He is benevolent, and pities our woes; wise, and is able to 6
enlighten our ignorance; compassionate, and ready to forgive our faults. He has made such a sacrifice as was necessary to put away our guilt, and offers such intercession as we need to have offered for us in order that we may be preserved from falling. [Who is holy] Not merely "outwardly righteous," but pure in heart. [Harmless] Not injuring anyone. To no one did he do wrong. Neither to their name, person, or property, did he ever do injury; nor will he ever. He is the only one who has lived on earth of whom it could be said that he never, in any way, did wrong to another. [Undefiled] By sin; by any improper desire or passion. He was unstained by crime; "unspotted from the world." Sin always defiles the soul; but from every such pollution the Lord Jesus was free. [Separate from sinners] That is, he did not associate with them as such. He did not partake of their feelings, plans, pleasures. Though he mingled with them, yet it was merely to do them good, and in all his life there was an entire separation from the feelings, principles, and views of a sinful world. [And made higher than the heavens] Exalted above the visible heavens; that is, at the right hand of God; see the notes on <Eph. 1:21; Phil 2:9>. We needed a high priest who is thus exalted that he may manage our cause before the throne of God. (from Barnes' Notes) Because of the holiness and greatness of Jesus Christ as a perfect and eternal priest, He is exalted above the heavens and He is the only Mediator between God and man {1 Timothy 2:3-6}. The LORD s throne is established in the heavens. Jesus is to be worshipped because He is before all things and above all things. See for example Daniel 4:34-37; Revelation 4:8-11; 5:9-14; 7:11,12; 11:15-18; 15:3,4; 16:4-7. Through Jesus Christ we have access to Heaven, the Father and the Throne of Grace because He, as a better High Priest, forever makes intercession for us {Isaiah 53:1-12}. He not only reveals the Holiness and Righteousness of God but He represents us to Him. Because our Great High Priest, Christ Jesus, is Holy and since we are a royal priesthood we are to live holy lives and remain separated from the defilement of the world. See 1 Peter 1:13-25; 2 Timothy 2:19-26. Finally, in closing, we are reminded that the covenant that was annulled (the ceremonial Law) appointed priests who had weaknesses [i.e., physical and moral frailty, disease and sicknesses]. But God s promise of a New and better covenant, which came after and supercedes the Old Covenant, appoints God s Son who is totally and completely free of any infirmity or defect. Jesus alone is able to accomplish, establish and finish 7 [bring to fulfillment, maturity and completeness] forever 8 all of God s promises of salvation. 7 perfected [5048 teleioo (tel-i-o'-o)] to complete, i.e. (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character): consecrate, finish, fulfil, make perfect. 8 forever [165 aion (ahee-ohn')] properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world without end; eternal. 7