Hebrews 5:4 – “And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is explaining a very important truth: being a high priest wasn’t a job someone could just choose for themselves. It was an honor, but it wasn’t something a person could grab on their own. The role had to be given by God. Just like Aaron in the Old Testament was chosen by God to be the first high priest, every other high priest after him had to be called by God too.
This verse tells us that spiritual leadership is not about ambition or self-promotion. It’s not about being powerful or important in people’s eyes. It’s a calling from God-something only He can give. If someone tried to step into that role without being chosen, it would go against God’s design.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament, Aaron was Moses’ brother, and God handpicked him to serve as the first high priest for the people of Israel (see Exodus 28:1). The position wasn’t earned by good behavior or voted on by people-it was given directly by God. After Aaron, the high priesthood passed down through his descendants in the tribe of Levi.
There were times when people tried to take this role for themselves, and it never went well. One example is Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16, where Korah and others challenged Aaron’s role as priest. God judged them harshly, making it clear that only He has the authority to choose His servants.
Theological Implications
This verse shows us that spiritual authority comes from God, not from human decision or effort. It’s a divine calling, not a career path. This teaches humility-it reminds us that we don’t appoint ourselves to speak for God or represent others before Him.
It also highlights that God is the one who chooses how people come to Him. He set up the priesthood in the Old Testament, and He appointed Jesus as the perfect High Priest in the New. We don’t get to make up our own ways to approach God. We come through the way He has provided.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse is very clear and balanced. It begins with a negative statement-“no one takes this honor on himself”-and then gives the positive truth-“he receives it when called by God.” This kind of contrast helps the reader understand that the role of high priest is not self-made but God-given.
The final phrase, “just as Aaron was,” serves as a key reference point. It reminds the reader of the authority of God’s past actions and sets up the comparison with Jesus in the next verse (Hebrews 5:5).
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 28:1 – “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons, so they may serve me as priests.”
- Numbers 16:1-35 – Korah’s rebellion against God’s chosen priest, and the serious consequences.
- Jeremiah 1:5 – God calling Jeremiah before he was born-emphasizing divine calling.
- Hebrews 5:5 – “In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest…”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that we don’t choose the ways we come to God-He does. We can’t save ourselves or appoint ourselves to be right with Him. It also tells us that true spiritual leadership comes from God’s calling, not human plans. We need to be careful not to follow those who promote themselves, but those whom God has truly called.
It also encourages us to trust that God knows what He’s doing when He places people in certain roles. We don’t need to fight for position or try to be something we’re not. Instead, we can focus on being faithful where God has placed us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love shows in the way He takes care of His people by choosing the right person to represent them. He doesn’t leave it up to human pride or politics. He appoints people who will act in obedience to Him.
Also, because God is the one who calls and chooses, we can trust that His plan is always best. He doesn’t leave us guessing about how to approach Him-He makes the way clear.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly leads into the next verse, which says Jesus didn’t take the role of High Priest on Himself-He was appointed by God. Just like Aaron was chosen, Jesus was chosen. But Jesus is greater. He wasn’t just another human priest-He is God’s own Son, chosen to be our perfect High Priest forever.
- Hebrews 5:5 – Jesus didn’t glorify Himself, but was appointed by God.
- Psalm 110:4 – “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Quoted later in Hebrews)
- John 5:30 – Jesus said He came not to do His own will, but the will of the Father who sent Him.
This shows us that Jesus is not a self-appointed leader. He is the one God Himself chose to bring us back to Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why is it important that no one could take the honor of high priest for themselves?
- How does this verse help you understand the seriousness of spiritual leadership?
- What can we learn from God’s choice of Aaron-and later Jesus-as high priests?
- How does knowing Jesus was appointed by God give you confidence in Him?
- Are there areas where you’ve tried to take something God hasn’t given? How can you trust His calling instead?