Introduction

Hebrews 7 delves into the mysterious figure of Melchizedek and his priesthood, explaining how Jesus’ priesthood is in the order of Melchizedek, which is superior to the Levitical priesthood. This chapter emphasizes the eternal and unchangeable nature of Jesus’ priesthood, making Him the perfect mediator between God and humanity. The chapter also highlights the superiority of the New Covenant established through Jesus.

The Mysterious Melchizedek

Melchizedek’s Unique Priesthood

The author begins by describing Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him (Hebrews 7:1). Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness,” and he is also “king of Salem,” meaning “king of peace” (Hebrews 7:2).

No Recorded Genealogy

The author points out that Melchizedek is without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God; he remains a priest forever (Hebrews 7:3). This mysterious description highlights Melchizedek’s unique and eternal priesthood.

The Superiority of Melchizedek’s Priesthood

Abraham’s Tithe to Melchizedek

The author emphasizes the greatness of Melchizedek by noting that even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder (Hebrews 7:4). This act of tithing indicates Melchizedek’s superiority over Abraham.

Levitical Priests and Melchizedek

The author explains that the Levitical priests, who collect a tenth from the people (their brothers), are descended from Abraham. Yet Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises (Hebrews 7:5-6). This blessing shows Melchizedek’s superiority.

The Greater Blesses the Lesser

The author states that without doubt, the lesser person is blessed by the greater (Hebrews 7:7). This reinforces the idea that Melchizedek is greater than Abraham.

Mortal and Immortal Priests

The author contrasts the Levitical priests, who are mortal, with Melchizedek, who is declared to be living (Hebrews 7:8). This comparison underscores the eternal nature of Melchizedek’s priesthood.

Levi’s Tithe Through Abraham

The author argues that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor (Hebrews 7:9-10). This indicates the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood.

The Need for a New Priesthood

Imperfection of the Levitical Priesthood

The author notes that if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? (Hebrews 7:11). This question highlights the insufficiency of the Levitical priesthood.

A Change in the Priesthood and the Law

The author states that when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law (Hebrews 7:12). This indicates a fundamental shift in God’s covenant with His people.

Jesus from the Tribe of Judah

The author notes that Jesus, who belongs to a different tribe, of which no one has ever served at the altar, is from the tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:13-14). This highlights the newness of Jesus’ priesthood.

The Power of an Indestructible Life

The author explains that Jesus became a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to His ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. He quotes Psalm 110:4: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:15-17). This emphasizes the eternal and divine nature of Jesus’ priesthood.

The Superiority of Jesus’ Priesthood

A Better Hope

The author states that the former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God (Hebrews 7:18-19). This better hope is found in Jesus.

God’s Oath

The author emphasizes that Jesus became a priest with an oath when God said to Him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever'” (Hebrews 7:20-21). This divine oath underscores the certainty and permanence of Jesus’ priesthood.

Superior Covenant

Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22). This new covenant is superior to the old one established through the Levitical priesthood.

Permanent Priesthood

The author highlights that there have been many priests since death prevented them from continuing in office, but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood (Hebrews 7:23-24). This permanence ensures the continuity and efficacy of Jesus’ intercession.

Jesus’ Intercession

The author concludes that because Jesus lives forever, He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him because He always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25). This assurance of Jesus’ ongoing intercession is a source of great comfort and confidence for believers.

Jesus, the Perfect High Priest

Holy, Blameless, and Pure

The author describes Jesus as holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens (Hebrews 7:26). These qualities make Jesus uniquely qualified to be our High Priest.

Once for All Sacrifice

Unlike the other high priests, Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself (Hebrews 7:27). This once-for-all sacrifice contrasts sharply with the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priests.

Appointed by the Oath

The author concludes by stating that the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever (Hebrews 7:28). This final statement reinforces the superiority and permanence of Jesus’ priesthood.

Conclusion: Significance and Relevance

Connection to Jesus Christ

Hebrews 7 is deeply connected to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His unique and eternal priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. His priesthood is based on the power of an indestructible life and is confirmed by God’s oath. Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice and His eternal intercession highlight His role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity.

God’s Love for the World

This chapter demonstrates God’s love by providing a perfect and eternal High Priest in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus’ priesthood, believers have a better hope and a better covenant. God’s unchanging promise and Jesus’ ongoing intercession reflect His deep commitment to saving and sustaining His people. The assurance of Jesus’ perfect and permanent priesthood is a profound expression of God’s love and care for humanity.

Contemporary Relevance

Hebrews 7 remains profoundly relevant today as it addresses the need for a perfect mediator and the assurance of eternal salvation. The chapter’s emphasis on the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood provides believers with confidence in their relationship with God. The assurance that Jesus is always interceding for us offers comfort and hope in times of uncertainty.

The chapter’s focus on the new covenant established through Jesus challenges believers to live in the light of this better hope, drawing near to God with confidence. The permanence and perfection of Jesus’ priesthood call believers to trust fully in His completed work and ongoing intercession.

Through its focus on the unique and eternal priesthood of Jesus, Hebrews 7 equips believers to understand and appreciate the depth of Jesus’ role as High Priest. It calls for a response of faith, trust, and confidence in the superior and everlasting covenant established through Jesus Christ.