MELCHIZEDEK’S PRIESTHOOD
HEBREWS 7:1–10
This man [Melchizedek], however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises
(Hebrews 7:6).
The author of Hebrews is writing to Jewish Christians who, because of persecution and the arguments of the Jews, are being tempted to go back into Judaism. He compares their situation with that of their ancestors, who came out of Egypt and then had to journey for a time through the wilderness before entering the promised land. He exhorts them to persevere in their journey, and reproves them for not having become more mature in their Christian walk.
In the midst of their trial he encourages them, telling them that Jesus, their Great High Priest, has already endured the trials before them. Indeed, Jesus endured far greater trials than they will ever have to undergo. They must understand that it is Jesus Himself who leads them through the wilderness, and it is He who brings them through these trials. Because He knows about suffering and temptation, they can trust Him to carry them through the wisdom-inducing suffering He sends their way.
The writer begins to discuss Jesus’ priesthood in chapter 5, but pauses to exhort them to maturity, for apparently his audience is accustomed to elementary doctrine. He is about to give them some real meat to chew on in chapter 7, as he returns to his discussion of Jesus’ priesthood, which is a priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
The problem is this: Jesus as Messianic King is of the tribe of Judah, a descendant of David. But the priests had to be of the tribe of Levi. So how could Jesus be a priest? The answer is that His priesthood is of a higher order than that of Levi. In Hebrews 7:4–10 he argues that priests receive tithes, and Abraham gives Melchizedek a tithe, receiving bread and wine in return (possibly anticipating the Lord’s Supper). Because Levi comes from Abraham, Levi tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham. Thus, Levi (through Abraham) recognizes the superior priesthood of Melchizedek. Melchizedek’s priesthood anticipated Jesus’ because it was not received through genealogical descent but directly from God. Thus, Jesus is like Melchizedek, not Levi. His priesthood is superior to that of Levi.
CORAM DEO
2 Kings 23:1–30
Jeremiah 1–3
Melchizedek blessed Abram with bread, wine, and the promise of God’s favor (Genesis 14:19–20). Abram responded by tithing. Christ blesses you with the Lord’s Supper, signifying God’s ultimate favor: forgiveness of sins. This Sunday respond like Abram. Return to God a tenth of your increase.
For further study: Genesis 14:17–20 • Psalm 110:1–4 • Hebrews 5:1–6
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A Change of Covenants
HEBREWS 7:11–22
For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law
(Hebrews 7:12).
The author of Hebrews continues to argue that Christ’s priesthood is superior to that of Levi. He points out that the Law given through Moses came on the basis of the Levitical priesthood. Exodus 24 shows us that the law was sealed to the people through the sacrifices offered under Aaron’s oversight. If, then, the Hebrew Christians turn back to the Mosaic covenant, they turn back to the Levitical priesthood.
But, he reminds them, each time there was a change of priesthood, there was also a change in the law. For instance, early in the book of 1 Samuel, Eli the high priest died about the same time the tabernacle is destroyed. When the temple was built by Solomon a century later, there was a change of priesthood. Eli was a descendant of Aaron’s son Ithamar, while Zadok was a descendant of Eleazar. Also when the Mosaic covenant itself was set up, there was change in priesthood. Formerly the head of each household was priest of that household; after Moses it was the descendants of Aaron who were priests.
Likewise, now that Jesus is priest after the order of Melchizedek, there is a change in the law. Of course the fundamental principles of justice embodied in the Sinaitic law have not changed, but the specific form of the law has changed. The temples, festivals, and other features of the law have been transformed into a new covenant form.
The author of Hebrews goes on to point out that it was a sign of the weakness of the Levitical priesthood that the high priests always died and had to be replaced with new ones. In a sense, each time a high priest died, there was a change in the law, for each new high priest ruled the house of God in his own style. Scripture recorded no end to Melchizedek’s priesthood, so figuratively it did not end. Now, however, Jesus will rule forever, since He will never die. The permanency of His priesthood shows that it is superior to that of Levi.
Moreover God did not swear by Himself that Levi’s priesthood would be eternal, but He did swear that the priesthood of the Greater Melchizedek would last forever.
CORAM DEO
Jeremiah 4–6
WEEKEND
Jeremiah 7–13
How many times in your life have things changed because someone has died or because someone in authority over you has been replaced by a new person? These experiences can be terribly unsettling. As you think about such times, hold fast to the knowledge that Jesus will never change and His rule will never expire.
For further study: Isa. 55:3–4 • Jer. 31:31–33 • 2 Cor. 3:5–8
WEEKEND