Hebrews Chapter 7
In order to make the argument about Christ’s high priesthood as convincing as it can be, the author of Hebrews begins this chapter by establishing the importance of Melchidzedek who resembles the Son of God in many respects and hence serves as a type of Christ.
Melchidzedek, priest of the Most High God went out to meet Abraham after the latter’s return from war and the defeat of Chedorlaomer king of Elam and the other kings with him. Those four kings had earlier fought against Sodom and Gomorrah, defeated the five kings and captured Lot the nephew of Abraham and also taken all his goods. Abraham brought 318 trained men of his household and went in pursuit of the four kings to rescue Lot. He returned safely, bringing back much spoils.
Melchidzedek blessed Abraham. The latter gave Melchidzedek a tenth part of all (Heb.7:1-10; Gen. 14:8-12, 14-20). The author said it showed the superiority of Melchidzedek to Abraham and to Levi the priest under the Mosaic covenant. Levi who received tithes was said to have paid tithes through Abraham, for Levi was still in the loins of his father when Melchidzedek blessed Abraham and when the latter gave tithes to the former.
Melchidzedek and his priesthood typify the Lord Jesus Christ and His priesthood.
The priesthood of Jesus was not according to the Mosaic covenant. Nor was it changeable like the levitical priesthood upon the death of each high priest.
Jesus Christ incarnate was not of the tribe of Levi but of the household of Joseph and Mary from the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:11-17). Thus the priesthood of Jesus Christ was established not according to the law of Moses but after the order of Melchidzedek, unchangeable and perpetual. Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:16-17, 23-25).
The priesthood of Jesus Christ being not according to that of the levitical priesthood, necessitates a change of the law.
For Jesus Christ is the Most High Priest raised according to the order of Melchidzedek. His priesthood in the likeness of Melchidzedek’s is not according to the law of fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
The annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness is also justified, for the law made nothing perfect. Through the priesthood of Jesus there is the bringing in of a better hope by which we draw near to God. Jesus is made priest by an oath of the LORD to Him, ‘The LORD has sworn and will not relent. You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchidzedek.’ By so much more than that being without an oath, Jesus has become a surety of a better hope. (Heb.7:12, 18-22).
Jesus Christ the High Priest is fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, separate from sinners and has become higher than the heavens, who once for all offered up Himself for sins. The word of the oath which came after the law appoints Him who has been perfected forever (Heb.7:26-28).
Summary:
- Jesus Christ is the high priest after the order of Melchizedek for He lives forever.
- There is an annulling of the law because the priesthood of Jesus after the order of Melchidzedek is not of the order under the Mosaic law.
- Jesus has an unchangeable priesthood, hence He always lives to make intercession for us.
- Jesus is made high priest by the oath of the LORD, so much more than one without an oath.
- Through Jesus Christ and His priesthood there is a better hope, the hope not in the earthly promised land of Canaan but in the eternal kingdom of heaven (Heb. 11:16).
Exhortation:
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that e may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
(Heb. 4:15-16)