Hebrews chapter 7 focuses extensively on the priesthood of Melchizedek and its connection to Christ. The author begins by recounting the historical account of Melchizedek, the king and priest who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him. This ancient figure, whose origins and lineage are not recorded in Scripture, serves as a symbolic type of Christ, whose priesthood is eternal and not dependent on genealogical descent as required under the Levitical system.
The chapter then argues for the superiority of this Melchizedekian priesthood over the Levitical priesthood established through the law of Moses. Since Abraham, the ancestor of Levi, paid tithes to Melchizedek and received a blessing from him, this demonstrates that Melchizedek’s priesthood holds a greater position of honor. The author uses this argument to show that the law, along with its priesthood, was imperfect and always pointed toward something greater, a priesthood that would not need to be repeated or replaced.
The chapter concludes by directly applying these truths to Jesus Christ, who became a priest not through human ordinance but through the power of an indestructible life. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were many and mortal, Christ holds His priesthood permanently because He continues forever. This makes Him able to save completely all who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede on their behalf as a perfect and sinless high priest.
Chapter 7 (BBE)
1 For this Melchizedek, the king of Salem, a priest of the Most High God, who gave Abraham his blessing, meeting him when he came back after putting the kings to death,
2 And to whom Abraham gave a tenth part of everything which he had, being first named King of righteousness, and then in addition, King of Salem, that is to say, King of peace;
3 Being without father or mother, or family, having no birth or end to his life, being made like the Son of God, is a priest for ever.
4 Now see how great this man was, to whom our father Abraham gave a tenth part of what he had got in the fight.
5 And it is true that by the law, those of the sons of Levi who have the position of priests may take a tenth part of the people’s goods; that is to say, they take it from their brothers though these are the sons of Abraham.
6 But this man, who was not of their family, took the tenth from Abraham, and gave a blessing to him to whom God had given his undertaking.
7 But there is no doubt that the less gets his blessing from the greater.
8 Now at the present time, men over whom death has power take the tenth; but then it was taken by one of whom it is witnessed that he is living.
9 And we may say that in Abraham, even Levi, who has a right to take the tenth part, gave it;
10 Because he was still in his father’s body when Melchizedek came to him.
11 Now if it was possible for things to be made complete through the priests of the house of Levi (for the law was given to the people in connection with them), what need was there for another priest who was of the order of Melchizedek and not of the order of Aaron?
12 Because if the priests are changed, it is necessary to make a change in the law.
13 For he of whom these things are said comes of another tribe, of which no man has ever made offerings at the altar.
14 Because it is clear that our Lord comes out of Judah, and Moses said nothing about priests from that tribe.
15 And this is even more clear if a second priest has come up who is like Melchizedek,
16 That is to say, not made by a law based on the flesh, but by the power of a life without end:
17 For it has been witnessed of him, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
18 So the law which went before is put on one side, because it was feeble and without profit.
19 (Because the law made nothing complete), and in its place there is a better hope, through which we come near to God.
20 And as this is not without the taking of an oath
21 (For those were made priests without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by him who says of him, The Lord gave his oath, which he will not take back, that you are a priest for ever);
22 By so much is it a better agreement which we have through Jesus.
23 And it is true that there have been a great number of those priests, because death does not let them go on for ever;
24 But this priest, because his life goes on for ever, is unchanging.
25 So that he is fully able to be the saviour of all who come to God through him, because he is ever living to make prayer to God for them.
26 It was right for us to have such a high priest, one who is holy and without evil, doing no wrong, having no part with sinners, and made higher than the heavens:
27 Who has no need to make offerings for sins every day, like those high priests, first for himself, and then for the people; because he did this once and for ever when he made an offering of himself.
28 The law makes high priests of men who are feeble; but the word of the oath, which was made after the law, gives that position to a Son, in whom all good is for ever complete.
Important Verses
Verse 3 “Without father, without mother, without family, having no beginning of days, or end of life, but made like the Son of God; Melchizedek remains a priest for ever.” This verse describes the mysterious and eternal quality of Melchizedek, which serves as a picture of the eternal priesthood of Christ.
Verse 17 “For it is witnessed of him, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” This verse confirms that Christ’s priesthood is permanent and follows the pattern established by Melchizedek rather than the temporary Levitical order.
Verse 25 “So then he is able to make them safe for all time who come to God through him, because he is ever living to be their high priest with God.” This verse emphasizes the completeness of the salvation Christ provides, since He continually intercedes for believers as their eternal high priest.
Verse 26 “Such a high priest was right for us, holy, without evil, undefiled, having no part with sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” This verse highlights the moral perfection and exalted position of Christ, qualifying Him uniquely to serve as the ultimate high priest.
