Melchizedek

Today’s Text:              Hebrews 7

Introduction

This wonderful chapter demonstrates the difference between the priesthood of Melchizedek and that of Aaron, and it does it in a way that also demonstrates Melchizedek’s superiority.  In so doing, the author ties Jesus in as being altogether superior to the Old Covenant and its priesthood, a theme to be carried on in the next chapter. He will do this in part by connecting the material introduced in chapters 5 and 6 to ultimately demonstrate that Jesus, our superior high priest has brought a superior sacrifice to establish a superior covenant with superior promises.

Points of Interest:

1-3:                  The Hebrews author recalls the story of Melchizedek and Abraham from Genesis 14:17-20. Notice that Melchizedek was both a king and a priest; this was not unheard of, but it doesn’t follow the Jewish model: it is a combination of offices he shares with Jesus.  Notice also the name, king of righteousness and king of peace: another item in common with Jesus.  Finally notice that he is without genealogy having no beginning of or end of days: same with Jesus (on His Father’s side).  Many believe that Melchizedek is actually a pre-incarnation appearance of Jesus Christ (called a “Christiophony”) Both are priests forever. Genesis 14:17-20 and Hebrews are the only places in the Bible where Melchizedek is mentioned, and whether or not you accept that he was Christ pre-incarnate, he is most definitely a “type” of Christ.

4-10:                Our author is making the case that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham, since Abraham gave him a tithe, the first ever recorded.  Abraham would not pay tribute to someone who was not greater, so Melchizedek was the greater.  He was also superior to the Levites, because by extension they too paid tribute to him through their forefather Abraham.  Can you think of anyone else who has been recorded in Scripture as being superior to Abraham?

11-19:              The Old Covenant could not bring about perfection which existed prior to the fall of Adam, so a better covenant was needed in order for God to fulfill His purpose of redemption.  The Levitical priesthood could make atonement for sin, setting aside the punishment for sin for a time.  What God intended to do was to take sin away entirely, and for this purpose, the Levitical priesthood was entirely inadequate.  In bringing about a new priesthood, the law would have to be changed, and that is what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Jesus was not a Levite, He was of the tribe of Judah, the tribe of kings not priests.  Melchizedek was a king and priest; Jesus would become of the order of Melchizedek in order to take sin away.  Again Psalm 110:4 is quoted, Jesus has set aside the “former regulation” which of course is the Law of Moses, because it was not intended to accomplish God’s ultimate purpose for it was only there to prepare the way for Jesus.  The Law was inadequate and useless in accomplishing God’s ultimate end, so it was set aside to make room for the new.

20-28:              The Levitical priests became priests because of their genealogy.  Jesus, the new high priest became high priest because God swore an oath.  There would be no more priestly genealogy because Jesus rose from the dead and serves in the office of high priest forever.  As a consequence of this amazing act of God, Jesus is able to save completely those who will follow Him because He is always there to intercede for them: this was not possible under the Old Covenant. The New Covenant is the only way to salvation; the Old Covenant is over forever. Thus we say: The New Covenant is superior to the Old Covenant.