Hebrews 7:1-10

Hebrews 7:1-10

The author began talking about Melchizedek in chapter 5, but because the audience was stuck on some specific basics, he digressed onto the importance of maturing in their faith. He now returns to the mysterious subject of Melchizedek. Of all the characters in the Bible, few have generated more speculation, some of which is outlandish, than Melchizedek. Rather than chase speculations, we will be better able to understand this passage by remembering the point and purpose of the letter to the Hebrews. Jewish disciples were being tempted to return to Judaism. One of the appeals comes from the history, heritage, and grandeur of the priestly worship in Judaism.

The author argues, essentially, why settle for an inferior priestly worship when in Christ you have a superior priestly order and worship? Jesus is a priest not in the order of Aaron but of the superior order of Melchizedek. The author begins to explain how the order of Melchizedek is superior; under the law a priest could not be a king. The tribe of Levi provided priests, and the tribe of Judah provided kings. But Melchizedek was both a priest and a king. The order of family succession was critical for the priesthood of Aaron. Not every member of the tribe of Levi could be a priest, but only those from specific families. Tracing one's family tree was an essential part of the qualifications of being a priest. Melchizedek has no family record on which his priesthood depends. He is a priest in his own right. Verse 3 has led to a great deal of speculation. This is not the time to chase down all those rabbit trails; however, what is said of Melchizedek in verse 3 could never be said of any Aaronic priest. Finally, the author points out that Abraham, who was the father of Israel and of the Levitical priesthood, offered ties of plunder to this priest from a different order. Consider this succession: greater than the Levites were the priests, greater still were the high priests, even greater was Aaron, and beyond Aaron's greatness was the greatness of Abraham. This Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. In the Priestly Order of Melchizedek, we find Christ. It is really quite simple: “Why leave the greater priestly order to return to the inferior order?”

“Thank You Lord for Your absolute superiority. AMEN”