Hebrews Chapter 7 Part 2

 

Hebrews Chapter 7 Part 2

Jesus Compared to Melchizedek

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Heb 7:15

And it is... It is more abundantly manifest (Greek: katadelos, very plain) that God designed the Levitical priesthood to be changed, because of the oath in Psm. 110:1-7 which declares the Messiah should be a priest after the order of Melchizedek who was not only a priest but also a prophet and a king (Heb. 7:1-10). None of the Levitical priests exercised a double or a triple office, as was manifest in Jesus Christ.

there ariseth another...Because He is the eternal Second Person of the God-head, Christ’s priesthood cannot end. He obtained His priesthood, not by virtue of the law, but by virtue of His deity.

Revelation 1:18 “I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

A further proof (and what we have said is even more clear) is found in the consideration that the new Priest has an indestructible (akatalytou) life. Psm. 110:4 was here quoted again to show that such an unending life is an inherent part of the order of Melchizedek. (The author probably had this text in mind when he made the statement about Melchizedek in Heb. 7:8.)

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Heb 7:16

of a carnal... Greek: sarkines (see, Rom. 7:14). The word carnal does not always mean sinful or corrupt, but sometimes feeble, frail, or human. The idea here is that Christ was not appointed a priest after the order of Aaron wherein weak and perishing men must succeed each other, but He was made a High Priest after another order—after the power of immortality or endless life (Heb. 7:16-17).

The law dealt only with the temporal existence of Israel. The forgiveness which could be obtained even on the Day of Atonement was temporary. Those who ministered as priests under the law were mortals receiving their office by heredity. The Levitical system was dominated by matters of physical existence and transitory ceremonial-ism.

Thus the new Priest does not hold His office on the basis of a regulation as to His ancestry. This rendering freely translates the original which is more nearly represented by the words “not after the Law of a carnal commandment.” The writer seems to mean that the Law which regulated the priestly institution and succession was “carnal” or “fleshly,” not in the sense of being evil, but in the sense that it pertained to people of flesh who died.

For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Heb 7:17

Thou art a... The 17th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (Heb. 7:17; Psm. 110:4). Next, Heb. 7:21.

But this former regulation has been replaced because of its inherent weakness and uselessness. What has replaced it is the new priesthood which constitutes a better hope… by which we draw near to God.