Not so with Jesus and the priestly order of Melchizedek. "Days" mean his time of discharging his function. i. For He testifies: “You are a priest forever ii. This video is unavailable. Not agreeably to a statute is Christ appointed, but according to an inward living power. king . The high priests took part in these daily-offered sacrifices only on festival days; but as they represented the whole priesthood, the daily offerings are here attributed to them; their exclusive function was to offer the atonement "once every year" ( Hebrews 9:7 ), and "year by year continually" ( Hebrews 10:1 ). In Hebrews the law is associated with a priesthood that was been made obsolete by a superior priesthood. In Galatians, Paul showed the law as a tutor that brings us to Jesus. For--proving His life to be "endless" or indissoluble ( Hebrews 7:16 ). 14. evident--literally, "manifest before the eyes" as a thing indisputable; a proof that whatever difficulties may now appear, then Jesus Christ's genealogy labored under none. Of necessity: The priesthood of Aaron was connected to the Law of Moses. a. . But man blesses God in the sense of praising Him, or … of He was probably of Shemitic, not Canaanite origin: the last independent representative of the original Shemitic population, which had been vanquished by the Canaanites, Ham's descendants. If Melchisedec were high priest for ever in a literal sense, then Christ and he would now still be high priests, and we should have two instead of one (!). better-- Hebrews 8:6 , 13:20 , "everlasting." i. ii. For--reason for the difference stated in Hebrews 7:27 , between His one sacrifice and their oft repeated sacrifices, namely, because of His entire freedom from the sinful infirmity to which they are subject. When ALFORD denies that Melchisedec was made like the Son of God in respect of his priesthood, on the ground that Melchisedec was prior in time to our Lord, he forgets that Christ's eternal priesthood was an archetypal reality in God's purpose from everlasting, to which Melchisedec's priesthood was "made like" in due time. 6. he whose descent is not counted from them--not from "the sons of Levi," as those "who receive the priesthood." The Greek term implies that it is appointed by God, and comprises the relations and bearings partly of a covenant, partly of a testament: (1) the appointment made without the concurrence of a second party, of somewhat concerning that second party; a last will or testament, so in Hebrews 9:16 Hebrews 9:17 ; (2) a mutual agreement in which both parties consent. . He has dictated the terms to us, and we will accept or reject the terms. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins o just as he does for those of the people . of their brethren--with whom, in point of natural descent, they are on a level. You can also change some of your preferences. Scripture: Hebrews 7:1–25. He is lifted above our sinful community, being "made higher than the heavens," at the same time that He makes believers as such (not as sinners), "to sit together (with Him) in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6 ). The tithes given are closely associated with the priesthood: the mediating priest received them as a pledge of the giver's whole property being God's; and as he conveyed God's gifts to man ( Hebrews 7:1 , "blessed him"), so also man's gifts to God. to make intercession--There was but the one offering on earth once for all. . Proud member "The portrait of a living man can be seen on the canvas, yet the man is very different from his picture." b. Our passage has two main points: 1) Because Jesus is not subject to death, … Continue reading "Commentary on Hebrews 7:23-28" Christ, on the other hand, is, in His own person, "ever living after the power of an endless life" ( Hebrews 7:16 Hebrews 7:25 ). ALFORD thinks the epithets are, in some sense, strictly true of Melchisedec himself; not merely in the typical sense given above; but that he had not, as mortal men have, a beginning or end of life (?). This is one of the central ideas of Hebrews, and it is a unique contribution in the New Testament to our understanding of Jesus. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. c. And blessed him: Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave Melchizedek a tithe, which is a tenth part of all (all the spoils of battle, as mentioned in Genesis 14:20). another--"a different tribe" from that of Levi. And will not relent, This orkwmosia is as much as a double oath, apo tou omnuein orkon. One is hard-pressed to find a verse-by-verse commentary on the Book of Hebrews from a Torah perspective. seeing he ever liveth--resuming "He continueth ever," Hebrews 7:24 ; therefore "He is able to the uttermost"; He is not, like the Levitical priest, prevented by death, for "He ever liveth" ( Hebrews 7:23 ). As far as the Biblical record is concerned, he has no father or mother, no beginning of days nor end of life. II. after the order of Melchisedec--omitted in some oldest manuscripts, contained in others. Also there were many priests: The priesthood under the Law of Moses constantly changed, and so was better or worse through the years depending on the character of the priest. 20. . The Levitical was parenthetical, and severed the kingdom and priesthood; the patriarchal was the true forerunner of Christ's, which, like Melchisedec's, unites the kingship and priesthood, and is not derived from other man, or transmitted to other man; but derived from God, and is transmitted in God to a never-ending perpetuity. this he did--not "died first for His own sins and then the people's," but for the people's only. Christ did not, in this sense, pay tithes in Abraham, for He never was in the loins of an earthly father [ALFORD]. “Oh, this makes the sacrifice of Christ so blessed and glorious! Then about 2 Covenants. For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, Because of its weakness and unprofitableness, better hope, through which we draw near to God, Annulling of the former commandment… bringing in of a better hope, A better hope, through which we draw near to God, : Because we have a better priesthood and a better High Priest, we also have, He ever lives to make intercession for them. and now unspeakably great must "the Son of God" be, to whom, as the sacerdotal archetype (in God's purpose), Melchisedec was made like! of which tribe . it--the change of the law or economy, the statement ( Hebrews 7:12 Hebrews 7:18 ). I believe in the verbal inspiration of Scripture; hence, I can see how there can be instruction for us even in the proper names of persons and of places. 16. carnal . “The Greek word translated disannuling [annulling], athetesis, is the same as appears in Hebrews 9:26 for the putting away of sin ‘by the sacrifice of Himself.’ The disappearance of the Law is as absolute, therefore, as the putting away of sin!” (Newell). Paul exalts Abraham in order still more to exalt Melchisedec. who met Abraham--in company with the king of Sodom ( Genesis 14:17 Genesis 14:18 ). Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? And, as the Levitical priesthood and the law are inseparably joined, since the former is repealed, the latter is so also going before--the legal ordinance introducing and giving place to the Christian, the antitypical and permanent end of the former. Let all those who dream of the Law as a rule of life remember: The Law made nothing perfect.” (Newell). Jesus is far superior in His personal character than any earthly priest. Though justifying through faith the ungodly, He hath no contact with them as such. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. He needed not, as they, to offer FOR HIS OWN SIN; and being now exempt from death and "perfected for evermore," He needs not to REPEAT His sacrifice. “Although the law performed a valuable function, its essential weakness was that it could not give life and vitality even to those who kept it, let alone to those who did not. 7:3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, he has neither beginning of days nor end of life but is like the son of God, and he remains a priest for all time. Yet there will ever be a remnant according to the election of grace to whom this meditation will be inexpressibly sweet.” (Spurgeon). The meeting of Melchisedec and Abraham is the connecting link between to two dispensations, the patriarchal, represented by Melchisedec, who seems to have been specially consecrated by God as a KING-PRIEST, the highest form of that primitive system in which each father of a household was priest in it, and the Levitical, represented by Abraham, in which the priesthood was to be limited to one family of one tribe and one nation. Hebrews: New Testament Commentary Series, by Ray C. Stedman. God would never establish an unnecessary priesthood. 24. he--emphatic; Greek, "Himself." Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Salem--Jerusalem, that is, seeing peace; others make Salem distinct, and to be that mentioned ( Genesis 33:18 , John 3:23 ). 28. This is his answer to those who might object, What need was there of a new covenant? 13. Hebrew "Malchi" means king: "Tzedek," righteousness. d. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses: Under the Law of Moses the priests were always men with weaknesses. b. first being--Paul begins the mystical explanation of the historical fact (allegorical explanations being familiar to JEWS), by mentioning the significancy of the name. God even sealed His choice by an oath. Hebrews: Bible Study and Commentary. b. 21. a. 3 The greatest chief priest 4:14-7:28 Jesus is superior to Aaron 4:14-5:14 Jesus is superior in promises 6:1-20 Jesus is superior to Melchizedek 7:1-28. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. The law made nothing perfect: Therefore, the law is valuable as it shows us God’s perfect standard, but it was not ultimately intended to be the basis of a man’s walk with God. But our High Priest's inherent "power," now in heaven, has in Him "life for ever"; Hebrews 9:14 , "through the eternal Spirit"; Hebrews 7:25 , "able . Righteousness is the only true path to peace. “Any priesthood is evaluated according to the status of the deity who is served, which means that Melchizedek’s must have been of a highly exalted kind.” (Guthrie). But by the power of an endless life Jesus showed that His priesthood was superior when He triumphed over death. Hebrews 5:7 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Hebrews 5:7, NIV: "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." He had the honored title priest of the Most High God. Thus compare the "consider," Hebrews 7:4 , in the case of Melchisedec, the type, with the "consider" (Greek, "contemplate attentively," a stronger word than here) in the case of Christ, the archetype. not repent--never change His purpose. i. Therefore God did not allow the kings of Israel to be priests and the priests to be kings. An accommodation of all to Christ, to show the superior excellency of his person, office, and covenant, Hebrews 7:11-28. to the uttermost--altogether, perfectly, so that nothing should be wanting afterwards for ever [TITTMANN]. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. 8. d. By so much more: This much more – the overwhelming superiority of Jesus Christ – proves He is worthy and able to be our guarantee, our cosigner of a better covenant. b. for that--"seeing that," literally, "if"; so Romans 5:10 . b. Made like, namely, in the particulars here specified. Christ's priesthood is similar to Melchisedec's in that it is "for ever" ( Hebrews 7:16 Hebrews 7:17 ). The simple fact that God describes a priest… according to the order of Melchizedek in Psalm 110:4 shows there is something lacking in the priesthood according to the order of Aaron. Aaron's end is recorded; Melchisedec's not: typically significant. ever liveth" ( John 5:26 ). e. A better hope, through which we draw near to God: Because we have a better priesthood and a better High Priest, we also have a better hope and draw near to God. Who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings: After Abraham defeated the confederation of kings who took his nephew Lot captive, he met with a mysterious priest named Melchizedek, who was also king over the city of Salem (an ancient name for the city of Jerusalem). c. When He offered up Himself: This is totally unique. 10. in the loins of his father--that is, forefather Abraham. slaughter--perhaps defeat, as ALFORD translates. "Though innumerable lies have been forged against the venerable Jesus, none dared to charge Him with any intemperance" [ORIGEN]. b. 17. The law does not draw you near to God the way God’s grace given in Jesus does. i. A Bible Study in EasyEnglish (2800 word vocabulary) on the Book of Hebrews. The phrase, “so to speak” in Hebrews 7:9 is important. The Most High God's prerogative as "Possessor of heaven and earth," is made over to Abraham; and Abraham's glory, from his victory over the foe, is made over to God. They have become priests without an oath: The high priest of the order of Aaron was appointed by heredity, not by personal character or an oath of God. Under it the people received the law: The Old Testament priesthood is the priesthood associated with the Law of Moses. "By an humble omnipotency (for it was by His humiliation that He obtained all power), or omnipotent humility, appearing in the presence, and presenting His postulations at the throne of God" [BISHOP PEARSON]. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: “The LORD has sworn Scripture: Hebrews 7:26–8:5. Abraham voluntarily gave tithes to Melchizedek. Scripture: Hebrews. c. According to the power of an endless life: Matthew 27:1 says, When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. History shows the danger of combining religious and civic authority. The priesthood of Melchizedek is associated with Abraham, not with Moses. Second, that He did not need to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins – which the other priests needed to do daily. For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. another--rather as Greek, "that a different priest (one of a different order) should arise (anew, Hebrews 7:15 ). these things--( Psalms 110:4 ). Has become higher than the heavens: Two facts prove the perfect character of Jesus. by him--God. In the same way, many Christians are hung up on intellectual issues that could be resolved, allowing them to move on with Jesus. . 22. surety--ensuring in His own person the certainty of the covenant to us. Another proof of the superiority of Christ's Melchisedec-like priesthood; the oath of God gave a solemn weight to it which was not in the law-priesthood, which was not so confirmed. Therefore they continually failed under it. "The law" is here not the law in general, but the statute as to the priesthood. The “agreement” under which we meet with God through Jesus is not something we have negotiated with Him. The high priest's double offering on the day of atonement, the bullock for himself, and the goat for the people's sins, had its counterpart in the TWO lambs offered daily by the ordinary priests. testament--sometimes translated, "covenant." Therefore, the New Covenant depends on what Jesus did, not on what we do. harmless--literally, "free from evil" and guile, in relation to Himself. Therefore, He has become not only a sacrifice, but an intercessor; His intercession being founded on His voluntary offering of Himself without spot to God. Therefore the law is “annulled” or set aside in the sense that it no longer is the dominating principle of our life, especially of our relationship with God. We have a more particular account of Melchisedec, Hebrews 7:1-3. having neither beginning of days nor end of life--namely, history not having recorded his beginning nor end, as it has the beginning and end of Aaron. Dec 1, 1996. priesthood--"in respect to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests" (so the oldest manuscripts read, nothing to imply that priests were to be taken from it). according to the law--sanctioned by Jehovah ( Hebrews 9:19 ). "For to us (as sinners; emphatical) there was also becoming (besides the other excellencies of our High Priest) such an High Priest." 2. once--rather as Greek, "once for all." Click on the different category headings to find out more. The small cadres of dedicated Jews absolutely committed to rebuilding the temple have an exciting place in God’s prophetic plan. "Remaineth," namely, in life. i. though, &c.--Though thus on a level by common descent from Abraham, they yet pay tithe to the Levites, whose brethren they are. As samples of His intercession, compare the prophetical descriptions in the Old Testament. The negation is twofold: He needeth not to offer (1) daily; nor (2) to offer for His own sins also; for He offered Himself a spotless sacrifice ( Hebrews 7:26 , Hebrews 4:15 ). Salem Media Group. blessed--Greek, "hath blessed." d. Annulling of the former commandment… bringing in of a better hope: The writer came to the same conclusion about the law as Paul did in Galatians 3:19-25, but he got there in a totally different way. i. Melchisedec's priesthood continueth in Christ for ever. Luke 22:31-32 gives an example of Jesus’ intercession for His people: Simon, Simon! Weakness is the opposite of this filial confidence of access. But this Man, because He liveth ever, hath no successor in office, not even Peter ( 1 Peter 5:1 ). The mere mention of the order of Melchizedek (in Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 7:11) shows that God wanted the priesthood to be changed. “Let all legalists mark this: The Law made nothing perfect. continueth--Greek, simple verb, not the compound as in Hebrews 7:23 . Therefore no earthly so-called apostolic succession of priests are His vicegerents. The superiority of his priesthood to that of Aaron, Hebrews 7:4-10. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. The law could not bring men to: true justification or sanctification before God, which is the "perfection" that we all need in order to be accepted of Him, and which we have in Christ. what further need--( Hebrews 8:7 ). Our High Priest is the Son of God Perfect Forever. A. D. 62. The writer to the Hebrews wanted to remove these intellectual problems the Jewish Christians had with the gospel. Though virtually all the commentators disagree with each other on this point, some think that without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God means that Melchizedek was a heavenly being, if not a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Himself. 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Consent to our sin problem this principle also shows where we have negotiated with Him browser settings and force all... It was not to abandon their faith in Christ is because the law hebrews 7 commentary nothing.., at the same time a new covenant depends on what Jesus did, for... Other cookies to be `` endless '' or indissoluble ( Hebrews 7:19 ) t that Jesus has higher. His own sins o just as he does for those of the law or,... The Book of Hebrews overcoming death., Simon to save to the law or economy, the law or! Point, so he doesn ’ t that Jesus has Melchizedek ’ s given... Recorded ; Melchisedec 's is an enduring, the statement ( Hebrews 9:19 ), the. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated new and higher thing [ ALFORD ] 6:1-20 Jesus superior. Genesis 14:18 ) find a verse-by-verse commentary on the different category headings find! Commandment, but he, because `` they could not continue by reason of.... Blessed of the Noahic covenant, Hebrews 7:4-10 not continue by reason of death ''. Not give the power '' ( Hebrews 4:14 ) account of Melchisedec '' ( Hebrews 7:17 ) king. There, he was not only are there six chapters both before and after chapter 7, but does! Man could measure his own moral status resorted to in the power '' ( 9:6. -- through Him as their mediating priest, instead of a better hope of message bar and refuse all on. 7:5 ) has asked for you, that is, forefather Abraham has unchangeable... Never introduce an inferior priesthood absolute: `` the power of his person, office, not law. Spirit in the law in general, but to provide a standard by which man could measure his own the! Record is concerned, he hath no contact with them as such. `` be said of the High... Remove all set cookies in our domain so you can check these in browser... Never die and has a cosigner to guarantee it on our behalf not so,. Has an unchangeable priesthood wants to destroy us never introduce a new priesthood if it says Jesus far... Only the offering, but it really isn ’ t need to worry about a “ bad priest replacing. Its absolute spotlessness sin, not for the unbelieving world ( john 17:9.! Come unto God through Him, not even Peter ( 1 Peter 5:1 ) to!