Hebrews - Chapter 7

Hebrews 7.1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; Hebrews 7.2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Hebrews 7.3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Hebrews 7.4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. Hebrews 7.5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: Hebrews 7.6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. Hebrews 7.7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. Hebrews 7.8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. Hebrews 7.9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. Hebrews 7.10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. Hebrews 7.11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? Hebrews 7.12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. Hebrews 7.13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. Hebrews 7.14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. Hebrews 7.15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Hebrews 7.16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7.17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 7.18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. Hebrews 7.19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 7.20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: Hebrews 7.21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) Hebrews 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. Hebrews 7.23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: Hebrews 7.24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Hebrews 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7.26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Hebrews 7.27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Hebrews 7.28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

Hebrews : Chapter 7

The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood according to Hebrews Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of the Epistle to the Hebrews invites us to explore the higher priesthood of Christ, an essential revelation for the Christian faith. By highlighting the figure of Melchizedek, this sacred text helps us understand how this character prefigures Jesus. The comparison between Christ's eternal priesthood and the Levitical temporal order illustrates the superiority of our Savior. Themes Covered This chapter addresses key topics such as: The eternal nature of Christ's priesthood. The change of the law. The perfection and completeness brought about by Jesus. The author of the epistle argues forcefully that Christ, as the perfect priest, guarantees us a new covenant that is superior to the old. As we examine these truths, we will discover five biblical passages that enrich our understanding of the theological concepts present in this foundational chapter.

Enlightening Bible Passages

Here are five passages that illustrate the truths expressed in Hebrews 7:

1. Genesis 14:18-20

“Then Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, brought out bread and wine and blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, Maker of heaven and earth. And blessed be the Most High God, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.’ And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. »

This passage is central to the discussion in Hebrews 7 about Melchizedek and his priesthood.

2. Psalm 110:4

"The Lord has sworn and will not repent: 'You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.'"

This verse is quoted several times in Hebrews 7 to establish Christ's eternal priesthood.

3. Numbers 18:21

"I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel in exchange for the work they do in serving in the Tent of Meeting."

This law regarding tithing contrasts with that of Melchizedek, as mentioned in Hebrews 7:5-10.

4. Jeremiah 31:31-32

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the children of Israel and with the children of Judah. ​​It will not be like the covenant I made with your ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they have broken my covenant, although I am Lord over them,” declares the Lord.

This prophecy about the new covenant is relevant to the discussion in Hebrews 7:22 about Jesus as the guarantor of a higher covenant.

5. Exodus 29:9

"Put the sashes on Aaron and on his sons, and bind the headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a perpetual decree. Thus you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons."

This verse about the Levitical priesthood contrasts in Hebrews 7:11-19 with the higher priesthood of Christ.

In conclusion, Hebrews chapter 7 offers us a profound and enriching insight into the new covenant established by Jesus, thus emphasizing the need to recognize his supremacy as the eternal priest. May these reflections nourish our faith and our understanding of the divine mission of our Lord.