|
THE BOOK OF HEBREWS |
James Deering, AncientPath.net
| 1. | The Visualized Text |
| 2. | Questions to be Explored |
| 3. | Commentary from Video |
| 4. | Cross References |
THE VISUALIZED TEXT (NASB) (conjunctions
& prepositions underlined,
words not in original text in italics)
(alternate text in purple)
(7:1)
For
this
Melchizedek,
king of Salem,
priest of the Most High God,
who met Abraham
as he was returning from
the slaughter of the kings
and blessed him,
(7:2)
to whom also
Abraham apportioned
a tenth part
of all the spoils,
was first of all,
by the
translation of his name,
king of righteousness,
and then also
king of
Salem,
which
is king of peace.
(7:3)
Without father
without mother,
without genealogy,
having neither
beginning
of days
nor
end of life,
but
made like the Son of God,
he abides a priest perpetually.
(7:4)
Now
observe how great
this man was
to whom
Abraham,
the patriarch,
gave a tenth (or a tithe) of the choicest
spoils.
(7:5)
And
those indeed of the sons of
Levi
who receive the priest's office
have
commandment in the Law (lit., according to the Law)
to collect a tenth (or a tithe)
from the people,
that is,
from their brethren,
although these are descended (lit., have come out of the loins of
Abraham) from Abraham.
(7:6)
But
the one whose genealogy is not traced from them
collected a tenth
(or a tithe) from Abraham, and
blessed the one who had the promises.
(7:7)
But
without any dispute
the lesser is blessed by the
greater.
(7:8)
And in this case
mortal men receive tithes,
but in that case
one receives them,
of whom it is
witnessed that he lives on.
(7:9)
And,
so to speak,
through Abraham
even Levi,
who received
tithes, paid tithes,
(7:10)
for
he was still in the loins of his father
when Melchizedek met him.
(7:11)
Now
if perfection
was through the Levitical
priesthood
(for on the basis of it
the people received the Law),
what further need was there
for another priest to arise
according
to the order of Melchizedek, and
not be
designated according to the order of Aaron?
(7:12)
For when
the priesthood is changed,
of necessity there takes place a
change of law also.
(7:13)
For
the one concerning whom these things are spoken
belongs to another tribe,
from which
no one has officiated at the altar.
(7:14)
For
it is evident that
our Lord was descended from
(lit., rose from) Judah,
a tribe with reference to
which
Moses spoke nothing concerning
priests.
(7:15)
And
this is clearer still,
if another priest arises
according to the likeness
of Melchizedek,
(7:16)
who has
become such
not on
the basis of a law of physical requirement,
but
according
to the power of an indestructible life.
(7:17)
For
it is witnessed of Him,
"THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK."
(7:18)
For,
on the one hand,
there is a setting aside
of a
former commandment
because of
its weakness and uselessness
(7:19)
(for
the Law made nothing perfect)
and on the other hand
there is a bringing in of a
better hope,
through
which we draw near to God.
(7:20)
And inasmuch as
it was not without an oath
(7:21)
(for they indeed became priests without an oath,
but He with an oath through the One who
said to Him,
"THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND, 'THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER'");
(7:22)
so much the more also
Jesus has become the guarantee
of a better covenant.
(7:23)
And
the former priests,
on the one hand,
existed in
greater numbers,
because they were prevented by death from continuing,
(7:24)
but He,
on the other hand,
because He abides forever,
holds His priesthood permanently.
(7:25)
Hence, also,
He is able to save forever
(or completely)
those who
draw near to God
through Him,
since He always lives to make intercession for them.
(7:26)
For
it was fitting
that
we should have such a high priest,
holy,
innocent,
undefiled,
separated from sinners and
exalted above the heavens;
(7:27)
who does not need daily,
like those high priests,
to offer up sacrifices,
first for His own sins,
and then
for the sins of the people,
because
this He did once for all
when He offered up Himself.
(7:28)
For
the Law appoints men
as high priests who are weak,
but the word of the oath,
which came after the Law,
appoints a Son,
made perfect forever.
ABOUT: (Questions to be
explored based on this study's verses)
(7:1)
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met
Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
2. Why single out THIS Melchizedek?
3. Recheck the notes on Chapter 6 that concern Melchizedek.
4. Where was Salem, by what other name was Salem known in later
generations?
5. Research what a "king" would be during this time period.
6. Was Melchizedek a Jew? (child of Abraham)
7. Was Melchizedek from the tribe of Levi?
8. Consider the phrase "priest of the Most High God."
9. When did Melchizedek meet with Abraham?
10. Research "the slaughter of the kings." (Genesis 14)
11. What part did Abraham play in "the slaughter of the kings?"
12. What part did Melchizedek play in "the slaughter of the Kings?
13. How did Melchizedek bless Abraham?
(7:2)
to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of
all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king
of Salem, which is king of peace.
1. Why would Abraham pay a tenth part of all the spoils to Melchizedek
2. Why is it important that the translation of Melchizedek is "king of
righteousness?"
3. Why does the writer restate that Melchizedek was "king of Salem?"
4. Why is it important the the translation of "Salem" is "peace?"
5. Who else do you know as King, King of Righteousness, King of Peace?
(7:3)
Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of
days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he abides a priest
perpetually.
1. How does the writer know that Melchizedek is without father, mother,
genealogy, beginning or end?
2. Can you reconcile Melchizedek as having no father, mother, genealogy,
beginning or end, with what you know about the Son of God?
3. What does it mean "he abides?"
4. Why would this "priesthood" be different than the Aaronic, family of
Levi, Priesthood?
5. How long will the Son of God function as Priest?
(7:4)
Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth
of the choicest spoils.
1. What is the significance of the word "now"?
2. O.K., observe how great Melchizedek was.
(7:5)
And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest's office have
commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their
brethren, although these are descended from Abraham.
1. What is the significance of the word "and"?
2. Compare the similarities and the differences between the tithe paid to
Melchizedek and the tithe paid to the Levite priests.
3. What conclusions can you come to as both priesthoods, one under
the nations, one under Mosaic Law, tithed a percentage to the priesthood?
(7:6)
But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from
Abraham, and blessed the one who had the promises.
1. What is the significance of the word "but"?
2. Of Whom is the writer speaking of as "the one whose genealogy is not
traced from them?
3. Who is the "them" here?
4. Consider: this unrelated priest, from Salem, collected a tenth from
Abraham (the Father of the Jews), As A Priest (as opposed to paying a highway
toll).
5. Was the blessing a payment in return for the collection of the tenth?
If not, why not? If so, why so?
6. Who "had the promises?"
7. What were the "promises?"
8. What was the blessing?
(7:7)
But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater.
1. What is the significance of the word "but"?
2. Is this just a statement of fact?
3. How could one of less standing bring blessing to one above them?
4. Who gives the blessing here?
5. Who receives the blessing here?
6. Who is the greater here?
7. Who is the lesser here?
(7:8)
And in this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them,
of whom it is witnessed that he lives on.
1. What is the significance of the word "and"?
2. Consider a priesthood based on "ones who live," as opposed to "ones who
die.?
(7:9)
And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes,
1. What is the significance of the word "and"?
2. What does this sentence mean to you?
3. What does this say about us and Adam and his original sin?
(7:10)
for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
2. Who was "still in the loins..."?
3. What does the phrase "still in the loins" mean?
4. Who was his father?
5. About how many generations are there between Abraham and Levi?
6. Who is the "him" In this sentence?
(7:11)
Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it
the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to
arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to
the order of Aaron?
1. What is the significance of the words "now" and "if"?
2. What kind of perfection is meant here?
3. What came through the Levitical Priesthood?
4. What is the relationship between the "Order of Aaron," and the
"Levitical Priesthood"?
5. What was "the basis of it"?
6. Reason through the phrase "for on the basis of it the people received
the Law."
7. Can you answer the question of this verse? ("what further need was
there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not
be designated according to the order of Aaron?) as to:
A. List what needs there were
that were not covered under the Law and the order of Aaron.
B. What other priest has been
raised up?
C. Consider again why Christ is
of the order of Melchizedek and why that is so important.
D. Consider again why Christ is
NOT of the order of Aaron and why that is so important.
(7:12)
For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of
law also.
1. What is the significance of the words "for" and "when"?
2. When was the priesthood changed?
3. Has this happened before?
4. What role does the priesthood play in the Bible?
5. Was there a priesthood before Aaron?
6. When was the Aaronic priesthood established?
7. When did the Aaronic priesthood end?
8. What priesthood replaced it?
9. When did the Mosaic Law come into being?
10. When did the Law come to an end?
11. What Law replaced it?
12. Look up and discuss:
A. Genesis 25:1-4, 1 Chronicles
1:32-33
B. Exodus 2:16
C. Exodus 3:1
D. Exodus 18:1
(7:13)
For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe,
from which no one has officiated at the altar.
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
2. Who is "the one concerning whom these things are spoken"?
3. What are "these things"?
4. What Hebrew tribe did Jesus belong to?
5. What tribe did the Aaronic Priesthood belong to?
6. What tribe did Melchizedek belong to?
7. Why hadn't anyone from the tribe of Judah officiate at the altar?
8. What does it mean to "Officiate"?
9. What altar is spoken of here?
(7:14)
For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference
to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
2. Go to the Gospels and go through the genealogies of Christ, looking for
evidence of His tribe?
3. List the names of the Tribes of Israel.
4. Who were Judah's parents? Grand parents?
5. What tribe did the priests come from?
6. Why?
(7:15)
And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of
Melchizedek,
1. What is the significance of the word "and"?
2. How did Christ get to be High Priest?
3. Describe "according to the likeness" of Melchizedek.
(7:16)
who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but
according to the power of an indestructible life.
1. Who has become...?
2. What has He become?
3. What is the significance of the word "not" here?
4. On what basis was the Levitical priesthood choosen?
5. What law made the priesthood by family blood only?
6. What family?
7. What is the significance of the word "but" here?
8. On what basis was the priesthood of Jesus Christ based on?
9. What kind of power?
10. Describe the term "indestructible life."
(7:17)
For it is witnessed of Him, "THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF
MELCHIZEDEK."
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
2. Who witnessed of Him?
3. Where does the Scriptures say this?
4. Who is the "Thou" here?
5. What is the function of a priest?
6. How long has Christ been a priest?
7. What kind of a priest is He?
8. Summarize "the order of Melchizedek" and what that term now means to
you.
(7:18)
For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because
of its weakness and uselessness
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
(7:19)
(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in
of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
(7:20)
And inasmuch as it was not without an oath
1. What is the significance of the word "and"?
(7:21)
(for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the
One who said to Him, "THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND, 'THOU ART
A PRIEST FOREVER'");
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
(7:22)
so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
(7:23)
And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because
they were prevented by death from continuing,
1. What is the significance of the word "and"?
(7:24)
but He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood
permanently.
1. What is the significance of the word "but"?
(7:25)
Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him,
since He always lives to make intercession for them.
(7:26)
For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent,
undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
(7:27)
who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first
for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once
for all when He offered up Himself.
(7:28)
For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath,
which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.
1. What is the significance of the word "for"?
The Commentary from the Video Series
HEBREWS CHAPTER 7
Hello everyone, and welcome, to our video
series on the book of Hebrews. We're teaching a word-on-word, line-on-line
Hebrews Video series. Due to the circumstances brought about by the COVID-19
virus we didn't begin this video series until we were into Chapter 5. There are
now 5 lessons on Chapter 5, and two on Chapter 6 and this is the first study on
Hebrews Chapter 7.
If you're interested in the rest of the series... here's
the link to our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoFromJimmy
As we start this new chapter, we need to go back over the
fundamentals of the book thus far.
Back in Chapter one we found that, in
the distant past, God spoke through the prophets, and then now, God spoke
through His Son, Jesus the Messiah (or Christ). God moved the delivery of His
Word from the prophets" to someone "Better," His own Son. Then God revealed that
His own Son was "Better" than any angel.
Now we can add some context to
the Book of Hebrews as we look back at Chapter two. Our writer seems to be a
pastor/teacher. This local church seems to be made up of mostly Jews who have
come to believe in Jesus as the Christ. As in most churches today" there are
those who, either knowingly or unknowingly, have never turned their hearts and
souls over to Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior. They come to church for
various reasons " to satisfy a spouse, they enjoy the fellowship, they need some
individuals in the body to "network" with, and perhaps other reasons as well.
The point being that these individuals are part of what some call "cultural
Christianity." They demonstrate a Christian style of culture, but they do so
without Christ in their lives.
Specific to this congregation are a number
of these "cultural Christians" who wish to leave the congregation and
specifically return to Judaism. This reveals the central issue for the book. In
the possible return to Judaism these individuals wish to return to the Jewish
Temple and place themselves back under the Jewish High Priest and the Jewish
system of the Law with its animal sacrifices and gifts " turning away from the
Great High Priest, Jesus the Christ, and His personal and finished blood
sacrifice, that was made once-for-all.
The aim of the writer, because of
his love of these individuals, wishes to teach them the truth concerning Jesus,
as the Great High Priest of God, and thus to get them "saved" and placed under
the New Covenant of grace and faith in the Son of God.
Chapter two
continues with the teaching that Jesus" sufferings (dishonor, beatings,
cursing"s, hanging on the Cross, and dying on that Cross) brought Him through to
"perfection," or He has completed, meaning that He perfectly completed the task
that His Father asked of Him. Then His resurrection was the proof that His
sufferings and death were acceptable to God the Father, and provided
Justification for those who by faith would believe what God said and did.
So in chapter three we considered Jesus the Christ and found Him better than
Moses, and were reminded of the Israelites who didn"t believe the word of God
through Moses concerning the beautiful and wonderful Land of Promise, and
refused to enter into that Promised Land " turning away from the Jordan and
starting on a 40 year journey in the wilderness " instead of an 11 day journey
from Egypt into The Promised Land of Canaan.
Chapter four introduced us
to three areas of God"s Rest " He Rested when He finished Creation, He provided
a Land of Rest for His people, He provided complete Rest for His Believing
children through His Son"s death at Calvary. Therefore, Chapter 4 went on with
the theme of "Christ is all you need."
Hebrews chapter five introduces us
to Jesus, the Christ, as The Great High Priest " Greater even than their
physical and spiritual father Abraham " because of His offering of His own blood
and body delivered to the Mercy Seat of God in the heavenly Holy of Holies. It
is Finished. We are also introduced to the Gentile High Priest Melchizedek, and
told that the explanation of his place in this story is hard to tell, or rather
hard to hear and understand by these rebellious Jews. We"ll get much deeper into
Melchizedek in Chapter 7.
So, in Chapter 6 we picked up the warning to
those Jews who wished to leave this congregation and return to the Temple and
the Levitical priesthood. Our writer is encouraging them to stay and find Christ
as their Savior, and also encouraging them to take on the harder teachings that
follow the "elementary teachings."
This chapter had some hard words for
not only that congregation " but for us as well. First, however, is the writer"s
encouragement to grow in faith and knowledge by leaving the elementary
teachings.
Some pastors, Sunday school teachers, and small group
teachers, seem to get stuck on some elementary teachings and can"t get past
them. Week after week returning to those teachings. Knowing you must be saved is
perhaps the most important lesson of all, but it"s not supposed to become the
only teaching that the congregation or class gets. We looked at our writer"s
list of elementary teachings. "Continuing with Spiritual Maturity," "Not laying
again a foundation of Repentance from Dead works and Faith toward God," "Instructions about washings and laying on of hands," and
"The resurrection of
the dead and eternal judgment." Our writer informed his congregation that those
who have absolutely denied Christ after learning the above... could never be
"renewed" as that would put Christ, and the local church believers, to shame.
Important for the study of Chapter 7 comes at Chapter 6 verse 9, where our
teacher refers to these ones who wish to return to Judaism as, "Beloved." And
has said, "we are convinced of better things concerning you." Our teacher is a
loving pastor who has seen the good works of these who wish to leave. He has
seen how they have entered into the local church work and how they have
ministered amongst its members " even though unsaved.
At the end of
Chapter 6 he finishes the chapter with God"s blessing and covenant with Abraham
and the hope that is set before us " where Jesus, as the Messiah, has entered
into the Holy of Holies as forerunner for us, "having become a high priest
forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
V. Jesus the Great High
Priest, 4:14-7:28
A. Pastoral Implications of Having Such
a High Priest, 4:14-16
B. The Son"s Appointment as Unique
High Priest, 5:1-7:28
(4) The
Place of Melchizedek in Redemptive History, 7:1-10
(5) The Superiority of Jesus as Melchizedekian High Priest, 7:11-28
So, we can see from our outline that Chapter 7 is all about Melchizedek and the Order of Melchizedek.
Melchizedek was a real person in the history of the nation of
Israel. He appears briefly in the book of Genesis (14:17-20) and has an
important interaction with Abraham (then Abram), and is also referenced by King
David in Psalm 110:4.
Charles Ryrie states in his study bible that
Melchizedek was a Great King-High Priest, and it is to his order of priesthood
(the order to which Melchizedek belonged) that Christ belongs. An older order,
which was not only non-Levi, but non-Hebrew as Melchizedek was a member of the
nations " predating the Hebrews as a nation. Our Lord could never have been a
Levitical priest because He was born in the tribe of Judah and not the tribe of
Levi. Thus, He must be associated with another order of priests, that of
Melchizedek. Both Christ and Melchizedek were men; both were king-priests; both
were appointed directly by God; both were called "King of righteousness," and
"King of Peace."
Once again we"re reminded that we"re using the New American
Standard Bible for text and viewing it in our "Visualized Text" format. Here"s
Chapter 7, verse 1.
THE VISUALIZED TEXT (NASB) (conjunctions & prepositions
underlined, words not in original text in italics) (alternate text in purple)
(7:1)
For
this
Melchizedek,
king of Salem,
priest of the Most High God,
who met Abraham
as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings
and blessed him,
Chapter 7 begins with the word "For" because it is a
continuation from the end of Chapter 6 where we were talking about Melchizedek.
Words like "for" open up a dialog that will explain what has been previously
said.
And this remarkable man met Abraham. Our writer refers directly to him
as Abraham even though his name was Abram at the time of this event " however
the members of his audience, as well as most Jews at this time would have
referred to Abram as Abraham for most of their lives. We should remember this
man Abraham was Born and raised near Babylon " the Ur of Chaldees, where
currently sits the nation of Iran and the termination of the river Euphrates.
God called his father to move to ancient Syria. God called Abraham to leave his
family and journey to Canaan. It was Abraham that established what a man of
Faith was. Abraham did two really great things that God took special note of.
First, when God called Abraham (then Abram) He asked him to pack-up and leave
family and friends to a place He would tell him of at a later time. Abram
believed God and what He said. And he left his family and began his journey, not
knowing where God would lead him next.
The second great act of Abraham was when God asked Abraham to
slay his son Isaac on an altar, on a mountain, whom Abraham and his wife waited
until Abraham was 100 years old for Isaac to be born. When Abraham took his
knife to slay Isaac " God provided a substitute. The love of God was kindled to
Abraham, as he was going to sacrifice his only begotten son... Just as God was
going to do for all men and women to provide them forgiveness " and eternal
life. This was Abraham.
Building the case for Melchizedek"s
Superior Order of Priesthood
The story of the
slaughter of the kings is a short story in the Bible, but an important one.
Abraham had a nephew named Lot. Lot decided to live a place called Sodom, which
was known for its ungodly and unrighteous way of life. A number of kingdoms got
together to defeat a larger kingdom that was controlling them. As the battle
raged the King of Sodom raised up an army to battle against the others so that,
most likely, their unrighteous way of life could continue. The battle raged and
the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their men fled through some tar pits and
many lost their lives there. The kings who were left gathered all the spoils
including Abraham"s nephew Lot and his possessions and left the area. Abraham
heard of it and gathered his best men and went in pursuit. Eventually he caught
up with them defeated them, gathered the spoils and Lot and his family and
returned home. The King of Sodom went to Abraham seeking the spoils. Abraham
gave him everything that was his and basically told him that he has no further
relationship to him.
(7:2)
to whom also
Abraham apportioned
a tenth part
of all the spoils,
Was first of all,
by the translation
of his name,
king of righteousness,
and then also
king of Salem,
which is king of peace.
Then Melchizedek joins Abraham and he is introduced as the King
and High Priest of Salem who is thankful for removing the threat from the other
nations and "brought out bread and wine... a great gift for Abraham and his
troops who had just returned from battle... and then, also using the bread and
wine blessed Abraham." Abraham recognizes the high standing of this High Priest
of God " who is further defined in the giving of the blessing as, by "God most
high, Creator of heaven and earth," [thus defining himself as the High Priest of
the One God, Abraham"s God] "and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your
enemies into your hand."
In the background of this event we must see what
Abraham recognizes in Melchizedek.
He is a King, He is the King of Salem
(Peace), He is a High Priest (being King and Priest his priesthood is a "Royal
Priesthood," He is the High Priest of The Most High God, the creator of heaven
and earth. He has brought out both bread and wine " unique symbols of the true
priesthood. Established back with Adam and has been practiced in God fearing
families ever since. Where the fathers in each family functioned as the family
priest and a family group selected a priest (a high priest) for leadership,
council, and worship for that family group or village.
Our teacher goes
on to make the connection with The Son of God as the King of righteousness "
with which the members of his congregation would already be familiar.
And
then making the connection with The Son of God as the King of Peace.
So
to this moment in the text we should notice that the writer has made these
connections with " His Royal Priesthood, The tithe, Bread and wine, Kingship,
Salem, Jerusalem, "King of Righteousness", and "King of Peace" and The Son of
God. Leading his listeners to conclude that Abraham was indeed in the presence
of a man who was in a superior relationship to him, and that Abram recognized
his High priestly position " by which Abraham paid the tenth part of the spoils
of war.
(7:3)
Without father
without mother,
without genealogy,
having neither
beginning of days
nor end of life,
but made like the Son of God,
He abides a priest perpetually.
Now you might look at these words and say in response,
"It
doesn"t really say that." The writer"s point is that for such an important
person who did this with Abraham, that no genealogy was written down by Moses.
In the Scriptures, especially in Moses" writings, genealogy was very important,
and some times a whole chapter would be dedicated to a single genealogy.
Further, the Levitical priesthood was entirely dependent upon genealogy. If you
could trace your family back to Aaron, and you were not physically disqualified
because of blemish, no one could stop you from becoming a priest. With the
Melchizedekian priesthood everything depended upon your qualification for the
priesthood. Genealogy played no part in your selection. This High Priest of
Almighty God, who blesses Father Abraham... Melchizedek... was a priest because
of His qualification to be a priest.
We can also report that this was
done so that the order of priesthood that Melchizedek came from could be used by
David and then our writer to demonstrate the excellencies of the Melchizedekian
priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. It"s older, and now... It"s eternal...
and "Like the Son of God..." Now we see the importance of these connections with
Abraham and the Melchizedekian priesthood... "Made like the Son of God."
Here it is important to remember the purpose of the writing of the whole book of
Hebrews. To bring those members of their congregation to the realization the
Jesus, the Son of God fits the pattern established by Moses in the 14th chapter
of Genesis, as rightfully the eternal High Priest, a High Priest of an older and
superior order of Priesthood " a Pre-Levitical Priesthood, one from the very
beginning.
He holds this position eternally as High Priest, able to
function as Priest, Mediator between man and God, God and man... perpetually.
(7:4)
Now
observe how great
this man was
to whom Abraham,
the patriarch,
gave a tenth (or a tithe) of the choicest spoils.
The word "Now" here tells that our writer has moved on in his
focus. Like all good teachers and preachers our writer continues to press the
point to his audience. But, "Now" he presses them on the importance of the tithe
that Abraham paid Melchizedek. The amount specified was 10 percent " what these
Jews in this local congregation would know as the amount that was paid to honor
deity. They also would recognize that Abraham gave the "Best" of his spoils.
That was the requirement that God made for gifts and sacrifices to be made to
Him. You couldn"t just find the worst animals to sacrifice, those of no value
(even though that"s what the Jewish nation had often done as they walked away
from honoring Almighty God). No, the law specified the absolute best " Without
spot or blemish. You were paying your due amount to Almighty God, as required by
His Law.
(7:5)
And
those indeed
of the sons of Levi
who receive
the priest's office
have commandment in the Law (lit., according to the Law)
to collect a tenth (or a tithe)
from the people,
that is,
from their brethren,
although these are descended (lit., have come out of the loins
of Abraham) from Abraham.
So, verse 4 established that Melchizedek was
superior to the Levitical priesthood because it was of a superior character and
preceded it. Now our writer is establishing that Melchizedek"s priesthood was
superior to the Levitical priesthood because the Levitical priesthood, based
upon genealogical rights, and its sacrifices, gifts and tithes were required by
Law. Abraham gave his tithe to Melchizedek because it was the desire of his
heart.
(7:6)
But
the one whose
genealogy is not traced from them
collected a tenth (or a tithe) from Abraham, and
blessed the one who had the promises.
This verse reiterates the basic relationships. Melchizedek
collected a tithe from Abraham. Melchizedek had no genealogy traceable back to
Aaron. Abraham was the one whom God had blessed with an unconditional covenant
establishing the Hebrew race as a people, a nation and a land forever.
Melchizedek, after collecting that tithe from Father Abraham Blessed Him. Once
again stressing the high position of Melchizedek to the lower Abraham " who was
in his own right extremely important.
(7:7)
But
without any
dispute
the lesser is blessed by
the greater.
Our writer closes this moment with an appeal to the general
knowledge of his audience " based on the facts he has presented from the Word of
God. "We all agree, the lesser is only blessed by the greater." "Melchizedek is
greater... because he blessed Abraham."
(7:8)
And in this case
mortal men receive tithes,
but in
that case
one receives them,
of whom it is witnessed that he lives on.
Our teacher is like a lawyer. Point on point, fact on fact, list
on list. Now he tackles the eternal or everlasting issue. Once again, the issue
is not the tithe paid but the one who receives the tithe. According to the
Levitical Law all priests are from the kingdom of man. It"s not stated in the
first part of the verse but the issue is that "Mortal men" die. The second part
of the verse reminds us that according to the symbolic nature of the
narrative... in the case of Melchizedek... he lives on forever.
What we are witnessing in this dialog, as we have stated before
" but I don"t want us to lose track of " it the background connections between
Melchizedek and The Son of God " He lives on forever. He, Jesus, is the key
important element in this continuing dialog.
(7:9)
And,
so to
speak,
through Abraham
even Levi,
who received tithes, paid tithes,
(7:10)
for
he was
still in the loins of his father
when Melchizedek met him.
Well deal with these two verses together. Our writer is
stressing the point that the payment from Abraham was shared by Levi, the father
of the tribe of Levi, and all the continuing descendants paid that tithe to
Melchizedek because they were "in the loins" of Abraham when he paid it. In case
that doesn"t sit well with you I"ll would remind us that Adam sinned and the
whole human race was still "in the loins" of Adam and all became sinners because
of it.
We might ask the question, "Why bring this up?" Verse 11 will
begin to bring us an answer.
Thank you for joining us for this lesson
from the book of Hebrews Chapter seven. We hope that you have enjoyed this time
together and that you have learned much, but mostly that you have a greater
understanding of the Old Testament relationship to the New Testament. The New is
built on the Old.
If you're interested in the rest of the series...
here's the link to our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoFromJimmy
HEBREWS CHAPTER 7 Part-2
Hello everyone, and welcome, to our video series on the book of
Hebrews. We're teaching a word-on-word, line-on-line Hebrews Video series. Due
to the circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 virus we didn't begin this
video series until we were into Chapter 5. There are now 5 lessons on Chapter 5,
and two on Chapter 6 and this is the first study on Hebrews Chapter 7.
If
you're interested in the rest of the series... here's the link to our YouTube
Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoFromJimmy
(7:11)
Now
if perfection
was through the Levitical priesthood
(for on the basis of it the people received the Law),
what further need was there
for another priest to arise
according to the order of Melchizedek, and
not be designated according to the order of Aaron?
Here we first have to recognize that this is an
"IF, THEN"
statement. If something is true, then what"s the result.
One phrase at a
time. If perfection was through the Levitical priesthood, and I will add it was
not. The Law as given by Moses was to teach the Hebrew the loving and providing
nature of their God. Then, for centuries, the people and leaders of the nation
continually turned away from God and as a result the nations around Israel did
not turn to their God for salvation. So, the "perfect" plan of God was turned
aside by the Hebrew people.
Part-2 " So if the Hebrew nation proved
ineffective in administering the Law and the Priesthood then there would need to
be a new Priesthood.
Part-3
" If there was to be a new Priesthood... then
there would need to be a new Law.
Part-4 " This new law and priesthood, in
order to prove effective, would have to be replaced by a more perfect Priesthood
that superseded the Levitical system " thus this new Priesthood would rise up
out of the older order of Priesthood now labeled in Genesis as that of
Melchizedek and not be based upon the order of Aaron.
(7:12)
For when
the priesthood is changed,
of
necessity there takes place a change of law also.
Restating the main point of the last verse... Since 1/3 of the
Law of Moses concerns the Priesthood, and the animal blood sacrifice system that
the Priesthood system was responsible for, then, since that was proven
ineffective, then a new law system would have to be established with a "Perfect"
blood sacrifice system that would accomplish the plan of God.
(7:13)
For
the one
concerning whom these things are spoken
belongs to another tribe,
from which no one has officiated at the altar.
Verse 13 begins to show us the depth of the meanings in the
previous verses. "The One concerning whom these things are spoken." And now our
writer is going to start connecting items from the previous verses in order to
come to a convincing conclusion. We know that the verse is speaking of The Son
of God mentioned way back in verse 3. Jesus, the Son of God, was not born in the
tribe of Levi " He was born of the tribe of Judah " "from which no one has
officiated at the altar." The Law of Moses prevented this.
(7:14)
For
it is evident that
our Lord was descended from (lit., rose from) Judah,
a tribe with reference to which
Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.
It"s evident that our writer (Pastor/teacher) is making this
comment to all the members of his congregation and not just those who possibly
were thinking of returning to Judaism. He references Jesus as OUR Lord. Having
descended from Judah (where the scepter of authority will never depart " Genesis
49:2 [messianic verse]) is an important fact concerning the eternal nature of
Our Lord as High Priest.
(7:15)
And
this is clearer still,
if another priest arises
according to the likeness of Melchizedek,
(7:16)
who has become such
not on the basis of a law of physical requirement,
but
according to the power of an indestructible life.
Here we have two verses that run together, and another
"IF"
clause. The writer states that this line of reasoning should make his arguments
"clearer still." If another priest arises, like Melchizedek, and does so based
upon his eternal life... meaning he would never have to be replaced with another
priest because he does not die... then yes, indeed, this priest would be
"something!" "For..."
(7:17)
For
it is
witnessed of Him,
"THOU ART A
PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK."
You should notice that the translators have capitalized
"Him" in
this verse. So, they infer that the "Him" is the Son of God, the Messiah, Jesus
the Christ. Our writer has already referenced David in Chapter 5:5-9, and quoted
his Psalm 110:4 concerning the Messiah to come... "The Lord has sworn and will
not change His mind... "Thou art a priest forever according to the Order of
Melchizedek."
(7:18)
For,
on the one
hand,
there is a setting aside
of a former commandment
because of its weakness and uselessness
For on the One hand (7:18-21). First, there is the setting aside
of the Old Covenant " given to Moses, generally called The Law of Moses. Because
of the hardness of men"s hearts and their open rebellion against God, they did
not learn of the Love of God as detailed in the "Law" part of that covenant.
They understood the roll of the priesthood, sort of, and they thought they
understood the Law, "Thou Shalt Not...", which they did not understand, and they
certainly did not understand the giving of gifts and sacrifices to The Lord God
which would have freed them from "The Law." But instead they turned the law and
the sacrifices into a legal system and a profit based "Indulgence" system where
you could pay for the removal of punishment for sins. A similar system was
espoused by the Roman church moment. As a result, God set aside the Old Covenant
and put a New Covenant in its place.
(7:19)
(for the Law made nothing perfect)
and on the other hand
there is a
bringing in of a better hope,
through which we draw near to God.
We go on to compare again the two covenants. The Old,
"for the
Law made nothing perfect," and The New, "there is a bringing in of a better
hope, through which we draw near to God." This may even still be a revelation to
you. The Old covenant was a failure " not a failure of God, but a failure of
Israel. The New covenant (made by God for Israel) brought the Son of God as the
better hope, and through Him, and Him alone, we may draw near to God " not just
forgiveness of sin and sins, but drawing near to Him - in becoming God"s very
own children.
(7:20)
And inasmuch as
it was not without an oath
(7:21)
(for they indeed became priests
without an oath,
but He with an oath through the One who
said to Him,
"THE LORD HAS SWORN
AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND, 'THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER'");
This "Better Hope" was not made effective without an oath.
"God,
having nothing better to swear by, swore by Himself," Hebrews 6:13. He swore to
His own Son, "The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, "Thou art a
Priest Forever."
(7:22)
so much the more also
Jesus has become the guarantee
of
a better covenant.
"So Much the More also..." So as to say, even with all these
wonderful words... The Best Part is that "Jesus has become the guarantee of a
better covenant." This New Covenant. It is Jesus that was promised. It is Jesus
that is the very Son of God whom His heavenly Father Told Him... "YOU art a
Priest Forever!" It was Jesus who said "Yes" to His Father when asked to become
the blood sacrifice for man"s sins. It was Jesus who demonstrated to all of
Israel that He was the Messiah. It was Jesus who was unbelieved and mistreated,
beaten and tortured, and put to death on that Cross. It was Jesus who said, "It
is Finished!" It is Jesus whose blood sacrifice was taken in His physical body
in through the curtain that divided man from God and sat upon the very Seat of
Mercy.
It was Jesus who God the Father raised from the dead proving that
His work of salvation met with God"s total approval. It is Jesus who sits at the
right hand of God His Father and now mediates between God and man, man and God "
This is the New Covenant!
(7:23)
And
the former priests,
on the one
hand,
existed in greater numbers,
because they were prevented by death from continuing,
(7:24)
but He,
on the other hand,
because He
abides forever,
holds His priesthood permanently.
As we count down to the closing words of this chapter, there are
final things that must be said. The former priesthood required great numbers of
priests, because everyone would eventually die.
But, on the other hand,
Christ holds His priesthood forever " because He being God Himself abides
forever... AND
(7:25)
Hence, also,
He
is able to save forever (or completely)
those who draw near to God
through Him,
since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hence, Also, Therefore... The High Point of Chapter 7...
He is able to save forever... those who draw near to God, through Him. We"ll
stop there for a moment. Our writer makes the requirements of salvation very
clear here. We must see that in these requirements there is no room for
universalism, where everyone gets to be saved. There"s no room for "there"s
multiple ways and paths to get saved." There"s certainly no room here for
worshipping any god would result in personal or corporate salvation.
No, the
words here are perfectly clear.
1. He, Jesus, The only begotten Son of
God is the only one able to save forever.
2. He, Jesus will only save those
who draw near to God " with their whole heart, mind, and soul.
3. Through Him
" Jesus, The Son of God (and through no other).
4. Because He " Jesus, The
Son of God is the only one, with eternal life, who lives to make intercession
for those who come through 1-2-3 above.
(7:26)
For
it was
fitting
that we should have such a
high priest,
holy,
innocent,
undefiled,
separated from sinners and
exalted above the heavens;
(7:27)
who does not need daily,
like those high priests,
to offer
up sacrifices,
first for His own sins,
and then
for the sins of the people,
because
this He did once for all
when He offered up Himself.
(7:28)
For
the Law appoints men
as high
priests who are weak,
but the word of the oath,
which came after the Law,
appoints a Son,
made perfect forever.
For
The Law appoints men as high priests who are weak.
But the word of the Oath, "I swear by myself " You are a priest forever,"
Which came after the Law,
APPOINTS a Son (The Son of God)
MADE PERFECT FOREVER.
Thank you for joining us for this lesson from the book of
Hebrews Chapter seven. We hope that you have enjoyed this time together and that
you have learned much, but mostly that you have a greater understanding of the
Old Testament relationship to the New Testament. The New is built on the Old.
If you're interested in the rest of the series... here's the link to our YouTube
Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoFromJimmy
(7:1)
Genesis 14:18-20
Hebrews 7:6
Mark 5:7
(7:2)
(7:3)
Hebrews 7:6; 7:28; 7:1
Matthew 4:3
(7:4)
Acts 2:29
(7:5)
Numbers 18:21, 26
2 Corinthians 31:4 f
(7:6)
Hebrews 7:3; 7:1 f
Romans 4:13
(7:7)
(7:8)
Hebrews 5:6; 6:20
(7:9)
(7:10)
(7:11)
Hebrews 7:18 f; 8:7; 9:6; 7:17; 5:6
(7:12)
(7:13)
Hebrews 7:14; 7:11
(7:14)
Revelation 5:5
Matthew 2:6
Micah 5:2
Isaiah 11:1
Numbers 24:17
(7:15)
(7:16)
Hebrews 9:10; 9:14
(7:17)
Psalms 110:4
Hebrews 7:21; 5:6
(7:18)
Hebrews 7:11
Romans 8:3
Galatians 3:21
(7:19)
Hebrews 9:9; 10:1; 3:6; 7:25; 4:16; 10:1, 22
Acts 13:39
Romans 3:20; 7:7 f
Galatians 2:16; 3:21
Lamentations 3:57
James 4:8
(7:20)
(7:21)
Psalms 110:4
Hebrews 7:17; 5:6; 7:23 f, 28
Numbers 23:19
1 Samuel 15:29
Romans 11:29
(7:22)
Psalms 119:122
Isaiah 38:14
Hebrews 8:6
(7:23)
(7:24)
Hebrews 7:23 f
(7:25)
1 Corinthians 1:21
Hebrews 7:19; 9:24
Romans 8:34
(7:26)
Hebrews 2:17; 4:15; 4:14
2 Corinthians 5:21
1 Peter 2:22
(7:27)
Hebrews 5:1; 5:3; 9:12; 9:28; 9:14, 28; 10:10, 12
Ephesians 5:2
(7:28)
Hebrews 5:2; 1:2; 2:10
| 1. | The Visualized Text |
| 2. | Questions to be Explored |
| 3. | Commentary from Video |
| 4. | Cross References |
2012-11-23
2020-08-14
2024-03-19
2024-03-19 updated