Free Bible Commentary
“Hebrews 7:1-10”
Categories: Hebrews“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, 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. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 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. But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.”
---End of Scripture verses---
The author now returns to the subject of Melchizedek and his likeness to Jesus. The name Melchizedek literally means “king of righteousness” (verse 2), and he ruled over the Canaanite city-state of Salem. “Salem” is a variant of the Hebrew word for “peace” (shalom), and likely denoted the place that was later named Jerusalem. Even though there is a comparison between Melchizedek’s kingship and that of our righteous Prince of Peace, the Hebrews writer’s main point of focus is on the similarity of their priesthood.
The biblical historical account of Melchizedek is found in Genesis 14:18-20. Not much is revealed about this enigmatic figure who has been the focal point of much speculation and controversy, but enough is mentioned for the writer of Hebrews to make his argument—that the priesthood of Jesus is far superior to that of the Levitical priesthood. This argumentation leads up to the point that there has been a change in the priesthood of the Law of Moses, and subsequently and necessarily, a change in the law itself (verses 11-17).
Since Melchizedek blessed father Abraham, and the patriarch “apportioned” to the king/priest “a tenth part of all the spoils” taken from his defeat of the kings of East, it is “without any dispute” that he held a position of greater status than that of Abraham (verse 7). And since Levi was a descendant of Abraham, he “paid tithes” to Melchizedek as well, “so to speak” (verse 9). Also, the perpetuation of the Levitical priesthood was completely dependent upon an inherited succession according to a strict family lineage. But, like Jesus, Melchizedek neither received his priesthood from a predecessor nor did he pass it on to a successor.
This passage does not teach that Melchizedek was an eternal being like our Lord who was without beginning or end. Verse 6 clearly shows us that he had a “genealogy” but it was just not recorded for us, and, again like Jesus, it was not “traced from” the descendants of Levi. We must keep in mind that the comparison made is between the priesthood of Jesus and Melchizedek and not the essence of their being.
As David McClister points out in his Florida College Press commentary: “Messianic figures in the Bible (of which Melchizedek is one) by their nature are not equal to the things to which they point as figures.” He also wrote, “If Melchizedek was an eternal being, then he was already the perfect high priest.” And of course we know he was not. But he did prefigure our Perfect High priests in some, but not all regards.
Please read Hebrews 7:11-17 for tomorrow.
We would love for you to come worship God with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ.
We assemble at 3741 Taylorsville Road in Louisville Kentucky.
9:30 AM Bible classes for all ages. 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM worship services.
Have a great Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
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