Bd – The Priesthood of Melchizedek 7: 1-28

The Priesthood of Melchizedek
7: 1-28

Throughout the letter to Jewish believers, no point receives as much attention as Messiah’s priesthood. It concerns the most important part of Judaism – the priesthood. No sacrifices could be made except by the priest and no forgiveness of sins could be had apart from the sacrifices. Obedience to the Torah was very important, but the offering of sacrifices was even more important, and the priesthood was essential for offering them. Hence, the priesthood was exalted in Judaism.¹⁵⁹

In this context one figure from Isra’el’s past captured the attention of the writer – Melchizedek, king (Hebrew: melek) of Salem and a priest of El ‘Elyon (the Most High God). The name Malki-Tzedek combines Malki (Hebrew: a perfect past-tense verb with continuing results into the future, meaning I ruled) and Tzedek (righteousness). The idea is awesome because Malki has the idea that all the king does is righteous. Only a righteous king would rule righteously; so there is a righteous king who rules his kingdom righteously! The brief appearance of this person on the stage of patriarchal history (see the commentary on Genesis, to see link click Ed – Melchizedek: King of Salem and a Priest of God Most High) would seem too insignificant to deserve the kind of extended attention found here. Yet Melchizedek’s name and role provide rich insights for the believer.¹⁶⁰

The Jewish nation was accustomed to the priesthood of the tribe of Levi. This tribe was chosen by YHVH to serve in the Tabernacle. But now the author has to show that the high priesthood of Yeshua is consistent with the revelation in the TaNaKh. On the surface this seems like an impossible task. God Himself set the tribe of Levi apart (Numbers 4, 8) to serve Him, and selected Aaron’s family, and only Aaron’s family, to serve as priests (see the commentary on Exodus Ge – The Consecration of Aaron and His Family). In spite of their many failures, the priests served ADONAI for centuries. But now the writer of Hebrews has affirmed that their priesthood has ended! To defend this statement, and prove that the Order of Melchizedek is superior to that of Aaron, the writer will now make three major comparisons based upon the characteristics of Malki-Tzedek as he appears in the TaNaKh. He is, however, only mentioned in two passages – one in an historical record and one in a poetical record. The historical record is Genesis 14:18-20. He suddenly appears on the scene and quickly disappears from the scene. There is no record of his origin, birth, life, death, or anything else. The poetic mention is in Psalm 110:4. Therefore, the portrait of Melchizedek is very limited. But based upon that very limited portrait, the author makes a number of comparisons, and he is able to make the resemblance very extensive.¹⁶¹

Be – Melchizedek was a Type of Christ (7:1-3)

Bf – The Order of Melchizedek and the Order of Aaron (7:4-10)

Bg – The Levitical Priesthood and the Priesthood of Yeshua (7:11-25)

Then, in 7:26-28, the writer contrasts Christ’s priesthood to the priesthood of Levitical high priests (see Bl – Yeshua the Melchizedek Priest). These unexpected truths are embedded in the TaNaKh – truths that even the most insightful Jewish sages have missed.