A Superior Priest

In this section the writer is going to reference another historical figure in the Law to prove that Jesus is a superior high priest. He uses a person known as Melchizedek to prove his point. One might think Melchizedek is a well known figure to the Jews since the writer has already mentioned him several times (5:6, 5:10; 6:20). The fact is he is only mentioned by name twice in the entire OT. He is mentioned in Genesis 14:8, Psalm 110:4, and then about eight times in Hebrews.

He is a mysterious figure. For that reason, there has been speculation about who he is. There are three interpretations:

He was a historical king/priest who lived in Abraham’s day.

He was an angelic being who appeared in the form of a man.

He was a preincarnate appearance of Christ.

I think the first and third interpretations are both possibilities. Instead of using this message to try and prove exactly who this man is we need to focus on the point the writer is making. The point is there is a greater priestly lineage than the Aaronic priesthood and Jesus is a priest of that order. The writer uses most of the chapter to prove that.

v. 1-2 Let’s look at a description of the man:

Melchidezek means “King of righteousness”.

King of Salem means “King of peace”.

Salem was also a name for Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2).

“Priest of the Most High God” This is interesting because in Judaism Kings could not be priests. There was a distinction between those offices.

Abraham met Melchizedek in Genesis 14. Abraham had just defeated a confederation of four kings in battle. The meeting is briefly described. Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

Abraham gave the King a tenth of the spoils he received from the battle. This offering showed two things:

Abraham was thankful to the Lord for giving him victory.

Abraham recognized the position Melchizedek held.

v. 3 “He is without father or mother or genealogy” Those who believe Melchizedek was a human king believe these verses simply mean there is no record of his genealogy. This lends to the mystery of the man.

The genealogy of the Levites was extremely important. To be a priest one had to show they were a descendant of Aaron (Ezra 2:61-62). And they also had to be between the ages of 25-50 years old (Numbers 8:24-25).

“Having neither beginning of days nor end of life” Again, those who believe this to be a normal human being believe this language is used because they have no written record of these things. So little is shared about him in the Bible. We don’t know, from the Biblical text, when he was born or when he died.

“Resembling the Son of God” In the same way that Melchizedek’s priesthood did not hinge on an earthly genealogy, neither did Jesus’.

“He continues a priest forever” Again, Levites had a beginning and ending to their priesthood. They couldn’t start until age twenty-five. They had to stop at age fifty. Some believe that the Melchizedek continues forever means that the Melchizedek order lasts forever. The man is obviously dead.

This priesthood is: Royal, Peaceful and Eternal.

v. 4 The greatness of the man is the point the writer is making. He is so great that Abraham gave him tithes. When you read the account in Genesis you see that Abraham had just met Melchizedek. He had done nothing for the patriarch. Yet Abraham recognized in him greatness. The Jews held Abraham in great esteem. If Abraham esteemed Melchizedek so highly then certainly they should as well.

v. 5 He is laying the groundwork for another point. He makes a statement the Jewish people knew well.

The Levites were commanded by God to receive tithes from their Jewish brothers and sisters (Num. 18:21). This is how the Levites lived. The Levites would in turn give tithe to the priests and that’s how the priests lived (Num. 18:21-32).

v.6-7 Here is the point he was laying the groundwork for. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. Melchizedek is not a descendant of Abraham, he is not a Levite, he is not a priest after the order of Aaron. Yet this priest blessed Abraham and received tithes of him. “Blessed” means he bestowed favor upon him through his position as a priest.

Because Melchizedek blessed Abraham, Melchizedek must be superior to Abraham. The writer says this is beyond dispute.

v. 8 This is an interesting verse. In the case of the Levites one is paying tithes to men who will die. They are mortal men. But in paying tithes to Melchizedek tithes are being paid to one who continues to live.

This is why I differ with those who believe Melchizedek is merely an earthly King who represented Jesus. I can’t see any other way to read this text other than Melchizedek is still alive. Those who disagree with me say because Melchizedek’s death is not mentioned his mystery remains alive. Or they say the office remains.

I’ll be clear with you. I think Melchizedek was a preincarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. He appeared in a human form and Abraham was blessed by Him. I could be wrong. But there is too much here for me to explain away if I think Melchizedek was just a man.

v. 9-10 Now the writer says that in a way Levi even paid tithes to Melchizedek. The Levites were descendants of Abraham. They were in the loins of this man when he paid tithes to Melchizedek. This only adds to the greatness of this Kingly Priest. This priest is greater than the Levitical priests and that is proven by their paying of tithes to him through their ancestor.

v. 11 The existence of Jesus as our High Priest proves the weakness of the Levitical priesthood. Perfection had not been attained through the Levitical system. They received the Law through it. The Law only showed them they were sinners and in need of forgiveness. The priests could not reconcile the people to God. Something more was needed. What was needed is found in the priesthood of Christ.

v. 12 As the order of the Aaronic & Levitical Priesthood passes away a new law could be expected. In other words, all the sacrifices, the ceremonies, and the rituals were no longer necessary. This would be important for the Jewish Christians to understand. Very soon the Temple would be completely destroyed. There would be no place for the priests to work. The good news was they no longer needed the Temple because they no longer needed the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood.

v. 13 -14 We can see in these verses there is an altogether new priesthood. Jesus did not come from the tribe of Levi. He came from the tribe of Judah. There were no priests from that lineage. Jesus qualifies as a priest because He is after the order of Melchizedek which predates the Levitical and Aaronic priesthoods.

v. 15-17 Jesus priesthood is not based on His lineage. He did not inherit it from a tribe or a family member. He is a new type of High Priest.

His qualification for this office is rooted in Messianic Prophecy. David, who lived many centuries after Melchizedek is mentioned, prophesied of a coming High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. David said in Psalm 110:1-4:

The Lord says to my Lord:

“Sit at my right hand,

until I make your enemies your footstool.”

2 The Lord sends forth from Zion

your mighty scepter.

Rule in the midst of your enemies!

3 Your people will offer themselves freely

on the day of your power,

in holy garments;

from the womb of the morning,

the dew of your youth will be yours.

4 The Lord has sworn

and will not change his mind,

“You are a priest forever

after the order of Melchizedek.”

His resurrection from the dead also qualifies Him for this office. The resurrection of Jesus proves He is the promised Messiah the Jewish people were looking for.

Let’s summarize this with some final thoughts:

1. Jesus is both a King of righteousness and of peace.

2. Jesus eternal priesthood means those He represents are eternally safe.

3. The purpose of the Law is to show us our need for Christ.