Melchizedek (1) - Hebrews 7

A Superior Priesthood

Christ’s Priesthood is after the Pattern of Aaron, but after the Order of Melchizedek

We read about Melchizedek in and

His Priesthood is obviously associated with the subjugation of God enemies and the succouring of God’s People.

This section draws our attention to the Holy Spirit’s use of Types - OT characters and objects which have NT significance. The details of Melchizedek’s Priesthood are obviously typical.

CAUTION: We must be careful not to find typical teaching in every OT detail. The NT will give us clues as to what we can understand in typical sense. Eg.

Melchizedek’s Priesthood obviously represents Christ

The NT clearly states that the tabernacle and its furniture / ordinances are figurative.

Historical Information ()

Melchizedek’s Identity

His Role - King & Priest ()

His Name/Title - Righteousness / Peace ()

Melchizedek’s Ancestry

No record of ancestors / descendants ()

Melchizedek’s Authority

Not a Jewish Priest - preceded the inauguration of Hebrew nation ()

Not a Levitical Priest ()

Received homage from Abraham ()

Doctrinal Information ()

Imperfection of Law

The OT signalled a need for a new Priesthood ()

Christ’s priesthood established by Divine oath ()

Imperfection of Priesthood

Christ was from Judah, not Levi - King / Priest ()

Christ did not merely inherit Priesthood ()

Levitical Priest’s died - Christ lives ()

Levitical Priest’s died

Practical Information ()

Our high priest is:

Sinless

Harmless

Sympathetic

Sufficient