Hebrews 7....greater than Aaron part 2
The theme of superiority continues, Jesus is presented as greater than Aaron in His person. This chapter can be divided into three parts to expound the implications of the mysterious person called Melchisedek.
Verses 1-10 Melchisedek was greater than Aaron...the historical argument.
Verses 11-25 Melchisedek replaces Aaron....the doctrinal argument.
Verses 26-28 Melchisedek a fitting priesthood for Christian worship...the practical argument.
Verses 1-10 Melchisedek greater than Aaron as shown from history
Mentioned only briefly in two portions of scripture (Genesis 14 and Psalm 110), yet his appearance on the page of holy scripture is most significant for every believer in the present age. It is important we understand his role as intended by God. He was no phantom, nor was he a visiting angel, he was a real man, with real parents, was a real king, and operated as “priest of the most high God” in the land that God had given to Abraham and his descendants, and was aware of the wars being waged in the land, but was involved only in blessing the victors. He is the most graphic type of our Lord Jesus Christ, there being no record of any such order until Christ. In the course of this marvellous historical account, we learn much of how scripture is to be interpreted.
• Melchisedek preceded Aaron by almost 500 years (Genesis 14...Exodus 28).
• He was King and Priest, “King of Salem, Priest of the most high God.” These two offices could never be combined in one person in Judaism.
• “He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him”. This is the narrative of Genesis 14, which presents the work of the priest, as in the story. The land was under attack from the realm of Shinar (first mentioned in chapter 11 at the rebellion of Babel). God’s heritage had been subdued for 12 years and war ensued in the thirteenth year. Melchisedek was not involved in the battle save to bring the most high God into it. His intercession was heard and Abraham with a few hundred armed men overcame the armies of five nations in a miraculous victory in which his nephew Lot was recovered with the souls of Sodom and surrounding areas. The king of Sodom came with an offer of reward, but Melchisedek intervened first, reminding Abraham who was “the possessor of heaven and earth”. By this Abraham was saved from possible servitude to the king of Sodom, and instead received a blessing from Melchisedek in the form of bread and wine. Abraham was preserved by the priestly intervention, and, as they say “the rest is history”. This event had profound effects on Abraham and on all who would follow him in faith, so the work of Melchisedek was vast, even if the narrative is short. The role of priest is therefore established as comfort and blessing for the people of God in times of conflict. This gives us an insight into the present priestly work of Christ for us all.
• His name had an important meaning; first “king of righteousness”, after that also “king of peace”. Names had special significance, but also the order is recognised...”first righteousness.....after that peace.” This is the very essence of the Christian gospel, foretold in the old and expounded in the new testament. There is no peace until righteousness is established. Isaiah 32 v17 “And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assurance forever.” Psalm 85 v10 “Mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed...”. Hebrews chapter 12 v11 speaks of “the peaceable fruit of righteousness”. This, that is the very basis of the gospel, was first symbolised in Melchisedek.
• There is no trace of his genealogy, in a book full of genealogies. Scripture argues from silence....he had parents, he had genealogy, he was born a real man, he died but there is no record of any of this. He appears on the page and never leaves until the Son of God comes! Those who object to arguments from silence take note, the Holy Spirit uses this very literary tool. As such he is the perfect type of the high priestly office of Christ....”Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually”. His eternal existence is assumed, his secret preparation for the work unseen by human eye, his eternal, perpetual priestly representation of God to His people are all prefigured in this wonderful historical narrative.
• We are asked to “consider how great this man was”, because he received tithes of the spoils of war from Abraham. This was an acknowledgment of his greatness and the patriarch Abraham (note the high rank ) paid homage to his greatness by honouring him with the tithes, the practice of the days in deference to kings. Verse 7 says “without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. In verses 4-10 he is comparing the Aaronic priesthood with Melchisedek from the point of view that Levi, the priestly tribe, came out of Abraham. Levi received tithes by Divine commandment, Melchisedek by virtue of the excellence of his person. Levi received tithes but they died; Melchisedek lives for ever, a continual priesthood. Levi who received tithes first paid tithes in Abraham, for they were “in the loins of Abraham” when he paid the portion of the spoils of war; Melchisedek received tithes by virtue of his Divine anointing. This last comparison leads to a phenomenal truth that is imprinted on the sacred page, and that is, anything given to the Lord will be paid back in abundance! Abraham paid tithes to Melchisedek (effectively to the Lord), as one payment on one occasion. Through Levi Abraham received back tithes for thousands of priests over hundreds of years!! A little given to the Lord will be paid back in abundance (read Mark 10 vv29-30; Matthew 19 vv27-29; Luke 18 vv29-30).
Verses 11-25 Melchisedek replaces Aaron...the doctrine
We can think of this difficult, but important, section in three ways. It was necessary to replace the Aaronic priesthood because of:
Verses 11-19 The imperfection of the law
Verses 20-22 The inviolability of the Divine oath
Verses 23-25 The mortality of the priests
Judaism was a preparatory system of worship, but imperfect, and, ultimately had to be replaced with a new order of things and this has been done in Christ. Therefore God has moved away from it to a perfect worship, in the form of a greater priesthood, under a greater covenant, in a greater sanctuary, based on a greater sacrifice.
The imperfection of the law. That God indicated there would be another order of priesthood (Psalm 110) meant that in His estimate it must be replaced. The Aaronic priesthood was based on the law, and on obedience to the law on the part of the worshippers. The blood of animals was sacrificed to avoid the judgment of God in their approach, but this was only prospective for something better to come. God has now finished with the old priesthood. If He will change the priesthood He must also change the law, the basis of it. The new priest of the order of Melchisedek did not come from the tribe of Levi, the only ones permitted to sacrifice at the altar, He came from the tribe of Judah. A new order of priest, from a different tribe cannot operate under the law. The emphasis in these verses is on one from another (a different) tribe, and to a different priesthood which is not based on a carnal commandment (the law...which only brought death) but according to the power of an endless (indissoluble) life. So he is developing the weakness of the law as against the power of the gospel in Jesus Christ. The Divine decree stands forever “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedek”. He is not going back to the old order, He has finished with it, He has replaced it, and we should follow.
The disannulling of the law was implicit in the declaration of the permanent Priesthood of Messiah and in a graphic way, the weakness and unprofitability of the law is contrasted with “the power of an indissoluble life” in Christ. The law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope (the finished work of Christ) did. God has replaced the old priesthood with the new order of Melchisedek, which can accomplish what the old never could. It is now by this alone we draw nigh to God...it is a spiritual worship, the external ceremony is gone and we worship in spirit.
The inviolability of the Divine oath The old priests were not required to be sworn into office, they entered by virtue of natural birth and functioned from 20 years old upward; they were only debarred if certain physical characteristics were deficient. Not so with the priesthood of Christ, He is so by Divine oath, which under no circumstances can be altered forever...”The Lord sware and will not repent, “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedek” “. God has moved forward and He will never move back, if we wish to keep in step with Him we must follow. “By so much has Jesus become surety of a better testament”. Under the old system no one could keep the law, but Jesus fulfilled it and is become surety (guarantor) of a new and better testament. The word “testament”, or covenant occurs 21 times in the letter and is a major topic.... it means now the worth and work of Christ has been passed into law in the sight of God and is now indelibly secure in the vaults of heaven. The old is finished and the new stands forever.
The mortality of the priests There were many priests in the old economy, but they were subject to death as they themselves were sinners. Their priesthood became transferable to another on death, but there is only one high priest today and because He lives forever, His office will go on and He possesses an untransferable priesthood. This is the essence of perfection. By this “He is able to save to the uttermost.....to the ultimate end, in whatever situation... all who come unto God by Him”. This is because the operation of His priesthood is eternal and powerful and effective. He lives to make intercession for us.
Verses 26-28 Melchisedek a fitting priesthood for spiritual worship
The theme is stated in verse 26 “For such an high priest became us....”. A people saved by so great salvation and represented before God by so great a person, need a great high priest of impeccable character, and so He is. Here we have a summary of the impeccable character of our great high priest. In the good of all that He is we can approach God for He is all that we are not and God accepts us in Him., He is holy (Godward) He is God -fearing and reverent; He is harmless (man ward) He neither gives offence nor takes offence...the word can mean innocent, free from guilt; He is undefiled (self ward) untainted by the sin all around; He is separate from sinners, not a spacial but a moral separation, He is a class apart. This means He is sinless....two examples in the letter, chapter 4 v15 and chapter 9 v28, the expression is “sin apart”. There was no suggestion of sin either in His person or in His work. His position is supreme “made higher than the heavens”. Morally, spiritually and positionally He is above all and He is our access to God. Comparisons with Aaron can be made in this connection. In the execution of his office, Aaron had to wear garments of beauty and glory (Exodus 28), but not in the Holy of Holies (Leviticus 16 v4). This alone is reserved for Jesus our great high priest who in the very presence of God wears the beautiful garments! He has taken beauty and glory to the pinnacle of throne from which He serves us. Each of the high priestly garments, the linen ephod, the onyx stones and the breastplate, the robe of blue, and the mitre with it’s crown of gold can be linked to the details of verse 26, but that is for another study. It was such an high priest that became us who have been redeemed and cleansed and fitted for God’s service. There should be no doubt in our mind about our acceptance with God. There should be a cleansing effect every time we approach God as well as a joy in our hearts. Nothing of the old order can compare with this. They were sinners and had to offer first sacrifices for their sins before they could help others. The law (the old order) made men high priests with infirmities, the word of the oath (the new order) makes the Son who is perfected forever. In approaching God today, we come in the name and in the worth of one who is perfect and who lives to bring us “salvation to the uttermost”.
The theme of superiority continues, Jesus is presented as greater than Aaron in His person. This chapter can be divided into three parts to expound the implications of the mysterious person called Melchisedek.
Verses 1-10 Melchisedek was greater than Aaron...the historical argument.
Verses 11-25 Melchisedek replaces Aaron....the doctrinal argument.
Verses 26-28 Melchisedek a fitting priesthood for Christian worship...the practical argument.
Verses 1-10 Melchisedek greater than Aaron as shown from history
Mentioned only briefly in two portions of scripture (Genesis 14 and Psalm 110), yet his appearance on the page of holy scripture is most significant for every believer in the present age. It is important we understand his role as intended by God. He was no phantom, nor was he a visiting angel, he was a real man, with real parents, was a real king, and operated as “priest of the most high God” in the land that God had given to Abraham and his descendants, and was aware of the wars being waged in the land, but was involved only in blessing the victors. He is the most graphic type of our Lord Jesus Christ, there being no record of any such order until Christ. In the course of this marvellous historical account, we learn much of how scripture is to be interpreted.
• Melchisedek preceded Aaron by almost 500 years (Genesis 14...Exodus 28).
• He was King and Priest, “King of Salem, Priest of the most high God.” These two offices could never be combined in one person in Judaism.
• “He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him”. This is the narrative of Genesis 14, which presents the work of the priest, as in the story. The land was under attack from the realm of Shinar (first mentioned in chapter 11 at the rebellion of Babel). God’s heritage had been subdued for 12 years and war ensued in the thirteenth year. Melchisedek was not involved in the battle save to bring the most high God into it. His intercession was heard and Abraham with a few hundred armed men overcame the armies of five nations in a miraculous victory in which his nephew Lot was recovered with the souls of Sodom and surrounding areas. The king of Sodom came with an offer of reward, but Melchisedek intervened first, reminding Abraham who was “the possessor of heaven and earth”. By this Abraham was saved from possible servitude to the king of Sodom, and instead received a blessing from Melchisedek in the form of bread and wine. Abraham was preserved by the priestly intervention, and, as they say “the rest is history”. This event had profound effects on Abraham and on all who would follow him in faith, so the work of Melchisedek was vast, even if the narrative is short. The role of priest is therefore established as comfort and blessing for the people of God in times of conflict. This gives us an insight into the present priestly work of Christ for us all.
• His name had an important meaning; first “king of righteousness”, after that also “king of peace”. Names had special significance, but also the order is recognised...”first righteousness.....after that peace.” This is the very essence of the Christian gospel, foretold in the old and expounded in the new testament. There is no peace until righteousness is established. Isaiah 32 v17 “And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assurance forever.” Psalm 85 v10 “Mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed...”. Hebrews chapter 12 v11 speaks of “the peaceable fruit of righteousness”. This, that is the very basis of the gospel, was first symbolised in Melchisedek.
• There is no trace of his genealogy, in a book full of genealogies. Scripture argues from silence....he had parents, he had genealogy, he was born a real man, he died but there is no record of any of this. He appears on the page and never leaves until the Son of God comes! Those who object to arguments from silence take note, the Holy Spirit uses this very literary tool. As such he is the perfect type of the high priestly office of Christ....”Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually”. His eternal existence is assumed, his secret preparation for the work unseen by human eye, his eternal, perpetual priestly representation of God to His people are all prefigured in this wonderful historical narrative.
• We are asked to “consider how great this man was”, because he received tithes of the spoils of war from Abraham. This was an acknowledgment of his greatness and the patriarch Abraham (note the high rank ) paid homage to his greatness by honouring him with the tithes, the practice of the days in deference to kings. Verse 7 says “without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. In verses 4-10 he is comparing the Aaronic priesthood with Melchisedek from the point of view that Levi, the priestly tribe, came out of Abraham. Levi received tithes by Divine commandment, Melchisedek by virtue of the excellence of his person. Levi received tithes but they died; Melchisedek lives for ever, a continual priesthood. Levi who received tithes first paid tithes in Abraham, for they were “in the loins of Abraham” when he paid the portion of the spoils of war; Melchisedek received tithes by virtue of his Divine anointing. This last comparison leads to a phenomenal truth that is imprinted on the sacred page, and that is, anything given to the Lord will be paid back in abundance! Abraham paid tithes to Melchisedek (effectively to the Lord), as one payment on one occasion. Through Levi Abraham received back tithes for thousands of priests over hundreds of years!! A little given to the Lord will be paid back in abundance (read Mark 10 vv29-30; Matthew 19 vv27-29; Luke 18 vv29-30).
Verses 11-25 Melchisedek replaces Aaron...the doctrine
We can think of this difficult, but important, section in three ways. It was necessary to replace the Aaronic priesthood because of:
Verses 11-19 The imperfection of the law
Verses 20-22 The inviolability of the Divine oath
Verses 23-25 The mortality of the priests
Judaism was a preparatory system of worship, but imperfect, and, ultimately had to be replaced with a new order of things and this has been done in Christ. Therefore God has moved away from it to a perfect worship, in the form of a greater priesthood, under a greater covenant, in a greater sanctuary, based on a greater sacrifice.
The imperfection of the law. That God indicated there would be another order of priesthood (Psalm 110) meant that in His estimate it must be replaced. The Aaronic priesthood was based on the law, and on obedience to the law on the part of the worshippers. The blood of animals was sacrificed to avoid the judgment of God in their approach, but this was only prospective for something better to come. God has now finished with the old priesthood. If He will change the priesthood He must also change the law, the basis of it. The new priest of the order of Melchisedek did not come from the tribe of Levi, the only ones permitted to sacrifice at the altar, He came from the tribe of Judah. A new order of priest, from a different tribe cannot operate under the law. The emphasis in these verses is on one from another (a different) tribe, and to a different priesthood which is not based on a carnal commandment (the law...which only brought death) but according to the power of an endless (indissoluble) life. So he is developing the weakness of the law as against the power of the gospel in Jesus Christ. The Divine decree stands forever “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedek”. He is not going back to the old order, He has finished with it, He has replaced it, and we should follow.
The disannulling of the law was implicit in the declaration of the permanent Priesthood of Messiah and in a graphic way, the weakness and unprofitability of the law is contrasted with “the power of an indissoluble life” in Christ. The law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope (the finished work of Christ) did. God has replaced the old priesthood with the new order of Melchisedek, which can accomplish what the old never could. It is now by this alone we draw nigh to God...it is a spiritual worship, the external ceremony is gone and we worship in spirit.
The inviolability of the Divine oath The old priests were not required to be sworn into office, they entered by virtue of natural birth and functioned from 20 years old upward; they were only debarred if certain physical characteristics were deficient. Not so with the priesthood of Christ, He is so by Divine oath, which under no circumstances can be altered forever...”The Lord sware and will not repent, “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedek” “. God has moved forward and He will never move back, if we wish to keep in step with Him we must follow. “By so much has Jesus become surety of a better testament”. Under the old system no one could keep the law, but Jesus fulfilled it and is become surety (guarantor) of a new and better testament. The word “testament”, or covenant occurs 21 times in the letter and is a major topic.... it means now the worth and work of Christ has been passed into law in the sight of God and is now indelibly secure in the vaults of heaven. The old is finished and the new stands forever.
The mortality of the priests There were many priests in the old economy, but they were subject to death as they themselves were sinners. Their priesthood became transferable to another on death, but there is only one high priest today and because He lives forever, His office will go on and He possesses an untransferable priesthood. This is the essence of perfection. By this “He is able to save to the uttermost.....to the ultimate end, in whatever situation... all who come unto God by Him”. This is because the operation of His priesthood is eternal and powerful and effective. He lives to make intercession for us.
Verses 26-28 Melchisedek a fitting priesthood for spiritual worship
The theme is stated in verse 26 “For such an high priest became us....”. A people saved by so great salvation and represented before God by so great a person, need a great high priest of impeccable character, and so He is. Here we have a summary of the impeccable character of our great high priest. In the good of all that He is we can approach God for He is all that we are not and God accepts us in Him., He is holy (Godward) He is God -fearing and reverent; He is harmless (man ward) He neither gives offence nor takes offence...the word can mean innocent, free from guilt; He is undefiled (self ward) untainted by the sin all around; He is separate from sinners, not a spacial but a moral separation, He is a class apart. This means He is sinless....two examples in the letter, chapter 4 v15 and chapter 9 v28, the expression is “sin apart”. There was no suggestion of sin either in His person or in His work. His position is supreme “made higher than the heavens”. Morally, spiritually and positionally He is above all and He is our access to God. Comparisons with Aaron can be made in this connection. In the execution of his office, Aaron had to wear garments of beauty and glory (Exodus 28), but not in the Holy of Holies (Leviticus 16 v4). This alone is reserved for Jesus our great high priest who in the very presence of God wears the beautiful garments! He has taken beauty and glory to the pinnacle of throne from which He serves us. Each of the high priestly garments, the linen ephod, the onyx stones and the breastplate, the robe of blue, and the mitre with it’s crown of gold can be linked to the details of verse 26, but that is for another study. It was such an high priest that became us who have been redeemed and cleansed and fitted for God’s service. There should be no doubt in our mind about our acceptance with God. There should be a cleansing effect every time we approach God as well as a joy in our hearts. Nothing of the old order can compare with this. They were sinners and had to offer first sacrifices for their sins before they could help others. The law (the old order) made men high priests with infirmities, the word of the oath (the new order) makes the Son who is perfected forever. In approaching God today, we come in the name and in the worth of one who is perfect and who lives to bring us “salvation to the uttermost”.
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