Hebrews 7 Study Notes

Finally, Melchizedek’s sovereignty was recognized by Abraham, who paid this priest-king a tithe of all he had when he returned victorious from war. If Abraham recognized Melchizedek’s superiority by paying him a tithe, then Israel must, too. The author argued that the Levitical priesthood was inferior to that of Melchizedek because the inferior is blessed by the superior. The sovereignty of Melchizedek is reflected in the sovereignty of the Son of God, because while the Levitical priesthood was authorized by a legal regulation, the priesthood of Christ was authorized by the power of an indestructible life.

7:20-8:13 The author addressed next the authorizing sources of the two priesthoods. Typically, authority was granted to an agreement or a covenant through the confirmation of an oath. Citing Jr 31:31-34, the author noted the old covenant between God and Israel was dependent on the oath of man; unfortunately, they did not continue in this covenant. But the new covenant promised through Jeremiah was different, because that oath was made entirely by God. Because God swore to the new covenant, it was eternally guaranteed. He said he would be merciful to them and place his laws in their minds and hearts. Because of the divine oath, the new covenant is a better covenant. The first covenant is obsolete and growing old and about to pass away.

The priesthood based on the old covenant was filled with priests who could not remain in office because they died, but the new covenant priest always lives to intercede. The old covenant priesthood was filled with priests who were weak (7:28), but the new covenant priest was perfected forever through Jesus’s obedient suffering. The old covenant priest had to offer sacrifices every day, but the new covenant priest offered a sacrifice once for all time. The old covenant priest sacrificed for both himself and his people, but the new covenant priest, being sinless, offered himself on behalf of the people.