Hebrews 7:11-17: A Priest For Ever
2023-01-07
Hebrews 7:11
Hypothetically, if the priests of Aaron were efficacious in taking away sin with their sacrifices, Jesus would not be necessary. The word “perfection” is used also in Luke 1:45: “And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45). This is Elisabeth speaking of Mary and the promises of the Savior made to her. The word “performance” is the same word as “perfection” in Hebrews 7:11. This word pertains to a fulfillment of prophecy. The Aaronic priesthood never established righteousness or ended sin with a single one of their sacrifices, and the Law that was brought with that priesthood never made a single person righteous. Something entirely different was necessary to end sin and establish righteousness in humankind. The propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus Christ did what the priests of Aaron could not do.
The word “order” refers to the succession. There was a fixed succession with the high priests of Aaron, passed from father to son because of death. In the case of Melchizedek, there is no death, but rather the pattern shown in their lives (as we have seen).
Hebrews 7:12-14
Because the priesthood is defined in the Law, and the Law and the Aaronic priesthood are dependent on each other, a change in one results in the change of the other. In what way does the law change? Here, we see that Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. This clearly is a change, since every Old Testament priest came from the tribe of Levi. There is no mention of other priests, unless they were pagan or rebelling, like Uzziah.
To see how else the law changed, see the discussion here.
What can we say about Jesus coming from the tribe of Judah? Consider the study here.
Hebrews 7:15-16
Jesus Christ, this new priest, is “after the similitude of Melchisedec.” This is all those attributes we spoke of earlier. He is without father, mother, beginning, or end. He is both priest and king. He is the King of peace and righteousness. He receives the gifts (tithes) of the people. He is the better that blesses the lesser. He is a priest continually for He lives forever.
The Law is a “carnal commandment” in that it was temporal and for a nation, inaugurated at Sinai. It is a shadow of greater things in heaven, as we will see in the next chapter. The priesthood of Aaron was one such figure that points to the greater figure of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ ministry as high priest is rooted in the “the power of an endless life.” Aaron’s family is long dead, but our Lord Jesus Christ rose again: “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him” (Romans 6:9).
Hebrews 7:17
Here, Paul quoted Psalm 110:4. “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalms 110:4). We discussed some of this psalm previously. See how the LORD swore that Jesus would be a priest forever, with emphasis on “for ever.” Because He always lives, He can continue being a priest before the LORD forever, having died once for us, and continually making intercession for us. Once again, we see an oath (“The LORD hath sworn”). God swears for our sakes, because whatever He says, it will be a promised kept. The oath is an emphasis for our sakes.
Again, the Lord “will not repent.” The Aaronic priesthood is with repentance, for in the last days, it is said of the tribe of Levi, “I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel” (Genesis 49:7). Jesus will continue forever as our priest before the Lord, perfectly exhibiting the qualities of Melchizedek we mentioned in their fullness.