Hebrews 7:1-17

Introduction to the Superiority of Christ

We are moving through the book of Hebrews, addressing a first-century Jewish Christian audience facing opposition and persecution from their fellow Jews. They are being pressured to abandon Christianity and return to the Judaism system of animal sacrifices offered by the high priest. The author encourages perseverance by comparing the Levitical priesthood to Jesus Christ, showing Christ's superiority in every way—more important, precious, permanent, and secure. There is no real comparison between the perfect Savior of the new covenant and the old covenant shadows.

In Hebrews 7, the author focuses on two main things: Melchizedek, a subject previously called too difficult because the audience had become dull of hearing, and its relation to Jesus Christ as the perfect High Priest. The goal is to present Christ so beautifully that He becomes irresistible, making us turn from the world and cling to Him wholly. Christ should be viewed as preeminent in our lives.

Melchizedek's Description and Superiority

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.

Now consider how great this man was to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils! And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

The History of Melchizedek

Melchizedek is a real historical person, not the pre-incarnate Christ. He was king of Salem (early Jerusalem), king of righteousness (from Hebrew "Malki-zedek") and king of peace (Salem from "shalom"). He appears briefly in Genesis 14 after Abraham defeats four kings, including Chedorlaomer, rescuing his nephew Lot from Sodom's defeat.

Abraham, called from a polytheistic family, splits from Lot due to vast possessions. Lot chooses land near Sodom. Five kings, including Sodom's, rebel against four kings led by Chedorlaomer and lose badly. Lot is captured. Abraham, with 318 trained men, pursues and defeats the kings, recovers Lot and possessions. He refuses Sodom's king Bera's offer to avoid obligation.

Then Melchizedek appears without introduction, bringing bread and wine. He blesses Abraham: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." Abraham gives him a tenth of everything. Melchizedek vanishes.

Bread and wine suggest covenant or sacrifice (wine often priestly). He is priest of God Most High—the only high priest before the Levitical order, centuries before the law. Abraham tithes to him, not for blessing but out of worship, recognizing God's prior favor on Abraham (grace without merit). Blessing follows God's work, not tithing. Tithing here advances God's purposes, like gospel ministry today—not a prosperity formula, but response to salvation (lordship salvation). Christ is both Savior and Lord.

Christ's Superior Priesthood

Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.

For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.

Levitical priests required genealogy from Levi; Christ arose from Judah. "Without father, without mother, without genealogy" highlights Christ's priesthood is not inherited but divinely appointed: "The Lord has sworn and will not relent, 'You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek'" (Psalm 110:4).

If Levitical priesthood brought perfection, why another priest like Melchizedek? Its change implies law's change. Christ's priesthood is by "power of endless life"—permanent, unlike Levites dying. Levi "paid tithes" through Abraham, showing Melchizedek's (and Christ's) superiority.

The Meaning of Perfection

For He testifies: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Perfection (Greek teleios, as in Christ's "It is finished") is not sinless perfection (a heresy refuted by Augustine) but fulfillment of God's promises: eternal salvation, sin forgiveness, acceptance by God, new heart (Ezekiel), justification, sanctification. Old covenant reminded of sins; new covenant of forgiveness.

Christ's once-for-all sacrifice imputes our sin to Him, His righteousness to us—no condemnation (Romans 8:1). He intercedes perfectly. Focusing on His specific atonement makes Him irresistibly beautiful, our sin abhorrent. The gospel is our daily life: holy God demands holiness; we were dead in sin, but Christ died, rose, grants faith and repentance. Live conformed to His image, glorifying God.