The Greatness of Melchizedek
In the argument to establish the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and its superiority over the priesthood of Aaron from the tribe of Levi, the author of Hebrews first establishes the superiority of Melchizedek to Abraham, who was superior to his great-grandson, Levi. This is the focus of Hebrews 7:1–10.
In Hebrews 7:1–3, the author introduces his Jewish audience of believers in Jesus to the Abrahamic-era priest and king of Salem (Jerusalem), Melchizedek. In Hebrews 7:4–10, the author argues for the greatness of Melchizedek. He draws from Genesis 14 to make his case.
First, there are two key figures representing two different priestly orders that are recognized by Yahweh. One is Melchizedek. The other is Aaron of the tribe of Levi. Melchizedek was a contemporary of Abraham (2000 B.C.). Thus, he was too early to be a Jew (posterity of Jacob). Aaron, Moses’ brother, lived some 550 years after the Abraham/Melchizedek era.
Second, the two priestly lines both collected tithes (top of the heap offerings). The tithe from people to priest was the best of the crop, the choicest animals from the flock, the choice spoils of war, etc. The priesthood was supported by tithes. These resources were designed to support the specialized labor of the priesthood, in order to free the priest from the burden of self-sufficient farming or herding.
Abraham tithed the spoils of war to Melchizedek. The Israelites tithed their produce to the tribe of Levi, who were freed to serve the Lord and His temple. All Israelites were descendants of Abraham. This included the Levites. Descent determined who was eligible to be a priest.
A paternal descent from Aaron and maternal descent from a pure Israelite was required for Levitical/Aaronic priests serving in the tabernacle/Temple. Melchizedek was serving Yahweh long before the establishment of the tribal priestly system that followed the exodus from slavery in Egypt (1446 B.C.).
The greater priesthood belongs to the greater priest. There is a relationship between Melchizedek and the patriarch Abraham. There is also a relationship between Abraham and Levi. Abraham was greater than his posterity by virtue of tribes of people being in his loins. A nation of people would come from Abraham; and then people from every nation would subsequently have a relationship to this covenanted patriarch.
Abraham, with Levi in his loins, paid tithes to Melchizedek. This was a display of who was subject to whom. This was further established when Melchizedek blessed Abraham. The same understanding is reached by both actions. Melchizedek is a priest, greater than Abraham — Abraham who paid tithes and who was the recipient of a blessing. The greater blesses the lesser; and as a priest of God, he receives tithes from the lesser.
In this, we must not diminish our view of how great Abraham was as the first patriarch of all who would be justified before Yahweh. Abraham believed the promises of God’s Word to him; and this was reckoned to him as righteousness before God (Rom 4:3; Gal 3:6; Jas 2:23). God gave His Word, to do many wonderful things for Abraham through his offspring. Despite the improbability of the promised blessings, Abraham took Yahweh at His Word — and God delivered land, seed, and blessing. He is still delivering on His promises, today.
Melchizedek is greater still. This is profound. As one grows in his or her knowledge and understanding of Abraham’s role in God’s revealed plan for history — and then to find one greater than Abraham is arresting. There is yet more to this greater priesthood of this greater priest.
In Hebrews 7:8, the duration of the respective priesthoods is in view. Simply put, there is a difference between a priest, forever, and one who dies where upon his priesthood ceases. A priest must live forever in order for his priesthood to continue. The Aaronic priests of the tribe of Levi died one after the other. Thus, they did not fulfill their role and function. Instead, they served as types and shadows that pointed to Jesus Christ and His better sacrifice, from the order of a better priesthood.
In summary, the author of Hebrews introduced us to Jesus, the Son of God, our great high priest (Heb 4:14). The author/pastor is now building the case for the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood. What is established about Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:1–10 will help us to understand what is next in 7:11–19. Answering the obvious concern of Jewish believers in Jesus, the author is helping us to see how Jesus Messiah, of the non-priestly tribe of Judah, is truly a priest of another order.
Drawing from Genesis 14 and Psalm 110, we are being prepared to learn, the greater priest of the greater priesthood, Melchizedek, is also serving as a type and shadow of Messiah to come — a priest and king, forever.
In conclusion, tithes paid and blessings bestowed serve to show us who is greater in a relationship between the priest and king of Salem, Melchizedek, and the patriarch of the Jewish nation, Abraham. Two priests, serving in two different priesthoods (Melchizedek and Aaron), have been shown to relate to one another in this same category of comparison: greatness.
Our view to Hebrews 7:1–10 has served the single purpose of explaining the greatness of Melchizedek. We have seen Melchizedek greater than Abraham; Abraham greater than Aaron and the tribe of Levi; and for this reason, we state conclusively, but also as a preparation and proposition that: Jesus Christ, a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, is greater than Melchizedek, Abraham, Levi, or Aaron.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
December 14, 2023
Hebrews 7:4–10
