Hebrews 7 (2)

Introduction
In Judaism of the first century, the role of priests was paramount. They embodied all that was good and true and reliable in Judaism, and they were the final authorities on all matters of faith and practice. In their vestments and work, the priests represented the very presence of God. The writer of Hebrews shows how, in the incident involving Abraham and Melchizedek, even the Levitical priests were subject to a higher and eternal Priest. Some first-century Jewish priests understood this. So should the readers of Hebrews.

Meditate Exodus 29.38-45.

Read Hebrews 7.4-9.

Think it through.
1.  Why is it significant that “Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils” to Melchizedek? In Judaism, priests received the tithes from the people. But in the case of Abraham and Melchizedek, the Levitical priests – still in the loins of their father – gave tithes to the King of Salem and King of Righteousness (cf. v. 9). How does this bolster the writer’s argument against drifting back to Judaism? Where should his readers expect to find the blessing and rest they were seeking (vv. 6, 7)?

2.  Since Christ has been appointed a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, what should the Levitical priests, following the example of Abraham, have been doing (cf. Acts 6.7)? Why were the first readers of this epistle making a mistake by seeking rest under the authoritative care of Levitical priests? The role of priests is to bring people to God. Everyone has some view of God – of that which is ultimately good and true and most to be desired. And everyone therefore has some idea of a “priesthood” whereby they may come into the presence of God. Is this true of those who adhere to a secular worldview? Explain.  

Meditate.
“Although the Levites are in all other respects equal in rank with the other tribes, nonetheless because the other tribes give tithes while the Levites receive them, the Levites are clearly superior. But if this is the case, then clearly also the same principle applies to Abraham and Melchizedek, the giver and recipient, respectively. Consequently, the type of Christ [Melchizedek] is greater than the patriarch Abraham.” Photius (820-891 AD)

Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6.7

I will only find true blessing for my soul in You, O Lord. And to that end I give You…

Pray Psalm 110.1-7.
David compares the people of God to “volunteers” who go forth like the dew of the morning in the beauty of holiness. Use these thoughts to pray for the day ahead, and the people you will meet in your Personal Mission Field.

Psalm 110.1-7 (Aurelia: The Church’s One Foundation)
“Sit by Me at My right hand,” 
The Lord says to my Lord, 
“Until I make Your foot stand 
On all who hate Your Word.” 
From in His Church the Savior 
Rules all His enemies; 
While those who know His favor 
Go forth the Lord to please. 

Filled with the Spirit’s power, 
In holy robes of love,
From early morning’s hour 
They serve their Lord above. 
Christ reigns a priest forever, 
The King of Righteousness 
And King of Peace who ever 
His chosen ones will bless. 

The Lord at Your right hand, Lord, 
In wrath shall shatter kings, 
When judgment by His strong Word 
He to the nations brings. 
Then, all His foes defeated, 
He takes His hard-won rest, 
In glorious triumph seated 
With us, redeemed and blest!

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.