Hebrews 7:1-10
Q.1. What is the significance of the High Priestly role of Melchizedek that Jesus holds for us? (Heb.7:1-3)
The name Melchizedek means Righteous King. Melchizedek was the king of (Jeru) Salem, meaning peace. However, of greater significance is the writer’s revelation – Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually (Heb.7:3). Jesus holds His priesthood forever.
Q.2. Was Abraham ordered to give a tenth of his increase and plunder from the battle? What does this act teach us? (Heb.7:2-10)
Abraham understood this meeting with the Priest Melchizedek, to be a Christophany (a revelation of the pre-incarnate Christ). Therefore – … Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils … (Heb.7:2). This was something only to be given to God. We were not told why Abraham gave a tenth of all his increase, but this token percentage was believed by him to be significant enough to express appropriate gratitude to God. This was not commanded in the law per se because this act preceded the giving of the Law. Thus it has been understood as a good guide in the regular giving to God of our increases. (1 Cor.16:2).
Q.3. In what way is the Melchizedek Priesthood of Jesus vastly superior to the priesthood that descended from Levi? (Heb.7:4-10)
The writer argued that the Law requires tithes to be paid to the priestly descendants of Levi, whereas Abraham gave voluntarily to Melchizedek because of his grandeur. He was greater than the Father of our faith, Abraham, since the less important man gave a tithe to the more important Melchizedek who, unlike the priesthood, will never die. As the writer informed us – 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Heb.7:24-25). This guarantees us who believe, untold and never ceasing blessing from our Great High Priest, Jesus.