Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Hebrews

Chapter 7

[1] For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; [2] To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; [3] Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Verse 1

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
Question	Answer
Who was Melchisedec?	King of Salem. Many brethren believe he was Shem.
What office did he hold?	He held two offices.    1) Priest.    2) King.
Whose priest was he?	Priest of the most high God.
With what notable Bible character did he meet?	Abraham.
After what event did this meeting take place?	The battle of 5 kings against 4 recorded in Gen. 14:8-20.
What did Melchisedec do?	He blessed Abraham.
What is the significance of this?	See vs. 7.

Verse 2

To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Question	Answer
Of what significance is it that Abraham gave a tenth to Melchisedec?	Compare Mal. 3:10; Matt. 3:16 The lesser always gives tithes to the greater, even as Israel gave tithes to the tribe of Levi - at God's command. This tenth was really being given to God. This tithe to us is symbolic of our covenant of complete consecration to God. "Bring ye all the tithes..."
What is the interpretation of the name Melchisedec?	King of righteousness.
What other position was held by Melchisedec? and what does this signify?	"King of Salem, which is, King of peace."

Verse 3

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Question	Answer
How is it possible that Melchisedec could be "without father, without mother, without descent?"	see SM142:1-2
Was Melchisedec really without "end of life?" And what does that mean?	see Q484; R3951:22
How was Melchisedec "made like unto the Son of God?"	The translation is correct. Actually it reads "made like unto the son of the God?" The key here is that he was made "like unto" the Son of God. Melchisedec was made to be a mighty one, in respect among men he was made like unto the son of God.
Does Melchisedec abide as a priest today?	No. As mentioned earlier, Melchisedec lived and died like the rest of mankind. It is simply in his office as a priestly king that there is no record of him having a beginning or end.

[4] Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. [5] And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: [6] But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. [7] And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. [8] And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. [9] And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. [10] For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

Verse 4

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Question	Answer
What is Paul's main point in this verse?	That Melchisedec was greater than Abraham.
Where do we find this story recorded?	Gen. 14:18-20

Verse 5

And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
Question	Answer
According to the law handed down to the nation of Israel by Moses, who was permitted to be of the priesthood?	"The sons of Levi" - Deut. 21:5; 31:9
What were these to receive from their brethren?	The tithe or tenth.

Verse 6

But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
Question	Answer
Who received tithes from Abraham?	Melchisedec.
In this setting, who did the blessing?	Melchisedec.

Verse 7

And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
Question	Answer
What is Paul's point in this verse?	That Melchisedec was greater than Abraham.

Verse 8

And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
Question	Answer
When Paul says: "Here men that die receive tithes," of whom was he speaking?	Aaron and his descendents.
Was Melchisedec still alive when Paul wote this?	No.
What point is Paul here making?	That the priesthood of Melchisedec is a better priesthood than that of Aaron. This being evidenced by the fact that Aaron's death is recorded but not so with Melchisedec.

Verses 9, 10

And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
Question	Answer
What was the relationship between Levi, Abraham and Moses?	Abraham was the great grandfather of Levi who was the great grandfather of Aaron the brother of Moses. Matt. 1:2; Gen. 25:34; 1 Chron. 6:1-3.
Since Levi died before the priesthood was established, how could it be said that Levi received tithes?	Because his descendents, Aaron and his sons, received tithes, and these sons were in the loins of their (grand)father Levi.
How did Levi pay tithes to Melchisedec?	Because Levi was descended from Abraham or, as Paul here states the matter, Levi was still in the loins of his father Abraham.
How does this principle of inheritance from our fathers impact the Divine Plan?	The Ransom. We all inherited sin and its penalty from our father Adam. Because of this we need a Redeemer.

[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? [12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. [13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. [14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. [15] And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, [16] Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. [17] For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Verse 11

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
Question	Answer
What is the purpose of a priesthood?	To bring men to Perfection.
How did Israel receive the law of God?	Through the Levitical priesthood.
Why was another covenant needed?	Because the first (law) covenant did not actually bring men to perfection.
What is the difference between the Aaronic and the Melchisedec priesthoods?	There are a two primary differences. 1. Melchisedec was a king, Aaron was not. 2. Melchisedec was not a sacrificing priest, Aaron was.
What is pictured by the Aaronic priesthood?	The sufferings of the Christ, as shown in the sacrifices.
What is pictured by the Melchisedec priesthood?	The Christ in Glory, as indicated by Melchisedec being styled "The King of Peace (Salem)."

Verse 12

For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
Question	Answer
What is indicated by a change of priesthood, specifically, changing from Aaron (tribe of Levi) to Melchisedec?	The old Law Covenant is finished and the New (Law) Covenant is then in operation. R4511:1, 3 Be careful here. This is not saying the New Covenant is now in operation. Nor is it saying the Church is being developed under the New Covenant. Paul is merely pointing out that this New Covenant is implied by the change in the priesthood (from Aaron the Levite to Melchisedec the king).

Verses 13,14

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar [14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Question	Answer
Of what tribe was Aaron?	Levi. Exo. 4:14
Of what tribe was Jesus?	Judah. Luke 3:23, 34; Matt. 1:2,16
Of what importance is the tribe from where the priest is taken?	In order to be a priest under the Law Covenant one had to be of the tribe of Levi. Deut. 21:5; 31:9

Verse 15

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Question	Answer
What does Paul mean when he says another priest would rise up "after the similitude of Melchisedec?"	He means one that is both a king as well as a priest. He also means (as indicated in the next verse) that this priesthood is to continue on and not die.

Verse 16

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
Question	Answer
If the "law" came from God, why does Paul here refer to the Levitical priesthood as coming from "a carnal commandment?"	Because the Law was given to carnal men. As imperfect men, none could keep this law. The result is that this perfect law of God made the sinful state of the fallen men who tried to keep it more manifest. Rom. 7:10-13
What was made "after the power of an endless life?" and what does that mean?	The priesthood of Jesus, the antitype or fulfillment of the Melchisedec Priesthood. This priesthood id not terminated by death.

Verse 17

For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Question	Answer
Where is this testimony found?	Psa. 110:4.

[18] For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. [19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. [20] And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: [21] (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

Verse 18

For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
Question	Answer
What was "the commandment going before?"	The Law Covenant. This was before the antitypical Melchisedec Priesthood.
If this commandment was from God, how could it be disannulled?	See NASB which says the former commandment was "set aside." This "setting aside" could be done because the law was fulfilled by Jesus. See Rom. 10:4-5.
If this commandment was from God, how could it have "weakness and unprofitableness?"	The weakness was with those trying to keep the law.

Verse 19

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Question	Answer
Did the law make anything perfect?	No.
What then did the law do?	It was a schoolmaster to bring to Christ. Gal. 3:24
What did "The bringing in of a better hope" do?	It made perfect? - What did it make perfect.
How did "The bringing in of a better hope" make perfect?	Because Christ fulfilled the Law, we can be Justified by faith in Him (not faith in the Law.) Matt. 5:17; Rom. 8:4. It enables us to "draw nigh unto God." In order to have the guarantee of being heard by God we need to be Justified. This comes from having this "better hope," because of the sacrifice of Christ.

Verses 20, 21

And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
Question	Answer
Why was it important for Jesus to be made a priest by an oath?	Because this Priesthood is NOT the one established by God under the Law covenant.
Was it important that this priesthood be established by an oath?	Yes. This is different from the Law priesthood.
Why?	Because the promise to Abraham was not one that had anything to do with the Law Covenant. Gal. 3:19
The first (under the law) was by commandment of God and was imperfect because the priest himself was imperfect.
The Covenant made with Abraham was made by a promise from God and needed no mediator.

[22] By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. [23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: [24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. [25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Verse 22

By so much [more] was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
Question	Answer
What is the "better covenant?" - Better than what?	Better than the Law covenant. The better covenant is the New Covenant.
Why does this "better covenant" need to have a surety or guarantor.	A sealed Covenant needs no "surety," but an unsealed Covenant does need a "surety." - R4477:3
How did God guarantee this better covenant?	By the sending of His own Son. It is not only the sacrifice of Jesus that guarantees this covenant. Paul's argument here is that Jesus has been raised to immortality and now has obtained a priesthood like that of the Melchisedec order. This will never die because the priest will never die.

Verse 23

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
Question	Answer
How many [high] priests were there of the Levitical order?	Not known with certainty.
What problem does this fact expose?	These priests could not permanently bless the people because their priesthood would end with their death.

Verse 24

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Question	Answer
Is Paul saying here that Jesus continues as a man?	No.
What kind of a priesthood Paul speaking of here?	One that is unchangeable. Since Jesus is now the express image of the father's person, and in Him is no shadow of turning because He changes not, therefore this priesthood will not change. To see how the priesthood changed under the Law, compare Aaron with Caiaphas.

Verse 25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Question	Answer
What does Paul mean "save them to the uttermost?"	It would appear there is a two-fold meaning here. 1) He saves all completely, not only releasing man from the grave in the resurrection, but also by removing completely (throught the process of the Millennial Age) all traces of sin in body, mind and heart. 2) He saves those who come to Him now in complete consecration to the fullest degree possible, i.e., to glory, honor and immortality.
Who does He thus save?	Those that come unto God by Him. - He that cometh unto God must believe that He is... No man cometh unto the father except by me.
How is it that Jesus is able thus to save?	Because he lives forever, is unchangeable.

[26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; [27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. [28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

Verse 26

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Question	Answer
If Paul is here convincing the Jews of the need for a New Covenant, and that covenant will be applicable to Israel and the world in the next age, why does he here refer to Jesus as the high priest who "became us?"	"Us" here refers to the Hebrew brethren whom Paul was addressing.
Why was it important that this high priest be "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners?"	Jesus had to be perfect in order to redeem Adam and his race. R5830:1
How is it possible that Jesus could be "made higher than the heavens?"	As the Logos He made the heavens. Now He is raised to be at the right hand of God, above where He was before. He is now above everything and everyone. The father alone being excepted. 1 Cor. 15:28.

Verse 27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Question	Answer
Did the high priests offer up sacrifices for their own sins and then for the people's sins on a daily basis?	No. This was done once a year on the Day of Atonement. This is a misleading translation, however, most translations also carry the thought of a daily sacrifice. Pastor Russell indicated this should be translated "continually" and not "daily." Certainly the sacrifices which are done first "for his own sins and then for the people's" was not a daily but an annual sacrifice. See Lev. 16:6, 11, 15
How many times was the antitypical sacrifice offered?	One time.

Verse 28

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Question	Answer
What men did the law make high priests?	The descendents of Aaron, who was descended from Levi.
What point is Paul making about the high priests under the Law?	That they are imperfect men.
When was the oath? Was it before the giving of the Law or after?	Paul says after.
If this oath was given is recorded in Gen. 22:15-18, how can Paul say "the word of the oath, which was since the law...?"	Because the Genesis text is not the oath that Paul is talking about. The oath Paul is speaking of is found in Psa. 110:4.
What does Paul mean when he says "the oath... maketh the son?"	The oath was concerning the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Since this is an everlasting priesthood it required a divine High Priest. The only ones who become of the Divine Nature are those who are sons of God. Heb. 2:10
Was it important for Paul to add this last remark: "Who is consecrated for evermore?"	Yes. Remember that it was the priests who were consecrated for seven days at the door of the tabernacle, picturing the complete (and everlasting) consecration of the antitypical priesthood, the church. Lev. 8:31,33

Chapter 6   Chapter 8