Hebrews 7: Melchizedek, the King of Salem

Read Hebrews Chapter 7

Introduction: The seventh chapter of Hebrews give us a view of the priesthood, comparing the Levitical priesthood with that of Melchizedek, who is shown to be a foreshadow of Jesus’s high priestly role. Hebrews 7 elevates Jesus as the be all, end all high priest (prophet, priest and king), connecting His eternal priesthood to the mysterious Melchizedek of Genesis 14:18. The chapter offers believers hope and assurance in the perfect and everlasting priestly ministry of Jesus Christ.

I. The Priesthood of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1-10)
The first ten verses introduces Melchizedek as a king-priest who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him. Melchizedek’s priesthood is portrayed as superior to that of the Levites since Abraham, the ancestor of Levi, paid tithes to Melchizedek. We read in Genesis 14:18-20 how Melchizedek blessed Abraham and received tithes, pointing out his high status in the world of that time. In Psalm 110:4, the Bible prophesies an eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, which is fulfilled in Christ and spoken of in these verses. Also in Numbers 18:26, we read details the Levitical tithes, that shows the significance of Abraham’s action.

II. The Imperfection of the Levitical Priesthood (Hebrews 7:11-14)
In these verses, the Hebrews writer questions the need for a different kind of priesthood if perfection could be have possibly attained through the Levitical priesthood, showing that the old system could not perfect anyone.  The Bible tells us in Psalm 110:4, about a need for a priesthood different from the Aaronic order (the Levitical Priesthood). Also in Jeremiah 31:31-34, the Bible points to a new covenant, implying the insufficient work of the old covenant under the Levitical priesthood.

III. The Superiority of Christ’s Priesthood (Hebrews 7:15-22)
Here in these verses, the writer emphasizes the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood by pointing to its basis in the power of his eternal life, not based on genealogical descent. In Psalm 110:4, we read about the permanent nature and superiority of Jesus’ priesthood. The Bible also prophesies in Ezekiel 34:23-24, about the coming of one shepherd, a ruler like David, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate shepherd and priest.

IV. The Eternal Priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 7:23-28)
In the final verses we see the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood as it is compared with the mortality of the Levitical priests, establishing Jesus as the perfect and permanent high priest for all eternity. Psalm 110:4 comes to mind once again, as the verses shows the eternal nature of the priesthood promised to Christ, and we see in Isaiah 53:12, the Bible speaks of the suffering servant making intercession for sinners, a role perfectly fulfilled by Jesus as the high priest. Romans 8:34 declares Christ’s ongoing intercessory work, which is a reflection of His eternal priesthood making intercession for you and me.

Conclusion: Hebrews 7 strongly argues the supremacy of Jesus’ priesthood, grounding His role in an eternal order that surpasses the limitations of the Levitical system. Jesus gives believers a high priest who is both relatable and transcendent, one who intercedes forever on our behalf. This inspiring chapter helps us to find comfort in the perfection and permanent nature of Jesus’ priestly work, as it assures us of a complete and enduring forever salvation. The chapter points to Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, using Melchizedek as the example, a role Jesus fulfills with divine excellence and everlasting efficacy.