Hebreus 7
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Hebreus 7
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS: HEBREWS 8:1-13 This is part of a unified context related to the reader's need for maturity. This section runs from Heb. 5:11-10:18 with a parenthesis of warning from Heb. 5:12-6:20. Note the use of OT passages Hebrews 2 develops using Psalm 8 Hebrews 3 and 4 develop using Psalm 95 Hebrews 7 uses Psalm 110 Hebrews 8 uses Jer. 31:31-34 Hebrews 10 will use Psalm 40
Hebreus 7:1-3
7:1 "Melchizedek" He was a Gentile king/priest of the old Canaanite city then called Salem, which later became Jebus and then later Jerusalem (cf. Heb. 5:6,10; 6:20; 7:1,11,17). His name means "king of righteousness." His lineage is never mentioned, but Abraham pays homage to him. This is why he is such an appropriate OT type for Jesus Christ. He is only mentioned in Gen. 14:18-20 and Ps. 110:4. There has been much discussion about his identity. for Philo, he is a figure of the human soul for Origen, he is an angel for Ambrose, he is the angel of the Lord for others, he is the national angel of Israel, Michael for Epiphanius, he is the incarnation of Holy Spirit for the Melchizedekites, he is greater than the Messiah and all prayer goes through him for some Jews, Jerome and Luther, he is Shem, Noah's son Melchizedek is used as a type of Jesus' priesthood for several reasons: his name ‒ King of Righteousnes he blessed Abraham (i.e., a greater blesses a lesser) Abraham offered a tithe to him (inferiors always tithe to superiors) and by rabbinical hermeneutics thereby Levi also offered a tithe (cf. Heb. 7:4-9) his parents are not listed, so rabbinical theology said he was without parents and thereby eternal (cf. Heb. 7:3; Ps. 110:4b) he was king in the later holy city, Jerusalem (Salem, cf. Gen. 14:18) he was a priest of God Most High (i.e., El Elyon, cf. Gen. 14:18) he allows the author to establish a legitimate priesthood apart from the Levitical Priesthood SPECIAL TOPIC: MELCHIZEDEK SPECIAL TOPIC: SALEM SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, B. ▣ "king. . .priest" He is the only person in the OT who combines royalty and priesthood (i.e., Psalm 110). In Zechariah 3 and 4 two leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, are united as both royal (line of David) and priest (line of Aaron) post exilic leaders in the restored Jerusalem. ▣ "of the Most High God" This title is often used by non-Israelites. Israelites were not the only ones who YHWH had revealed Himself to. There were several outside the family of Abraham who knew, worshiped, and followed YHWH (here Elyon, BDB 751, KB 832). SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, B. ▣ "and blessed him" The greater blesses the lesser; therefore, Abraham (and by rabbinical implications his descendant, Levi), was blessed by Melchizedek (cf. Gen. 14:19), which shows his superiority over the Aaronic priesthood. It also shows that Jesus, who was from the line of Judah, could be a priest of a different order. 7:2 "a tenth" Notice that the tithe (cf. Gen. 14:20) is older than the Mosaic law. It was a way like the Sabbath and first fruits of showing God's ownership of all (cf. Gen. 14:19c). SPECIAL TOPIC: TITHING IN THE MOSAIC LEGISLATION ▣ "by the translation of his name" The specific etymology of the phrase "king of righteousness" is uncertain but a similar title is used for the Messiah in Jer. 23:6 ("the Lord our righteousness") and 33:16 ("the Lord is our righteousness"). Also, the Messiah will be righteous and bring peace (cf. Isa. 9:6; 26:3,12; 32:17; and 54:10). Notice Melchizedek goes by two titles. King of Righteousness King of Salem, which means "King of Peace" ▣ "King of righteousness" See SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS ▣ "Salem" The city may have gotten its name from the Hebrew term shalom which means "peace." Some scholars think it refers to a Jebusite deity. The city is called Salem in Genesis 14, but Ps. 76:2 relates it to Jerusalem (i.e., Zion), which was called Jebus during the Canaanite period. It was captured by King David amd made his capital. SPECIAL TOPIC: SALEM SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE (OT) 7:3 This is rabbinical hermeneutics (midrash) based on the fact that Melchizedek's lineage is not given in Gen. 14:18-20. Like all human beings Melchizedek had parents, but he serves as a type of the eternal Messiah (cf. Heb. 7:8). This is developed in Heb. 7:8,12,16,17,21,24,25,28. SPECIAL TOPIC: TYPOLOGY SPECIAL TOPIC: RABBINICAL HERMENEUTICS ▣ "the Son of God" SPECIAL TOPIC: SON OF GOD
Hebreus 7:4-10
7:5 "although these are descended from Abraham" This is rabbinic logic based on Levi being present in the loins of Abraham (cf. Heb. 7:10). This is Jewish exegesis, not scientific fact. 7:7 "the greater" The heart of the book of Hebrews is the comparison between the Mosaic covenant and the new covenant in Christ. This contrast is often expressed by the term "greater" (kreittōu/kreissōu), which means "better," "superior," "more excellent," "more valuable," "higher rank." This is a recurrent key theme in Hebrews. much better than the angels (cf. Heb. 1:4) better things concerning you (cf. Heb. 6:9) lesser is blessed by the greater (cf. Heb. 7:7) a better hope (cf. Heb. 7:19) a better covenant (cf. Heb. 7:22) a better covenant based on better promises (cf. Heb. 8:6) with better sacrifice (cf. Heb. 9:23) a better possession which abides (cf. Heb. 10:34) a better resurrection (cf. Heb. 11:35) a better country (cf. Heb. 11:16) God has provided something better (cf. Heb. 11:40) His sprinkled blood speaks better than Abel's (cf. Heb. 12:24) SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS IS GREATER THAN 7:8 "lives on" This refers to the symbolic eternality of Melchizedek because his parents (genealogy) are not mentioned in Genesis 14 nor is his death recorded Ps. 110:4b's specific comment ("forever") 7:9-10 This is rabbinical exegesis. Since Levi the tribe of Aaron is descendant from Abraham, then by analogy, the Jewish priesthood (i.e., even the High Priest) paid tithes to Melchizedek. Therefore, Melchizedek is superior and Jesus is superior to Jewish priests. SPECIAL TOPIC: LEVITICAL PRIESTS
Hebreus 7:11-22
7:11 "if" This is a SECOND CLASS CONDITIONAL which is called contrary to fact. A false statement is made to accentuate a false conclusion. The Levitical priesthood did not bring spiritual perfection or maturity. SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK GRAMMATICAL TERMS, VII ▣ "perfection" The Greek family of terms based on telos basically means "to bring to the end," "to bring to completion," or "to bring to maturity" (cf. Heb. 5:11; 6:1; 7:19). This is a recurrent term. Here it refers to an adequate and effective representative or intercessor. SPECIAL TOPIC: END OR FULL (telos) ▣ "through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law)" This apparently refers to Moses being from the tribe of Levi and being God's messenger in giving the sacrificial system of Israel the Levites and priests teaching the law to the people SPECIAL TOPIC: LEVITICAL PRIESTS 7:12 "a change of law also" The purpose of the Mosaic law was never to produce righteousness, but to show the continuing results of the fall and mankind's inability to please God (cf. Romans 7; Gal. 3:23-25). This is a major truth in trying to figure out God's purpose for the Mosaic Law. This phrase in context must refer to the "new covenant" (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36). SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S VIEWS OF THE MOSAIC LAW 7:13 "from which no one has officiated at the altar" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE, which may imply that the sacrificial system was continuing. If so, Hebrews was written before Titus' destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. This seems logical because its destruction would be powerful evidence of its inferiority to the New Covenant in Jesus. No one outside the tribe of Levi and family of Aaron served as a priest in Jerusalem. This was not the case in the Roman period of the occupation of Palestine (i.e., Annas, Caiaphas). SPECIAL TOPIC: ALTAR OF SACRIFICE 7:14 "our Lord was descended from Judah" This is another PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. The VERB "descend" means "sprang from" and is used for the rising of the sun (cf. Matt. 5:45) the movement of the planets (i.e., Rom. 8:39) plant shoots (i.e., imagery for Messiah, "Branch") as imagery for human descent (cf. Zech. 6:12; Isa. 11:1; Jer. 23:5-6) Here it refers to Jacob's prophecies about his sons in Genesis 49 (esp. 49:10). SPECIAL TOPIC: The Branch of the Lord ▣ "Judah" Jesus was from the Davidic royal line of Judah (cf. Gen. 49:8-12; 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Isa. 9:6,7; Matthew 1; Luke 3). Convincing Jews that Jesus was High Priest was so difficult because He was not of the priestly tribe of Levi like Moses and Aaron. 7:15 "if" This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which is assumed to be true from the author's perspective or for his literary purposes. Another priest has come and is from the line of Melchizedek. 7:16 "not on the basis of a law of physical requirement" NKJV, Peshitta "not according to the laws of a fleshly commandment" "not through a legal requirement concerning physical descent" "not by human rules and regulations" "not in virtue of a law of physical descent" Jesus' priestly authority does not rest in what tribe/family He descended from, but from His possession of eternal, indestructible life (i.e., Melchizedek's parents are not named in Genesis 14 and the word "forever" is used in Ps. 110:4). Jesus has the endless life of God (as well as the oath and promise of God). ▣ NASB, NRSV, NJB "an indestructible life" "an endless life" "a life that has no end" "life which abides for ever" This seems to be related to the rabbinical exegetical (Midrash) implication from Ps. 110:4b that Melchizedek had no parents and, therefore, was eternal (cf. Heb. 7:6,8). SPECIAL TOPIC: RABBINICAL HERMENEUTICAL TECHNIQUES 7:17 "For it is attested of Him" This is a quote from the Septuagint of Ps. 110:4 (as is Heb. 7:21). ▣ "Melchizedek" see SPECIAL TOPIC: MELCHIZEDEK 7:18 "there is a setting aside" "there is an annulling" "the abrogation" "is set aside" "is thus abolished" "the change that took place" This term has been found in the Egyptian papyri (see J. H. Moulton and G. Milligan, Vocabulary of the Greek Testament) in the sense of "to set aside" "to make null and void" "to be paid in full" This verse speaks of the setting aside of a commandment (probably the physical lineage of the high priest). It is rather shocking that an inspired OT passage (cf. Matt. 5:17-19) can be "set aside," yet this is exactly Paul's point in Galatians 3, in respect to the redemptive purpose of the law being set aside. Paul, however, asserts that it was the weakness of fallen man (cf. Romans 1-3; 7), not the OT. The author of Hebrews is showing the superiority of Jesus over Moses and calls the "Law" weak and useless (cf. Heb. 8:13). SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S VIEW OF THE MOSAIC LAW ▣ "of a former commandment" This refers to the Levitical system or the Old Covenant characterized by the Mosaic legislation and Aaron's priesthood. SPECIAL TOPIC: SACRIFICIAL SYSTEM OF THE ANE ▣ "because of its weakness and uselessness" Hebrews 7:11; 8:13; Romans 1-3; 7; and Galatians 3 are helpful in interpreting this phrase. It was not the Law of God, but human fallen nature that was weak and the Law was unable to perform its restorative task! 7:19 "(for the Law made nothing perfect)" Read Galatians 3. Here again is a word play on telos from Heb. 5:11; 6:1; 7:11,19,28), see full list in Contextual Insights, C. in chapter 10. SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S VIEW OF THE MOSAIC LAW SPECIAL TOPIC: END OR FULL (telos) ▣ "better" See full note at Heb. 7:7. ▣ "through which we draw near to God" This is a key concept (cf. Heb. 7:25; 4:16; 10:1). The author asserts that the Mosaic Law, with its Levitical priesthood and sacrifices, failed to bring humanity to God, but Jesus, our High Priest, did not fail and will not fail (cf. Heb. 10:22; James 4:7). Notice that Jesus brings a better covenant, but it is still a conditional covenant to which humans must respond as the priests did (believers are now new covenant priests in a corporate sense (cf. 2 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6). SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT 7:20 "it was not without an oath" God's promises can be trusted because His character and power stand behind them (cf. Isa. 46:10). This oath is a reference to Ps. 110:4, which is discussed in Heb. 6:13-17. 7:21 This is another quote from the Septuagint of Ps. 110:4 (as is Heb. 7:17), which mentions an "oath" by YHWH.. 7:22 NASB, NRSV, TEV, REB "the guarantee" NKJV, ASV "the surety" "its surety" The Hebrew background is "a pledge put in the hand," which implies surety. It came to be used in Greek for collateral on a loan or a jail bond. Also, in Roman law it stood for that which was legally secured. Jesus is the Father's surety of the effectiveness of the New Covenant. This concept is similar to the usage of the term "seal." SPECIAL TOPIC: SEAL ▣ "a better covenant" Jer. 31:31-34 speaks of this "New Covenant" (i.e., described in Ezek. 36:22-36) where the focus is an internal law motivated and produced by the Spirit, not an external code which relies on human performance. The New Covenant is a grace-based covenant, but humans must respond appropriately both at the beginning and throughout life! For "better" see full note at Heb. 7:7. SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT
Hebreus 7:23-25
7:23 This is another comparison between Jesus and OT priests. This one deals with the Levitical priests' numbers and time in office. 7:24 This is a rabbinical conclusion based on Genesis 14, where Melchizedek's lineage is not given, and Psalm 110, which is an allusion to Melchizedek and uses the term "forever" (cf. Ps. 110:4b). 7:25 NASB, Peshitta "to save forever" "to save to the uttermost" "for all time to save" "now and always, to save" "power to save. . .is absolute" As the above English translations show, this term has several connotations. He is able to save completely, all, forever (cf. Heb. 10:14) because He continues "forever" as a better priest. SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS AS HIGH PRIEST ▣ "those" This is a universal invitation! Whosoever will may come (cf. John 1:12; 3:16; 6:33,51; Rom. 10:9-13; 2 Cor. 5:19; 1 Tim. 2:4; 4:10; Titus 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:2; 4:14). SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN ▣ "who draw near to God through Him" Jesus is God's plan of redemption (cf. John 10:9; 14:6). Whosoever will may come (cf. John 1:12; 3:16), but they must come through faith in Him (cf. John 10:7-9; 14:6; 20:31) and they must continue in faith (PRESENT PARTICIPLE). The Mosaic Covenant was mostly limited to one nation, but the New Covenant in Jesus fulfills Gen. 3:15 and is open to all the children of Adam (i.e., humanity). SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSEVERANCE ▣ "He always lives to make intercession for them" Jesus' work did not end with the cross, but even today He still prays and pleads for believers at the Father's right hand (cf. Heb. 9:24; Isa. 53:12; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1). Intercession was part of the ministry of Israel's leaders. Abraham Moses Aaron Samuel God seeks intercession (Isa. 59:16) Now our ultimate advocate and intercessor is, Jesus, the Son of God. SPECIAL TOPIC: INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Hebreus 7:26-28
7:26 This is possibly a quote from an early hymn/poem or liturgy (like Phil. 2:6-11; 1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 2:11-13; and possibly 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15-16). The term "holy" can mean "merciful" from LXX (cf. Ps. 16:10). The term "unstained" is a sacrificial term usually translated in the OT as "unblemished." This is a wonderful confessional summary. Notice the list of characteristics of Jesus, the High Priest of the New Covenant. holy (possibly "merciful" from LXX) innocent (sinless) undefiled (an acceptable sacrifice; see SPECIAL TOPIC: BLAMELESS, INNOCENT, GUILTLESS, WITHOUT REPROACH separated from sinners (not affected by Adam and Eve's rebellion) exalted above the heavens (i.e., ascended; see SPECIAL TOPIC: ASCENSION These things could not be said of the Levitical priests! ▣ "separated from sinners" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE. It does not reflect on Jesus' humanity (cf. Phil. 2:6-7), but speaks of His sinlessness (cf. Heb. 4:15; 9:14; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 2:1; 3:5). ▣ "exalted above the heavens" This may be a statement of preeminence a reference to the Gnostic false teachers' view of salvation as passing through the angelic spheres (i.e., rabbis' levels of heaven; see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HEAVENS AND THE THIRD HEAVEN, cf. Heb. 4:14) a way of referring to the resurrection/ascension (see SPECIAL TOPIC: ASCENSION) SPECIAL TOPIC: GNOSTICISM SPECIAL TOPIC: RESURRECTION SPECIAL TOPIC: ASCENSION 7:27 This combines the Day of Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16) with the daily temple offerings (the OT continual). It is historically (i.e., Philo) and rabbinically (i.e., Talmud) verifiable that the high priest was directly involved in daily sacrifices in later Judaism but possibly not during the days of the tabernacle. SPECIAL TOPIC: FEASTS OF ISRAEL, I. E. #2. SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS AS HIGH PRIEST ▣ "He offered" This is the same term used in Isa. 53:11 in the Septuagint (LXX), "to bear." Some see this as an allusion to the smoke of the sacrifices that rose up to God. SPECIAL TOPIC: SOOTHING AROMA ▣ "this He did once for all" Hebrews emphasizes the ultimacy of Jesus' once-given sacrificial death. This once-done salvation and forgiveness are forever accomplished "once" (ephapax), Heb. 7:27; 9:12; 10:10 "once for all" (hapax), Heb. 6:4; 9:7,26,27,28; 10:2; 12:26,27 This is the recurrent accomplished sacrificial affirmation. The HIgh Priest and Levitical Priests offered sacrifices again and again, but not Jesus! ▣ "offered up Himself" Jesus is the High Priest (cf. Ps. 110:4) and victim (cf. Isa. 53:11) of the heavenly sanctuary (cf. Heb. 9:24). This is a pillar of the NT emphasis on substitutionary, vicarious atonement (cf. Mark 10:45; Rom. 8:3; 2 Cor. 5:21). Notice Jesus is depicted as the High Priest a better offering once Himself into the better tabernacle (i.e., heavenly tabernacle) 7:28 "the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law" This is a contrast between the covenant of Moses and its procedures vs. the "oath" of Ps. 110:4, which related to the New covenant of Jer. 31:31-34. ▣ "appoints a Son" Jesus is a superior priest because He is part of God's family (i.e., "a son,"cf. Heb. 1:2; 3:6; 5:8). This reference seems to combine Ps. 2 and Ps. 110 which were a Royal combined with a Priestly Psalm. He combines both OT anointed offices (i.e., King and Priest) in Himself by the Father's oath. ▣ "made perfect forever" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE. He has been made perfect (humanly speaking) by suffering and this perfection continues (cf. Heb. 2:10; 5:8-9). This is the counterpoint to vv. 18,19, where the Levitical High Priest was not "perfect." SPECIAL TOPIC: END OR FULL SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER (GREEK IDIOM)