Hebrews Chapter Seven Verses 11-19

HEBREWS CHAPTER SEVEN VS 11-19 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 7:11  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? 

Heb 7:12  For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 

Heb 7:13  For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 

Heb 7:14  For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 

Heb 7:15  And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 

Heb 7:16  Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 

Heb 7:17  For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Heb 7:18  For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 

Heb 7:19  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 

Main Point: The priesthood of Jesus is eternal (spiritual), as is exampled in the order of Melchizedek. His appointment required a change of order (from Levi to Judah). Jesus’ priesthood draws us nearer to God, something the law could not do.

3. Why was the priesthood changed from the Levitical order, to the order of Melchizedek? 11) (paraphrase)- the law could not perfect the one under its subjection 16) ….not after carnal commandment, but after the power of endless life. 19) For the law made nothing perfect. The Levitical order dealt with the transient life, which held no hope for after life. It was simply an instrument for everyday physical living. The priesthood of Melchizedek embodies the concept of eternal life….and as such, affords hope on a much deeper level.

4. Why was the law weak and unprofitable? What purpose did the law have, according to the text? The Levitical order dealt with the transient life, which held no hope for after life. It was simply an instrument for everyday physical living. The text actually does not spell out what the purpose of the law was. It does make it clear that it could not perfect the one under its rule. *And by contrast, if the new order DRAWS them near to God, the old order kept them aloof from God. *Arguable when we consider David’s psalms praising God’s laws. The system of law may have had a negative effect, but not from any fault of God’s doing.

5. According to this section of text, what about Christ and His priesthood is better than the Levitical priesthood? *By contrast, if the new order DRAWS them near to God, the old order kept them aloof from God. *Arguable when we consider David’s psalms praising God’s laws. The system of law may have had a negative effect, but not from any fault of God’s doing.

We must be careful when reviewing and/or criticizing the system of law. If God set up a system where man could not be drawn to him and mankind would suffer for it, that makes God unjust. (Which is an impossibility)
The laws God dispensed were never meant to draw mankind. It has always been His grace that he has sought us out.

Additional:

11) – Perfection – again, means completion – indicating that the old testament covenant was not a sum total agreement

12) Change 3346_ From G3326 and G5087; to transfer, that is, (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides,

The writer sets up thought to accept a CHANGE. Which could easily be rejected, but because of the ORDER by which this change took place, there can be no argument. The writer has already soundly illustrated the superior order of Melchizedek over the Levites….Jesus belongs to that order. This closes any argument against the priesthood of Christ needing to be within the Levite tribe.

18) disannulling – 115 From G114; cancellation

19) better – 2909 - Comparative of a derivative of G2904; stronger,

      hope – 1680 - Fromἔλπω elpō which is a primary word (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: -

Verse 17 references the Psalm below. What is the writer saying in its original context? How could he say it truthfully if he is not a priest?

Psa 110:4  The LORD has made a promise that will never be broken: "You will be a priest forever, just like Melchizedek." 

PRIEST-H3548 - Active participle of H3547; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman): - chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal officer.