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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS

CHAPTER SEVEN:
“A SUPERIOR PRIESTHOOD BY
INDESTRUCTIBLE LIFE”

Key Word: Priest
Theme Verse: 24

Hebrews 7:1-3 – Regarding Melchizedek

HE7:1 Now, regarding 238 this Melchizedek – king of Salem, priest of the Most High God – the one who, having met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, blessed him,

238	Now, regarding: Paul now picks up the subject of Melchizedek which he introduced in Hebrews 5:6, 10. He first alludes to Genesis 14:18, 20, then continues to interpret details.

HE7:2 and to whom Abraham also apportioned one-tenth of the booty [Genesis 14:18, 20] – [this Mechizedek] is, indeed, first, translated “King of Righteousness,” 239 and secondly, also, King of Salem, which means “King of Peace” 240

239	King of Righteousness: The name means “king of righteousness.” Some feel such a king ruled the city which would become Jerusalem around 1933 BCE.

240	King of Peace: The name “Salem” means “peace.”

HE7:3 – fatherless, motherless, without genealogy, having neither a beginning of days, nor having an end of life 241 – but having been made like the Son of The God – he remains a priest continuously. 242

241

Fatherless, motherless, without genealogy, having neither a beginning of days, nor having an end of life: Though this language has been interpreted with extreme literality, it seems reasonable to give Paul some latitude in his use of the analogy regarding Melchizedek. The king-priest appears suddenly in the Genesis account without explanation. It is from this standpoint Paul writes and it seems unnecessary to make more of it than need be. One understand of Melchizedek’s identify is mention in the Targums of Jerusalem and of Jonathan – regarded as true by some Jews – regards Melchizedek as the son of Noah, Shem. Shem was possibly still alive and may have lived longed than Sarah. From a strict perspective Jesus was neither fatherless, motherless or without genealogy. Nor was he without a beginning of days as Micah 5:1, 2 shows Messiah to have had an “origin.” [Proverbs 8:22] However, it serves Paul’s developing point to use Melchizedek, mentioned in the Messianic Psalm 110:4, as just a parable or analogy, much the same as he does with Sarah and Hagar in Galatians chapter 4. It was a common teaching practice among rabbis and later Christian “fathers.”

242

But having been made like the Son of The God – he remains a priest continuously: Or, KJV: made like unto the Son of God; MON: resembling the; NOR: a true symbol of the Son of God; NAS: he abides a priest perpetually; WMS: priest continues on and on with no successor. This is part of the analogy and thus from this aspect Melchizedek points toward a priest who remains so into perpetuity. The “he” is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Hebrews 7:4-10 – How Great Melchizedek

HE7:4 All you [Hebrews] behold, then, how great this person 243 [is] to whom Abraham the patriarch gave one-tenth of the booty of war.

243

How great this person: Paul has focused on Psalm 110:4 and the mention of Melchizedek who is also mentioned in passing at Genesis 14:18-20. He is using what would be obscure to a casual reader to reach a powerful point regarding a priesthood superior to the Levitical priesthood of the Jews. He knows the Jews apply the “my Lord” of Psalm 110:1 to the Messiah. See notes on Matthew 22:41-45 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

HE7:5 Indeed, those of the son of Levi, according to the Law’s commandment, receive to the priestly office a tithe from the people [of Israel], that is, from their brothers having even also come forth from the loin of Abraham. HE7:6 However, the person who did not trace a genealogy 244 from them accepted tithes from Abraham, and then blessed [the patriarch] who had received the promises [from God].

244

The person who did not trace a genealogy: Or, KJV: whose descend is not counted from them; RHM: he who deriveth not his pedigree from among them; MOF: he who had no Levitical genealogy. That is, Melchizedek, who for the purposes of Paul’s analogy is without such a genealogy. Paul is going to use this in parallel with Jesus also not being of the tribe of Levi.

HE7:7 Now without any contradiction – the lesser is blessed by the greater. 245

245	Lesser is blessed by the greater: Thus Melchizedek was greater than Abraham – almost an unbelievable thought to a Jew.

HE7:8 And in the case of the [Levite priests] – men who die – they receive tithes; but, the one here being testified about is living. 246

246

The one here being testified about is living: Paul likely is continuing his analogy regarding Melchizedek who is – for the purposes of the illustration – “without an end of life.” Thus, the person being testified about – Melchizedek – is unlike the Levitical priesthood of dying men. This becomes a parallel with Jesus Christ.

HE7:9 So it might be said – by means of Abraham, Levi – who receives tithes – has also paid tithes, 247

247

So it might be said – by means of Abraham, Levi – who receives tithes – has also paid tithes: Or, RHM: and so to speak; GDS: one way of putting it; RSV: one might even say that. Paul’s unique argument is similar to something he does in Romans 7:9 [See notes on Romans 7:9 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.] Paul’s whole point is to firmly establish that the priesthood of Melchizedek is better, or superior to, the Jewish Levitical hierarchy.

HE7:10 because Levi was in the loin of the forefather [Abraham] when he went to meet Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:11-14 – If Levitical Priesthood Perfect, Why Another?

HE7:11 So then, indeed, if perfection was by means of the Levitical priesthood 248 – for it was legally appointed in behalf of the people [of Israel] – what need would there be for another [priesthood] after the lineage of Melchizedek, 249 and not according to the lineage of Aaron? 250

248

If perfection was by means of the Levitical priesthood: [KJV] Or, TCN: if perfection had been attainable; GDS: now if anything final had been really accomplished through. Paul will explain what he means by “perfection” as he continues to develop his theme. [Hebrews 7:19; 9:9] The Greek is just the simple TELOS [“end”] and occurs in a variety of forms at Hebrews 2:10; 5:9; 7:19, 28; 9:9, 11; 10:1, 14; 11:40; 12:2, 23. The idea is consistent with Paul elsewhere. [Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:21]

249	Another [priesthood] after the lineage of Melchizedek: Or, KJV: after the order of. Compare notes on Hebrews 5:6.

250	Not according to the lineage of Aaron: Or, KJV: after the order of Aaron; RHM: the rank of; BER: Aaronic order; NEB: the succession of Aaron.

HE7:12 For since a change of priesthood occurs, it would require also a change in the Law. 251

251

A change of priesthood occurs, it would require also a change in the Law: [KJV] Compare Hebrews 8:1. Paul uses a variety of meanings for the word “law” beyond just the Law of Moses. See notes on Romans 3:27 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2] Research the word law in the Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Romans.

HE7:13 For what is being said about this person 252 – who was from a different tribe [of the Hebrews] – is so because he was from such [a tribe] that never had anyone who approached to serve at the [temple] altar.

252	What is being said about this person: Or, KJV: for he of whom these things are spoken. It seems from what follow this person is Jesus Christ.

HE7:14 Because it is very clear that our Master has sprung out of [the tribe of] Judah 253 – a tribe about which Moses said nothing regarding priests.

253	Our Master has sprung out of [the tribe of] Judah: Compare Revelation 5:5. [Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 11:1; see notes on Matthew 1:3 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©; Luke 3:33]

Hebrews 7:15-17 – Like Melchizedek Another Priesthood

HE7:15 Also, it is clearly evident that a different priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 254

254	A different priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek: Paul bases this on Psalm 110:4.

HE7:16 who has become a priest, not according to a commandment of [the] Law which depends upon fleshly connections, but rather, according to the power of a life which can never dissolve. 255

255

According to the power of a life which can never dissolve: [RHM] Or, KJV: power of an endless life; WEY: indestructible life; MON: the energy of any indissoluble life; CON: imperishable; WMS: on the basis of a power flowing from a life that cannot end; TCN: beyond the reach of death. Paul compares another difference between the two priesthoods: one is continually in the process of dying and thus needing a succession; while that after the likeness of Melchizedek is everlasting. See notes on Romans 6:9 in Nazarene Commentary 2000. [Revelation 1:18] The Greek for “cannot dissolve” is AKATALYTOU [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #179], or “indissoluble,” that is, permanent. The suggestion is strong that the priesthood is unending and therefore will always be necessary.

HE7:17 For, there is a testimony [which states]: “You are an everlasting priest 256 according to the lineage of Melchizedek.” [Psalm 110:4]

256	Everlasting priest: Or, a priest for ever. Compare notes on aionon at Hebrews 5:9 and Hebrews 6:2.

Hebrews 7:18-25 – Ineffective Commandment Set Aside

HE7:18 For, indeed, there occurs a setting aside of the preceding commandment 257 [in the Law of Moses] because if its weakness and lack of real benefit. 258

257

There occurs a setting aside of the preceding commandment: [RHM] Or, KJV: there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before; PME: definite cancellation; GDS: abrogated; CON: annulled. The law regarding the Levitical priesthood was described as for an “indefinite” but unknown length of time. Some versions err in saying “forever” or “everlasting” for the Hebrew word carries the idea of an “indefinite time.”

258

Because if its weakness and lack of real benefit: [WEY] Or, KJV: weakness and unprofitableness; CON: weak and profitless; TCN: both inefficient and useless; NEB: impotent and useless; BAS: feeble and without profit. This reflects Paul at Romans 8:3. The “Law is perfect and good” in that it fully accomplished its purpose in preserving a nation until Messiah, as well as pointing forward to that Messiah. The Law proves weak because of human sin, but it served as a custodian until Messiah arrived. [Galatians 3:19, 23, 24]

HE7:19 Because the Law [of Moses] perfected nothing, 259 but the introduction of a better hope did 260 – by which [hope] we are drawing near to The God. 261

259

The Law [of Moses] perfected nothing: [RHM] Or, KJV: the law made nothing perfect; ABUV: completed nothing; KNX: had nothing in it of final achievement; PME: the Law was incapable of bringing anyone to real maturity. Though the Law was “holy, righteous, and good” [see notes on Romans 7:12 in Nazarene Commentary 2000] God never intended that the Law itself would be the sole means of fulfilling His “eternal purpose.” [Acts 13:39; Galatians 2:16; see notes on Hebrews 10:1]

260

The introduction of a better hope did: [TCN] Or, KJV: the bringing in of a better hope; RHM: superinducing of a better hope; LAM: come in its place. See the notes on Hebrews 6:18. The only hope the Law held out was the possibility of everlasting life on earth. This “better hope” mentioned here is heavenly life. [2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Timothy 4:18; John 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:3, 4]

261	By which [hope] we are drawing near to The God: [KJV] Or, PME: approach; KNX: enabling us to come close to God. [See notes on Romans 5:2 and Hebrews 4:16; 10:19] The Law was limited in this approach to God. Paul will go on to explain how this approach was perfected.

HE7:20 Also, in as much as [the Law’s priesthood] was lacking a sworn oath – HE7:21 for, indeed, priests have become such without a sworn oath 262 – there is someone who becomes [a priest] by means of a sworn oath. Because that One said regarding [this new priest]: “YHWH swore 263 – and He will not change His determination – ‘You are an everlasting priest.’” [Psalm 110:4]

262	Priests have become such without a sworn oath: Paul points to another superiority to the priesthood that is in the likeness of Melchizedek.

263	YHWH swore: The Tetragram YHWH would occur in the Hebrew Text.

HE7:22 Just so, Jesus has received a pledge of a better covenant. 264

264

A pledge of a better covenant: Or, KJV: was Jesus made a surety of a better testament; WMS: a guarantee; GDS: the agreement which he guarantees is better than the old one; MOF: superior covenant. Psalm 110:4 represents a pledge of covenant promise from God to this new priest. How this was “better” is next explained. Paul will also go on to introduce a “new covenant” based on Jeremiah 31:31. See notes on Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24. The KJV uses “testament” which is an ancient word for a pledge or covenant. It is drawn from the Latin for TESTES, or male reproductive organs because men used to bond their agreement by touching the inner thigh. [Genesis 24:2]

HE7:23 Also, [under the Law] there were many priests in succession because death prevented them from remaining [priests]. 265

265	Priests in succession because death prevented them from remaining [priests]: One of the weaknesses of the Levitical priesthood – death. Another superiority is the priest in the likeness of Melchizedek is such for ever. [1 Chronicles 6:4; Numbers 20:28; Joshua 24:33]

HE7:24 But, [Jesus] remains a priest always without having a succession to his priesthood. 266

266

[Jesus] remains a priest always without having a succession to his priesthood: Or, KJV: but, this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood; WMS: his life goes on for ever; ASV: priesthood unchangeable; KNX: priestly office is unchanging; RHM: untransmissible; GDS: untransferable; RSV: priesthood permanently; MON: inviolable; has no successors in office. This is based on Psalm 110:4. Compare notes on Hebrews 7:16; 13:8.

HE7:25 Also, because of [remaining alive forever] [Jesus] is able to completely save 267 those approaching The God by his agency. 268 [Jesus] is continually living to make intercession in their behalf. 269

267

[Jesus] is able to completely save: [WMS] Or, KJV: able also to save them to the uttermost; RHM: to the very end; MON: continue saving to the uttermost; NEB: save absolutely; GDS: he is forever able to save all. A Christian is “saved” upon accepting Christ and being baptized. [1 Peter 3:19] However, this is conditional and based on obedient faith to the end. Final and absolute salvation occurs after the judgment of Christ. [2 Corinthians 5:10] Compare notes on Hebrews 5:9.

268	Those approaching The God by his agency: [RHM] Or, KJV: that come unto God by him; MON: ever drawing near to God through him. Compare notes on Hebrews 10:19.

269

Continually living to make intercession in their behalf: [RHM] Or, KJV: see he ever liveth to make intercession for them; NEB: plead in their behalf. Not only does Christ offer himself as a sacrificial offering but he also is an everlasting intercessor for those in need. See notes on Romans 8:34 in Nazarene Commentary 2000. See Hebrews 9:24 and compare notes on 1 John 2:1. [Isaiah 53:12]

Hebrews 7:26-28 – A Priest Suitable for Us

HE7:26 For it was most appropriate for us to have such a High Priest 270 – loyal, 271 guileless, 272 undefiled, 273 separated from sinners, 274 and having now become higher that the heavens. 275

270	For it was most appropriate for us to have such a High Priest: Or, KJV: for such an high priest became us; RSV: fitting; MON: needed; WEY: exactly suited. Compare notes Hebrews 4:15.

271

Loyal: Or, KJV: holy; NEB: devout; MOF: saintly; GDS: godly. The Greek is HOSIOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3741] and is used uniquely here in relation to Christ’s attributes. The Hebrew word HASID is translated by HOSIOS in the Jewish Greek LXX. HASID means covenant-loyalty or faithful to an agreement. Though most render the word by “holy” and some “pious” judging from HASID “loyal” is closer to the mark [and “covenant-faithfulness” closer yet]. See commentary in Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Volume 2, page 236ff. See notes on Ephesians 4:24 in Nazarene Commentary 2000. This Priest is completely loyal and faithful to God’s covenants. He is truly hasidim. See the prophecy of Isaiah 16:5. [See notes on Hebrews 3:2]

272

Guileless: [ASV] KJV: harmless; RSV: blameless; MOF: innocent. The Saints are also described as “guileless.” [See notes on Romans 16:18 in Nazarene Commentary 2000] There is no deceit in this Priest. He has no hidden agenda harmful to those he serves. He may be taken at face value for he is completely honest and innocent. [Isaiah 53:9]

273

Undefiled: [KJV] Or, TCN: spotless; RSV: unstained. This Priest is unspotted from the world. [James 1:27] The Levitical priests had many regulations regarding what was ceremonially clean or undefiled and impossible for a man to perfectly attain. The Nazarene lists those characteristics which “defile” a person. [Mark 7:15-23]

274

Separated from sinners: [KJV] Or, RHM: set apart; TCN: withdrawn from; WEY: far removed from sinful men; MOF: far from all contact with the sinful; BAS: having no part with sinners; BER: in a different class from sinners. It is likely this latter rendering is closer to the mark. Jesus said he came to call sinners and throughout his life he was much in contact with them. However, now that he has become such a High Priest he no longer is in such close association with sinners. This High Priest was never a sinner himself. It is worthy of note that the designation “Pharisee” means “separated.” It is clear this High Priest does not separate himself from sinners otherwise he could not intercede for them as mentioned above. [1 John 2:1, 2]

275

Having now become higher that the heavens: [RHM] That is, the Celestialum. Or, KJV: made high than the heavens; MOF: lifted high above; GDS: raised above the very heavens; TCN: exalted above the highest Heaven. See the notes on Hebrews 4:14 and the word heavens. Though Jesus passed through the earth’s atmospheric heaven [Acts 1:9-11], and likely beyond the stellar universe, it seems fair to conclude here that “heavens” refers to the angelic celestialum and all the heavenly powers and authorities. [See notes on Ephesians 1:19-22 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.]

HE7:27 [Jesus] does not need to daily offer up sacrifices for his own sins as those former hierarchical priests 276 – who made sacrifices for themselves first, and then afterward for all the people 277 [of Israel] – because [Jesus] did this only one time when he sacrificed himself. 278

276

Not need to daily offer up sacrifices for his own sins as those former hierarchical priests: Or, KJV: who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice. [Numbers 28:3] The Greek for “high priest(s)” is ARCHIEREIS from which the English “hierarchy” [temple ruler] comes. This is another reason for the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood.

277	Sacrifices for themselves first, and then afterward for all the people: [KJV] Or, RHM: beforehand over his own sins to be offering sacrifices – after that over those of the people. [Compare Leviticus 9:8, 15.]

278

[Jesus] did this only one time when he sacrificed himself: [MON] Or, KJV: for this he did once, when he offered up himself; TCN: when he offered himself as the sacrifice; BER: when he brought himself as an offering. On the matter of “once” or “only one time” see the notes on Romans 6:10 in Nazarene Commentary 2000 and those of Hebrews 9:28 and Hebrews 10:14. Jesus is not sacrificed daily as in the Roman Mass.

HE7:28 For the Law [of Moses] appoints humans as hierarchical priests having weaknesses; 279 but in contrast, the Word of the sworn oath – which came after the Law [of Moses] 280 – [appoints] an everlasting Son who has been perfected. 281

279

The Law [of Moses] appoints humans as hierarchical priests having weaknesses: Or, KJV: which have infirmity; BER: weak human beings; WMS: imperfect; NEB: in all their frailty; GDS: full of imperfection. [Exodus 29:9; Leviticus 16:11] Beginning with Aaron, the human weaknesses of the Hebrew high priests became apparent. [Exodus 32:1ff; Numbers 12:1ff; Numbers 20:9-13]

280	The Word of the sworn oath – which came after the Law [of Moses]: Or, WMS: which was spoken after the time of the law; TCN: the words of God’s oath, which was later than the Law. He refers to Psalm 110:4 which dated 500 years after the Law.

281

[Appoints] an everlasting Son who has been perfected: Or, KJV: maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore; ASV: appointed a Son, perfected for evermore; BER: appoints the forever-perfect Son; GDS: appoints a son, fully qualified to b high priest forever. The word “perfected” likely implies inaugurated or installed as such a priest. Compare “perfect” at Hebrews 2:10 and Hebrews 5:9.

Review Questions on Chapter Seven

Summary of Chapter Seven

Having started by proving that the Son became better than the angels, Paul now proves this appointed Son has a superior priesthood. He describes Melchizedek and gives the background from Genesis 14:18-20, using this as the basis of an analogy with the Son as a new kind of priest. He first establishes that Melchizedek was greater than both Abraham and the Levitical priesthood. He then provides other reasons why this priesthood after the likeness of Melchizedek was superior. Another priesthood arises, one with the power of an indestructible life. Because of remaining alive forever, this undying Priest is always alive to come to the aid of those in need. Paul describes some of the characteristics of this new High Priest and why he is superior to the Levitical priesthood.