Melchizedek, and having pointed out the thoughts to which that history might guide a student of the O.T., in respect of the later priesthood of the Law, the writer goes on to consider in detail the characteristics of the Levitical priesthood and of the Law which it essentially represented in relation to the Priesthood of Christ. The Levitical priesthood (generally) was incapable of effecting that at which a priesthood aims, the perfecting of the worshipper; an end which the Priesthood of Christ is fitted to secure. This is established by the fact that the Levitical priesthood was,
(
a
) Transitory: a new Priesthood was promised (7:11-14); and (
b
) Temporal, as contrasted with that which is eternal, universal (7:15-
19).
While on the other hand the new Priesthood is ( a ) Immutable: confirmed by an oath (7:20-22); and ( b ) Uninterrupted: embodied for ever in the One Priest (7:23-25). Briefly, if we regard the argument in its bearing on the Gospel, the notes of Christ's Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek are that it is: (1) New, (2) effective, (3) sure, (4) one.
The argument turns mainly upon the nature of the Levitical priesthood, but the Law is involved in the Priesthood. The abrogation of the one carries with it the abrogation of the other. If the Hebrews came to feel that Christ had superseded the priests of the Old Covenant, they would soon learn that the whole Law had passed away.
Throughout it is implied that if Melchizedek was greater than Levi, then a fortiori Christ was, of Whom Melchizedek was a partial type.
11 Now if there had been a bringing to perfection through the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people hath received the Law, what further need would there have been that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek and be styled not after the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, there is made also of necessity a change of law. 13 For He of whom these things are said belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord hath risen out of Judah, as to which tribe Moses spake nothing of priests. 15 And what we say is yet more abundantly evident if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest ,
16 who hath been made not after the law of a carnal commandment but after the power of an indissoluble life; 17 for it is witnessed of Him ,
Thou art a priest for ever , After the order of Melchizedek.
18 For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment, because of its weakness and unprofitableness
19 for the Law made nothing perfectand a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw night to God.
20 And inasmuch as
He hath
not
received His office
without the taking of an oath
21 for while they
(the Levitical priests)
have been made priests without any taking of an oath, He
was made
with taking of an oath, through Him that saith to Him
,
The Lord sware and will not repent Himself ,
Thou art a priest for ever
22 by so much also hath Jesus become surety of a better covenant. 23 And