See the Bible Through Jewish Eyes �� BIBLE STUDY WITH DR. RICH FREEMAN Hebrews 7:1-10 The Significance of Melchizedek Chapter 6 ended with the statement that Jesus was “a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Now, in chapter 7, the writer of Hebrews returns to the subject he described earlier as “solid food,” the subject of the significance of Melchizedek. Why was Melchizedek significant? Because an understanding of Melchizedek’s High Priestly ministry would be helpful in understanding Jesus’ High Priestly ministry and its superiority to the Levitical priesthood. There is very little written about Melchizedek in the Old Testament. He is mentioned in only two passages, Genesis 14 and Psalm 110, a Messianic prophecy. The Messianic prophecy in Psalm 110 speaks of the Messiah’s priesthood as being forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. The Genesis 14 passage is an historical account of the successful rescue of Lot from a number of different kings, and following that battle Abraham meets Melchizedek, King of Salem, described as priest of God Most High. So, notice that Melchizedek is both priest and king as is Jesus, the Messiah. Also, notice the significance of his name. His name means King of Righteousness, and he is also called King of Salem, which is King of Peace. The Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 9:6-7 also clearly mentions these characteristics, righteousness and peace, as part of the future reign of Messiah. Is Melchizedek Jesus in the Old Testament as some say? A theophany? The Scripture does not support that conclusion. Hebrews 7:4 says, “observe how great this man was.” Melchizedek was a man so he must have had a mother and a father. But there is no evidence in the Old Testament of Melchizedek’s genealogy. Hebrews 7:3 says, “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the son of God he remains a priest perpetually.” Because there is no record of his genealogy, Melchizedek, though a real man, is seen as a type of Messiah. His priesthood, unlike the Levitical priesthood, did not depend on genealogy and because it had no beginning and no end, “he remains a priest perpetually.” Since a major theme of Hebrews is the superiority of Jesus, we see here in chapter 7 the superiority of His priesthood, by showing the superiority of Melchizedek over Aaron. The supremacy of Melchizedek is seen in the fact that Abraham gave JUNE 2017 | THE CHOSEN PEOPLE | 6 him tithes. Abraham acknowledged the authority of Melchizedek and his priesthood. Additionally, Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and the writer of Hebrews tells us, “the lesser is blessed by the greater.” In giving Melchizedek tithes and in receiving his blessing, Abraham asserts the greatness of this kingpriest, who is indeed a type of Christ. So how then does this relate to Aaron? Aaron and the tribe of Levi were “in the loins” of Abraham, yet unborn! So, when their father, Abraham, acknowledged the greatness and authority of Melchizedek, the tribe of Levi was also involved. The writer of Hebrews states, “through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes.” The sons of Levi, who received tithes from their brethren, died, but Melchizedek, who received tithes from Abraham, lived on. Melchizedek was immortal as far as the specific revelation of Scripture states. In contrast, Moses wrote that Abraham, Levi, and the Aaronic priests all died. One final thought. Since Jesus is said to be of the “seed of Abraham,” does that imply as a descendant of Abraham, Jesus would have also been part of this experience of paying tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham? Jesus as the eternal Son of God existed before Abraham, and therefore unlike the Levitical priests, like Aaron and his family, He could not have been in Abraham’s loins. Jesus Himself, speaking to the religious leaders in John 8:58 said, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Dr. Rich Freeman, D. Min. serves as the Vice President for Church Ministries and Conferences with Chosen People Ministries and lives in South Florida with his wife, Julia. Dr. Freeman works with churches throughout the country and abroad, helping to equip God’s people to share the Gospel with their Jewish neighbors, friends and co-workers and grow in their understanding of the Scriptures. Read Hebrews 7:1-3 NASB 1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.
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