What does Hebrews 7:1 mean?
The writer of Hebrews has just completed a warning about the danger of faithlessness. Returning to the main theme, this chapter begins a long, connected study of the figure of Melchizedek, whom the author had spoken of earlier. The explanation which starts here will run through the early verses of chapter 10, though it will cover several different topics along the way. The overall point is that Jesus Christ, as High Priest, is superior to the figures of Abraham, or the Old Testament priests.Melchizedek is a figure who met with Abraham after his rescue of Lot, a story found in Genesis 14:14–24. In that encounter, Melchizedek gave Abraham a blessing along with bread and wine, and Abraham honored Melchizedek with a tithe. Interestingly, also at this meeting was the king of Sodom, with whom Abraham refused to trade. In the context of Abraham's story, this moment proved Abraham's willingness to honor God, and to reject wickedness, whatever the cost.
The writer of Hebrews will use this figure of Melchizedek to explain important aspects of the gospel. To begin with, the author seeks to prove that Melchizedek is "greater" than Abraham, since Abraham paid him a tithe. These verses will also point out that Melchizedek is given no genealogy in Scripture, setting up a useful analogy to both Jesus Christ and to His role as our High Priest.
Hebrews 7:1–10 introduces the author's central argument about the superiority of Jesus Christ. Melchizedek, a figure from the story of Abraham in the Old Testament, is the main evidence used. In this segment, the author shows how Melchizedek was superior to Abraham, since Abraham paid him tithes. This has implications for the priesthood of Melchizedek, as well as the priesthood of the Old Testament. Next, the author will show how the priesthood of Jesus, symbolized by Melchizedek, is superior to that of the Levitical law.
When Abraham met with Melchizedek in the Old Testament, he honored him with tithes. This shows that Abraham recognized Melchizedek's superiority. Since the Old Covenant was flawed—based on limited priests and limited sacrifices—it is inferior to the priesthood of Melchizedek, which is unending. Jesus Christ fulfills God's promise to establish a priest ''forever'' in a way which perfectly meets our needs.
