What does Hebrews 7:4 mean?
This verse reiterates the main point of verses 1 through 10. Abraham recognized that Melchizedek was greater, as shown by Abraham's giving Melchizedek a tithe. As great as Abraham was, and as uniquely positioned as he was by God, he knew that this king-priest (Genesis 14:18) was someone he was obligated to submissively honor. This begins a somewhat complex point made over the next few verses.Since the Levitical priesthood was made up of limited, mortal men, it is also limited and imperfect in its ability. A priesthood of limited people is inferior to an unending priesthood of perfection: this is what Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek symbolizes here. Later, the author will point out how, in a manner of speaking, Levi and all of the Old Testament priests paid a tithe to Melchizedek, as they were "still in the loins" of Abraham, at the time (Hebrews 7:10). Melchizedek not only predated the Aaronic priesthood, he was not part of that lineage. And yet, Abraham honored him.
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.
