Hebrews 7:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,

NIV: And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,

NASB: And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek,

CSB: And this becomes clearer if another priest like Melchizedek appears,

NLT: This change has been made very clear since a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has appeared.

KJV: And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

NKJV: And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest

Verse 13 introduced the idea that God's ideal priesthood—which He had promised in the Old Testament—was not meant to be fulfilled in the Levitical order. The author points out that the promises of the Messiah are applied to someone of the tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:14). A change in the priestly order requires a change in the law (Hebrews 7:12), but God's promise of an eternal priesthood referred to a priestly order which came before the law of Moses (Hebrews 7:11). The conclusion of all of this, as presented here, is that God intended to bring us a high priest who would fulfill His promises—a priest like Melchizedek, not like Levi or Aaron.

The following verses will draw out the parallels between Jesus and Melchizedek. The symbolic characteristics of Melchizedek, in particular, are useful in pointing to the actual characteristics of Jesus Christ. The strongest of these, based on all of these prior arguments, is that Christ's priesthood is based on an eternal commission from God, not merely a human ancestry. Melchizedek was "priest of God Most High" (Genesis 14:18) long before the law of Moses, and God promised to establish his priesthood forever (Psalm 110:4). Christ's basis for His priesthood, as shown in the next verse, is not tied to His human heritage, but to His "indestructible" life (Hebrews 7:16).

Hebrews 7:11–28 expands on prior arguments related to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Here, the author shows how the priesthood of Jesus is superior to that of the Old Testament Law. This uses the figure of Melchizedek as a model. Christ's priesthood is sinless, perfect, unending, and decreed as such by God. The Levitical priesthood was temporary, flawed, imperfect, and could not last forever. This better promise, in Christ, is tied into the confidence we have as believers.

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.

Chapters 5 and 6 detoured from the main theme in order to present a warning about faithlessness and apostasy. Chapter 7 returns to the topic of Melchizedek, who represents a mysterious but important moment in Old Testament history. Here, the author will show how Melchizedek was superior to Abraham, and that Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the priesthood of Aaron. This leads into the next chapters, which show how Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills our salvation in ways which the Old Covenant cannot.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.