Scripture

The priests who collect tithes are men who died, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on.

Observation

The previous chapter ended with the statement that Jesus is an eternal high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek was both the king of Salem (Jerusalem) and also a priest of God. Melchizedek met Abraham after a battle. Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave him a tenth of all that he had captured in the battle.

The law of Moses required the priests of Levi to collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel. Melchizedek was not a descendant of Levi .

Melchizedek blessed Abraham, demonstrating that he was greater than Abraham .

The Levites who collected the tithes die, but Melchizedek is still alive. He is therefore greater than they are.

Application

The author of Hebrews is making the point that the priestly order of Melchizedek is greater than that of the priestly order established by the law of Moses. It is this order, Melchizedek’s order, to which Christ’s priesthood belongs.

The writer is using comparisons and analogies which were understandable to his readers, although we may struggle with them.

The crux of the message is this: Christ is greater than any human religious system, even the Old Covenant system established under Moses.

We do not have to go back to offering sacrifices or obeying the Old Testament law and requirements. Christ has set us free from all of this.

Because Christ is a higher priest, his sacrifice is effective for all people and covers all sins.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for dying for me and for atoning for all of my sins. Amen.