71 For this Melchisedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who did meet Abraham turning back from the smiting of the kings, and did bless him, 2 to whom also a tenth of all did Abraham divide, (first, indeed, being interpreted, '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, and being made like to the Son of God, doth remain a priest continually. 4 And see how great this one 'is', to whom also a tenth Abraham the patriarch did give out of the best of the spoils, 5 and those, indeed, out of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood, a command have to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, their brethren, even though they came forth out of the loins of Abraham; 6 and he who was not reckoned by genealogy of them, received tithes from Abraham, and him having the promises he hath blessed, 7 and apart from all controversy, the less by the better is blessed— 8 and here, indeed, men who die do receive tithes, and there 'he', who is testified to that he was living, 9 and so to speak, through Abraham even Levi who is receiving tithes, hath paid tithes, 10 for he was yet in the loins of the father when Melchisedek met him.
11 If indeed, then, perfection were through the Levitical priesthood—for the people under it had received law—what further need, according to the order of Melchisedek, for another priest to arise, and not to be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 for the priesthood being changed, of necessity also, of the law a change doth come, 13 for he of whom these things are said in another tribe hath had part, of whom no one gave attendance at the altar, 14 for 'it is' evident that out of Judah hath arisen our Lord, in regard to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet more abundantly most evident, if according to the similitude of Melchisedek there doth arise another priest, 16 who came not according to the law of a fleshly command, but according to the power of an endless life, 17 for He doth testify—'Thou 'art' a priest—to the age, according to the order of Melchisedek;' 18 for a disannulling indeed doth come of the command going before because of its weakness, and unprofitableness, 19 (for nothing did the law perfect) and the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw nigh to God. 20 And inasmuch as 'it is' not apart from oath, (for those indeed apart from oath are become priests, 21 and he with an oath through Him who is saying unto him, 'The Lord sware, and will not repent, Thou 'art' a priest—to the age, according to the order of Melchisedek;') 22 by so much of a better covenant hath Jesus become surety, 23 and those indeed are many who have become priests, because by death they are hindered from remaining; 24 and he, because of his remaining—to the age, hath the priesthood not transient, 25 whence also he is able to save to the very end, those coming through him unto God—ever living to make intercession for them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 7:1-25
Commentary on Hebrews 7:1-3
(Read Hebrews 7:1-3)
Melchizedec met Abraham when returning from the rescue of Lot. His name, "King of Righteousness," doubtless suitable to his character, marked him as a type of the Messiah and his kingdom. The name of his city signified "Peace;" and as king of peace he typified Christ, the Prince of Peace, the great Reconciler of God and man. Nothing is recorded as to the beginning or end of his life; thus he typically resembled the Son of God, whose existence is from everlasting to everlasting, who had no one that was before him, and will have no one come after him, in his priesthood. Every part of Scripture honours the great King of Righteousness and Peace, our glorious High Priest and Saviour; and the more we examine it, the more we shall be convinced, that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Commentary on Hebrews 7:4-10
(Read Hebrews 7:4-10)
That High Priest who should afterward appear, of whom Melchizedec was a type, must be much superior to the Levitical priests. Observe Abraham's great dignity and happiness; that he had the promises. That man is rich and happy indeed, who has the promises, both of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This honour have all those who receive the Lord Jesus. Let us go forth in our spiritual conflicts, trusting in his word and strength, ascribing our victories to his grace, and desiring to be met and blessed by him in all our ways.
Commentary on Hebrews 7:11-25
(Read Hebrews 7:11-25)
The priesthood and law by which perfection could not come, are done away; a Priest is risen, and a dispensation now set up, by which true believers may be made perfect. That there is such a change is plain. The law which made the Levitical priesthood, showed that the priests were frail, dying creatures, not able to save their own lives, much less could they save the souls of those who came to them. But the High Priest of our profession holds his office by the power of endless life in himself; not only to keep himself alive, but to give spiritual and eternal life to all who rely upon his sacrifice and intercession. The better covenant, of which Jesus was the Surety, is not here contrasted with the covenant of works, by which every transgressor is shut up under the curse. It is distinguished from the Sinai covenant with Israel, and the legal dispensation under which the church so long remained. The better covenant brought the church and every believer into clearer light, more perfect liberty, and more abundant privileges. In the order of Aaron there was a multitude of priests, of high priests one after another; but in the priesthood of Christ there is only one and the same. This is the believer's safety and happiness, that this everlasting High Priest is able to save to the uttermost, in all times, in all cases. Surely then it becomes us to desire a spirituality and holiness, as much beyond those of the Old Testament believers, as our advantages exceed theirs.