Chapter 7                               

Hebrews: Chapters -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- 
  7:1 For this Melchizedek, King of Salem, priest of God most high, having encountered Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and having spoken good words into him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of all, being translated, ‘king of righteousness,’ 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 was made even like the Son of God, he remains a priest through continuous and unbroken time.

4 Now consider how great this one was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth out of the best spoils. 5 For those who are out from the sons of Levi, who receive the priestly office, have a commandment to take a tenth from the people, according to the law, that is, from their brothers and sisters, though they also come out of the loins of Abraham. 6 This one, however, who does not trace his genealogy from those priests, has collected a tenth from Abraham, and has spoken good words into the one possessing the promises. 7 Apart from all contradiction, the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8 For at the present time, dying men receive tithes; but in that place, it is testified that Melchizedek lives. 9 And so, in a manner of speaking, Levi, the one who receives tithes, also tithed through Abraham, 10 since he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek encountered him.

• 11 Indeed, IF completion were through the Levitical priesthood, by which the people received the law, what need would there be for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek and not according to the order of Aaron? 12 Because the priesthood was changed, it is required that a change of law also take place. 13 Indeed, the One [Jesus] concerning whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has served at the altar.

14 It is evident, then, that our Lord comes out from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. 15 And it is even more abundantly evident that • another priest arises according to the same as Melchizedek, 16 who has not come into being according to the law of a fleshly commandment [the entire law of Moses], but has come into being according to the power of an indissoluble, inseparable, and endless life. 17 Indeed, it is testified, “You are a priest into the age, according to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4).

• 18 Truly, there is a setting aside, an annulment, a full cancellation of the preceding commandment [the entire law and old covenant through Moses] because of its weakness and uselessness – 19 indeed the law brought nothing to completion. In complete contrast, the bringing in of a better hope [does perfect and complete], through which we actively draw near to God [connecting with God in full immanence].

20 And not apart from an oath [m], 21 but with an oath, through the One saying, “Towards him the Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest into the age.’” • 22 By so much also, Jesus has become the surety, the security of a better and stronger covenant.

23 And truly those many who are become priests are prevented from continuing by death. • 24 But because Jesus abides and continues actively and completely into the age, He holds an unchangeable and permanent priesthood. • 25 Wherefore also, Jesus is able to save into all salvation those approaching God through Him, always living for them as their full connection with God, always "hitting the mark" for their sakes [n].

• 26 For He became for us just such a High Priest, devoted, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from all that was forfeit as caused by missing the mark, as caused by any disconnection from God. Having become higher than the heavens, • 27 He does not need, as the former high priests did, to offer up sacrifices for their own sins and then for those of the people; for this He did once for all, by offering up Himself. • 28 For the law appoints men of weakness as high priests; in complete contrast, the word of the oath, coming after that law, appoints the Son who has been perfected and made complete as High Priest into the [present and future] age.
 		  
 
Gospel Word Notes