ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Hebrews 7

Heb. 7:1–28 This chapter discusses Melchizedek (vv. 1–10), highlighting points later applied to Jesus (vv. 11–28).

Heb. 7:1–2 The author summarizes the brief account of Melchizedek in Gen. 14:18–20. Elsewhere in the OT, Melchizedek is mentioned only in Ps. 110:4. translation of his name. In the OT, the meaning of a name could indicate a person’s relationship to God (e.g., Gen. 17:5; 32:28). Melchizedek. The Hebrew name means “king of righteousness.” Salem is Melchizedek’s city (Gen. 14:18) and is from the same root as the Hebrew for peace.

Heb. 7:3 Some have suggested that Melchizedek was a preincarnate appearance of the Son of God. As this passage indicates, however, Melchizedek was not in fact the Son of God but someone resembling the Son of God (literally, “having been made like the Son of God”). He is without father or mother or genealogy probably means simply that this information is not given anywhere in Scripture (in contrast to the Levitical priests, whose genealogies are recorded). The next phrase (neither beginning of days nor end of life) should probably be understood in the same way. The OT mentions no end to his priesthood. In that sense he continues a priest forever. Hebrews seems to view Melchizedek as an ordinary man. He was a “type” or foreshadowing of Christ (see note on Rom. 5:14), who is truly the king of righteousness and who brings true peace.

Heb. 7:4 tenth of the spoils. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, and therefore Abraham was inferior to Melchizedek (see note on vv. 9–10). patriarch. Israel traces its lineage through Abraham (see vv. 9–10).

Heb. 7:5–6 God commanded the Israelites to tithe to the Levitical priesthood (e.g., Num. 18:21–24), who were themselves fellow descendants of Jacob/Israel and of Abraham.

Heb. 7:7 The superior person, Melchizedek, blessed the inferior person, Abraham (compare v. 1). Thus Melchizedek’s priesthood is superior to Abraham and all his descendants, including the Levitical priesthood.

Heb. 7:8 he lives. Melchizedek is a “priest forever” (Ps. 110:4; see note on Heb. 7:3). Because the Melchizedek priesthood is eternal, it is superior to the Levitical priesthood (vv. 23–25). The author is probably not claiming that Melchizedek never died, but that he is a type of Christ in that nothing is stated in the biblical text about his death (see note on v. 3), and so Melchizedek foreshadows the risen Jesus.

Heb. 7:9–10 Levi himself . . . paid tithes (to Melchizedek) through Abraham. The author’s reasoning is that Abraham’s descendants, who share in Abraham’s promises, also share in Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek. Therefore the Levitical priesthood is inferior to Melchizedek’s priesthood.

Heb. 7:11–12 Hebrews offers several reasons for why the Mosaic law could not bring people to perfection (vv. 18–19; 9:9; 10:1). Here, the fact that there existed a priestly order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4) shows that the Levitical priesthood was insufficient for the task. change in the law. The establishment of a better priesthood (Christ’s) shows Christians that there also has been a change from the Mosaic law, since that law required a succession of priests, all descended from Levi (Heb. 7:18–19). Thus, the Mosaic covenant (the “old covenant”) is no longer in effect.

Heb. 7:13–14 Jesus was from the tribe of Judah rather than the priestly tribe of Levi. Yet he qualifies as the eternal high priest because he is the Davidic Messiah, called both Lord and a priest after the messianic priestly order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:1, 4).

Heb. 7:15–17 the power of an indestructible life. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead verifies his eternal priesthood (Ps. 110:4; see Heb. 5:6). Death could not conquer him, therefore his priesthood lasts forever (see 7:23–24).

Heb. 7:18–19 former commandment. The institution of the Levitical priesthood is set aside and thus so is the Mosaic law (see v. 12), since it was not able to accomplish God’s saving purpose (hence its weakness and uselessness). Only Jesus’ work on the cross brought people to perfection (see v. 11; also 9:9; 10:1). better hope. That is, the hope of salvation and perfection through Jesus’ high priesthood (7:25–28). draw near to God. Jesus’ work permits true fellowship with God.

Heb. 7:20–21 God did not promise that the Levitical priesthood would last forever, but the priesthood of Jesus rests securely on God’s promise/oath in Ps. 110:4 (see Heb. 6:13–20).

Heb. 7:23–25 The many Levitical priests all died. But Jesus is eternal, so he is a greater high priest (see v. 8). to the uttermost. Either completeness in time (“forever”) or completeness in extent (“completely”). Perhaps the author wants readers to understand it in both senses. On draw near to God, see note on 4:16. to make intercession. To bring believers’ requests to the Father (compare Rom. 8:34).

Heb. 7:26 fitting that we should have. Jesus’ high priesthood is appropriate and is for the believers’ benefit.

Heb. 7:28 made perfect. See 5:9 and note on 5:9–10.