Chapter 7 Summary
- The chapter begins by summarizing what Genesis 14:18-20 tells us about Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1-3). Verse 3 does not mean that Melchizedek was eternal, but instead, we have no record of his birth, death, and beginning or end of his priesthood.
- There are two reasons why Melchizedek was greater than Abraham (Hebrews 7:4-10). Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. Also, Melchizedek blessed Abraham. Due to Abraham paying tithes to King of Salem while the Levites were “still in his loins,” the priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to the Levitical priesthood.
- The priesthood of Jesus is greater than the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:11-22). If the Levitical priesthood had been perfect, it would not have been replaced. Since Jesus came from Judah, He could not be a priest under the old covenant. Therefore, God replaced it with a new and better covenant. Under the new covenant, Jesus can be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
- The Levitical priesthood has come to an end, but Jesus’ priesthood has no end! The old covenant has come to an end, but the covenant instituted by Jesus will last forever! It contains better hope and better promises.
- The chapter closes by telling why Jesus’ priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:23-26). It also tells us how great Jesus is as a High Priest. Unlike the descendants of Aaron, Jesus is God’s perfect Son, “made perfect forever.”
Chapter 7 Questions
- What does the writer tell us about Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:1-3? Why is this information given?
- What made Melchizedek superior to Abraham (Hebrews 7:4-10)?
- Even though Jesus came from Judah, how was He able to become a High Priest (Hebrews 7:11-22)?
- What makes Jesus’ priesthood superior to the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:23-26)?
- What makes Jesus such a great High Priest (Hebrews 7:26-28)?
