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Hebrews 7:7-10
Hebrews 7:7-10
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
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1. Donald Blind
Melchisedec blessed or eulogized the one who was the Father of the faithful. The King of Righteousness recognizes the one The Most High God compelled him to encounter on returning from the slaughter of the kings. This Melchisedec is better because he represents the coming Messiah while Abraham represents the faithful believer. Of this one it is said that he lives; the type of the true priest, our Lord Jesus Christ, who would truly live forever, receives tithes from the one who had Levi in his loins. From Levi, the son of Jacob or Israel, came the priestly line. According to Ps. 110 and this book, Levi would be superseded by Christ, who is a priest after the order of this one who blessed Abraham.
Levi, who is in the loins of father Abraham, gives rise to the doctrine of Traducianism. We come body and soul from our parents, and God does not have to create a new soul every time a person (soul, Heb. nephesh, Gr. psuche) is conceived. This verse is one of the prime texts concerning this understanding. Levi was there in Abraham, and therefore paid tithes to the priest of The Most High God. This very Levi and his clan ( to whom all Israel of the covenant beginning with Abraham, and emphasized at Mt.Sinai by The Law of God) paid tithes to the one who, in figure, represented the everlasting priesthood of The Son of God. The Levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant was dead before it had the chance to manifest itself.
Donald E. Blind
dblind@erols.com[ Top of Page ]
2. James McClarty
Inasmuch as I commented on the bulk of this text last week, I only want to zero in on one particular point. I went to great lengths last week to prove my contention that Melchisedek was indeed our Lord in a pre-incarnate appearance. Point after point, detail after detail, I could come to no other way of looking at the author's words.
Consider this: the passage in Hebrews which deals with Mel is, in fact, the author's commentary on the Genesis account. So we must ask ourselves why the author went through so much trouble to extrapolate the amount of information he did from three mysterious verses. What was he driving at?
If Melchisedek was simply a man - say, Shem or Job - then his argument is full of moot points. For instance, think about the phrase, "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life" (v.3). Shem had a father, Noah. Job had children aplenty who would have known his heritage and descent. Certainly both Shem and Job had a birthday and they both died. "And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters" (Gen.11:11). "So Job died, being old and full of days" (Job 42:17). In fact, any man who can be said to have a family, a heritage, a birth, and a death is disqualified from these statements. So why did the Hebrews author/commentator make them?
Or, how about "but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually"? In what way is Mel "like unto the Son of God"? Some will say it's because he has no earthly heritage, but that doesn't make him like Christ. Christ had a very specific earthly heritage; it's well known and meticulously chronicled. The answer is: he had neither mother nor father, beginning of days, or end of life. Those are the characteristics which make him "like unto the Son of God." There's one more vital similarity: he "abideth a priest continually." Now some will argue that the structure of that sentence implies that the phrase is a reference to Christ, a priest continually. But, read the various versions below:
- " but made like the Son of God, he abides a priest perpetually." (NAS)
- "but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually." (NAU)
- "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever." (NIV)
Each of these versions of the text point out that it is Melchizedek who remains a priest forever and is like the Son of God in that manner. What mortal man can be said to have attained such status?
Or thirdly, what about the titles "King of Righteousness" or "King of Peace"? How can any sinner ascend to such glorious titles? And what about the kingship, itself? Is any man in Scripture ever given the title of king and priest concurrently? The answer is no. Certainly if there were some historic figure who was indeed a priestly king, Scripture would have given some account of it, but it's silent...with the exception of Mel and Christ.
I ask again, why has the author gone to such pains to point this out? Is he trying to muddy the waters, or is he trying to explain the mystery? And if he's trying to make a point and clear up the mystery, why are we so afraid to allow the very conclusion he's pushing on us?
Well, anyway, this week's text brings up another of those proofs of the Christophany, and this time it's in the form of a contrast. It's found in verse 8, "And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth." The words "receiveth them" are added by the translators for clarity. The essence of the statement is: Here men that die receive tithes, but there he, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
The contrast is built around the words "here" and "there." "Here" obviously points to the time when the author was writing, the time during which the Levites were in power and received the tenths. "There," then, must refer to the time when Melchizedek was receiving tithes from Abraham. The primary contrast, though, involves the fact that the Levites die. One by one each and every Levite priest went to his grave. BUT "there" (back at Mel) he received them, and - in direct contrast to the dead Levites - HE LIVES!
"Why?" I ask myself over and again, "Why would the author go to such pains to construct such an obvious contrast? What is he driving at?" Look closely at the contrast again. The Levites, who arrived on the stage of history after Melchizedek, die. But Mel, who appeared prior to the Levites, is said to - present tense - live! Now, in what form or manner can it be said that he is yet alive unless he is the One "who ever liveth to make intercession for us" (Heb.7:25) ?
I'm aware of some of the explanations which have been given through the years to explain this contrast away. Some would say that Melchizedek died an earthly death, but still lives in Heaven. I must point out, however, that the contrast to terrestrial Levitical life and death undermines that argument.
Or, let's approach this another way...
Several weeks ago I made a passing reference to a passage I said I'd get back to during this study. The passage is:
"Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:53-58)
Yes, I agree with (and previously expounded) the interpretation of this passage which promotes eternal life for faithful believers. In that way, Abraham would be eternally alive in Heaven and would be witness to Christ's incarnation. But then Jesus flip-flops His argument and declares that He predates Abraham. So the entire statement is that Abraham saw Christ's day, and Christ saw Abraham's day. But what if (and I admit that I'm imposing my particular sentiment on this passage) the place where Abraham lived to see Christ was back there in the valley of Shaveh?
Okay, okay, I'm not dogmatic about that one. In fact, I'm not dogmatic about any of this. What I am is intellectually convinced, and I'm not really trying to sway anyone over to my way of seeing things. I simply don't know any way to conclude that Melchizedek is a mortal man without doing serious damage to the Hebrews author's text. Only allowing the Christophany view satisfies both his words and his purpose in bringing it all up in the first place.
Because, finally, what is the overall context of this section of Hebrews?
The key, essential point is that Christ is the High Priest of a better covenant, built on better promises, based on a better sacrifice, secured by a better surety, and which culminates in infinitely better blessings. Likewise, the history of this priesthood is built on a better heritage, one which is not defiled by sinful men, but is so high and holy that only Christ, Himself, could ever attain to it. Any other interpretation which insists on imposing sinful men into the heritage of the perfect priest automatically dilutes the priesthood down to our level, but the whole context of Hebrews refutes such an idea.
Anyway, that's my view and I'm sticking it with it. :-)
Jim McClarty
McClarty@juno.com[ Top of Page ]
3. Kevin Hartley
In this present section, the author of Hebrews builds his appeal for Christ progressing from the type to type. Having made the comparison between Melchizedek and Christ in the first three verses, he now takes in hand the task of exalting the person of Melchizidek over Abraham and all of his descendants. In this comparison, Melchizidek takes a position superior to Abraham, Levi, and every Hebrew descendent. The means of that superiority is found in the actions of Abraham in paying tithe to the King of Salem and being blessed by him. Logically then, as Israel was of the loins of Abraham, thus all Israel and her types and shadows pale in comparison to the remarkable glory of this Melchizidek.
Consider then the hierarchical exultation of the Son of God. For not only does He exceed every type and shadow of those relics found within the Old Covenant: Angels, Moses, Aaron, the Sabbath, the Tabernacle, the Sacrifices and ceremonies, but He also far exceeds even the Old Testament type that stands outside of the Covenant of Old. Melchizedek stands as a type outside of the Old Covenant and all of its representative parts. He was in fact, as proven by our author here, a superior type to all the Old Covenant shadows. Follow it, reader; I can anticipate your heart blood racing and your lips stammering. For if Melchizedek far exceeds and stands superior to all within the very loins of Abraham himself, how much more greater is your Christ, who Himself is far superior even to the man Melchizedek? For Melchizedek is but a type and blessed portrait of the coming anointed Son of God Himself.
This Melchizidek was but a man. He himself was far inferior to our Lord. For while it would appear, in detail, that he was without beginning or end, that he cometh forth without genealogy, mother, or father, and abides, as it seems, a priest continually, we know this is not the case. For we know that he but 'resembles the Son of God. He is but "afwmoiwmeno" (ajfwmoiwmevno) the Son of God; he is not the Son of God. We have in this perfect participle the compound made from the preposition apo and the stem homoios, meaning, 'that representative image.' We are left then with a sketch of Melchizidek as but one bearing similarity to the Son of God. The perfect tense helps to show the type in its singular occurrence of old, as he is but a type of the eternal Son, but he is not the Son of God.
How then is the reader to prescribe this present text? The application lies in the opening phrase of verse four, 'now consider.' The present imperative speaks to the ongoing need of the reader to ponder the exquisite character of this brief figure of Old Testament appeal. The word qewreite (Qewrei'teis) different from the common word for gazing or looking, as it carries with it the thought of one considering carefully the details of the matter. In this pericope we are, then, to consider vigorously the details of this man Melchizedek, that is, the exceeding greatness of Melchizedek in comparison to Abraham and his children, that we might be rightfully prepared to find ourselves enamored with the coming exaltation of the Son of God.
Might it be, reader, that by this time your love for your Lord has so affected your soul that your anticipation of the banner's raising inflames your passion? As embittered and war-torn soldiers, having faced waves of assault from many foes, surely the readers of this text by this point, if grace so affected their souls, were anticipating the dawn's light. Gazing from their weary positions you can see their eyes affixed to the beam as the banner of God's strength and salvation rises. There, wavering amidst the folds of blessed pages of old, shines forth the light of the Son of God. Breaking through the skies dark and dreary cold, comes forth one like unto the Son of God amidst the tears of night. Look and give a shout as your heart cries forth to our author, 'leave this man Melchizedek, we know behind him, towering far above him, is the Lord Jesus Christ.'
Might it be that your impatience to see your Christ exalted, has in turn brought forth your impatience, reader, in this our present argument? For no man who has seen and known Christ can be content to look but upon a man. Melchizedek stands in your way. All that was the nation of Israel and its ancient covenant stand in your way. The shadows, the relics, the types, are but hindrances to your view of the sweet Son of God. So raise up the banner far above the type, let us consider the reality of our blessed salvation.
Kevin Hartley
kartleyk@erols.com[ Top of Page ]
4. Maurice Bergeron
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. (Hebrews 7:7-10)
And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. (7:7)
John Calvin in his commentary on Hebrews taught that the word "blessed," as used here, meant there was a solemn prayer offered by one of high office and honor (Melchisedec) for a man of lesser importance (Abraham). It would seem the Spirit is indicating to these Hebrew Christians that there was tremendous truth in this world even before father Abraham had any descendants. Consider how our writer has suggested to these sons of Abraham that there was one greater than father Abraham. How do you think they received this revelation?
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. (Luke 3:8)
Perhaps this was needful for them, as they would soon need to seek refuge in foreign lands ruled by Gentiles?
...here men that die receive tithes; (7:8a)
Death is surely a sign of weakness and imperfection. Through the death of succeeding Levites, God demonstrated the frailty and temporary nature of the Old Covenant. It was a sign that the Covenant itself would one day come to an end.
And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead. (Deut. 10:6)
And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill that pertained to Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim. (Joshua 24:33)
The perpetual service of this Melchisedec as priest and king pointed to the never-ending service of God's Annointed One. These Hebrew Christians could take comfort in the knowledge that even father Abraham and those children who were yet to be born did not hesitate to give a tenth of their spoils to the King of Salem.
...he [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. (7:8b)
Here Melchisedec is described as immortal and ever receiving tithes. In the same manner, Christ receives the holy sacrifices and offerings of His people. What manner of tribute have you brought to Christ, my friend?
And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33)
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)
And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. (7:9)
Here ends all controversy as to what priesthood would be of superior worth. If Levi and his children paid their tithes to Melchisedec while yet in the loins of their father then the dispute is immediately settled.
For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. (7:10)
It does my heart good to know that many of Levi's sons were brought to faith, even the true faith of their fathers.
And so, some did meet him again.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7)
Maurice Bergeron
ic@mdc.net[ Top of Page ]
5. Michael Cruz
And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. (7:7)
This verse gives us a glimpse into the pre-imminency of Christ. Here we have a type of Christ in the Old Testament and the blessings of Abraham but even this type is considered the greater blessing the lesser. Christ´s work is so important and supreme to that of Abraham and any others who came before Him (or after), that even the type of Christ is given pre-imminence. Time and time again, and in many ways, the author continually brings us back to the superiority of Christ's righteousness. And if we are united to Him by faith, we are imputed that righteousness.
And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. (7:8-10)
The clan of the Levites were selected to be the priests of the nation of Israel yet they all died. Here we have a contrast of the mortal man with that of the type of Christ. Again we are shown how this type of Christ is superior to all in the Old Testament. The lack of any written origin or end of Melchizedek is evidence that he was placed there by God to foreshadow the ministry that Christ would later accomplish. And just as Christ lives we have the type in Melchizedek that still lives. All of the tithes that were later collected from the Israelites were an emulation of what Abraham had done through Melchizedek. Also in verses nine and ten we see that even Levi himself with all of his descendents were subordinate to Melchizedek for in a sense they paid the tithe along with Abraham because Levi was Abraham's offspring. Melchizedek was only a type of Christ who was beneath Christ in every way but it is clear that even this type of Christ was greater than all but Christ.
Michael Cruz
a_la_cruz@technologist.com[ Top of Page ]
6. Tim Clifton
And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. (7:7)
"without all contradiction.." In v. 4, we considered 'how great' this man (Melchisedec) was. Then, we compared him with the sons of Levi, who came out of Abraham's loins. And finally, it was brought to our memory how this 'continual priest' (v.3) received tithes of Abraham. Now, in verse 7, we are, under no uncertain terms, going to place them in rank order, and there will be no questions from anyone about it: Abraham the less was blessed by Melchisedec the better. Now there may have been some questions about the importance of Levi vs. Christ before this, but here it is Hebrews: there just isn't any question about it - Christ is better than anything else you grew up with.
And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. (7:8)
"he liveth." Here is a tiny phrase that cannot be said of any human. But it was said (although not back in Genesis, so here is a tidbit from God through the writer) in v.3 that this man who received tithes from Abraham had 'no end of life.' And what better thing could be said of anyone? Of all the things I would want for my children, eternal life with Christ is certainly, and without all contradiction, number one on my list; ..that they 'would live'! And yet even then, it could not be said of them in the most complete sense, that 'they live', because they had a beginning. But of God it is said, "..I AM THAT I AM" (Ex.3:14), and "..Before Abraham was, I am" (Jn. 8:58). Thus, this order is as much better than Levi as infinity is better than the finite. It is said of this priest who blessed Abraham, "He Liveth"! I think that we can see here a priesthood that is the same, yesterday, today and forever, and a priest who will never let us down. When I see the eternal greatness that "he liveth," I see Christ.
And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. (7:9.10)
"yet in the loins of his father" This sentence is called, "putting things in perspective." Here is a continuation of v.5, just in case they missed it. This is good teaching: line upon line. Repetition is lacking in schools today and so are high math scores compared to the past. You remember phone numbers and Bible verses after hearing them time after time. The author of Hebrews wants his readers to remember that Abraham, and inherently the sons of Levi, are the lesser, and this man and this priesthood are the greater. Were you ever put in your place, by being reminded that someone else has seniority over you? Again, as I said earlier, it is humbling, and that is exactly what, 'yet in the loins of his father' can and must do to remind the Hebrew Christians and to remind us all, that Christ is better than the Levitical priesthood. Jesus the Messiah has an unchangeable priesthood, and continueth ever! (v.24 will be yet one more line showing this glorious fact).
In Christ,
Tim Clifton
tclifton@hotmail.com[ Top of Page ]
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