Hebrews

Melchizedek and Jesus Christ

Scripture states that Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, came to meet Abraham as he returned after defeating the kings. He blessed Abraham,

and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. His name first means “righteous king,” and he was also king of Salem, that is, “king of Peace.”

There is no mention of a father, mother, or genealogy; nothing is said about the beginning or end of his life. In this, he is the figure of the Son of God, the priest who remains forever. 

See, then, how great Melchizedek was. Even Abraham gave him a tenth of the spoils! 

When the descendants of Levi are consecrated as priests, they are instructed to collect tithes from their people, which includes their relatives, even though these are also descendants of Abraham. 

Here, however, Melchizedek, who does not belong to the Levitical family, is shown receiving tithes from Abraham. Moreover, he blesses him, the man of God’s promise. 

It is clear that he who blesses is greater than the one who is blessed. 

In the first case, tithes are received by mortal people; in this case, Melchizedek is described as someone who lives on. 

When Abraham pays the tenth, it is, so to speak, the Levites—who are the ones collecting the tithes—who are actually paying the tithe 

because Levi was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

The institutions of the chosen people are based on the Levitical priesthood, but they could not achieve what is perfect and lasting. If that were possible, why would there be a need for another priest after the order of Melchizedek instead of Aaron’s? 

If there is a change in the priesthood, the law must also change. 

Jesus, to whom all this refers, was from a tribe that never served at the altar. 

Everyone knows that he belonged to the tribe of Judah, which Moses does not mention when he discusses the priesthood.

All of this, however, becomes clear if this priest, in the likeness of Melchizedek, 

has actually received his mission not based on any human law but through the power of eternal life. 

For it is attested of him: You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. 

With this, the previous arrangement is set aside as inadequate and useless 

for the law did not bring anything to perfection. At the same time, a better hope is offered to us: that of drawing near to God.

This change is confirmed by God’s oath. When others became priests, God did not compromise himself with an oath, 

but Jesus is confirmed with an oath, as it is said: The Lord has sworn, and he will not change his mind: you are a priest forever. 

Therefore, Jesus is our assurance of a better covenant. 

The former priests were many, since, as mortal men, they could not remain in office.

But Jesus remains forever, and the priesthood shall not be taken from him. 

Consequently, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to intercede for them.

It was fitting that our high priest should be holy, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens; 

a priest who does not, first, need to offer sacrifice for himself before offering for the sins of the people as high priests do. He offered himself in sacrifice, once and for all. 

And whereas the law elected weak men as high priests, now, after the law, the word of God, with an oath, appointed a Son, made perfect forever.