Hebrews 7

Hermeneutical Principle: Jesus Is Better

The book of Hebrews has provides us with consistent hermeneutical practice showing how each Old Testament passage ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.  He is the ultimate Word, the ultimate Messenger, and the ultimate Prophet.  But specifically in Hebrews, these have all been standards in which to compare Christ to.  Not only is the former things of the Old Testament types of Christ, but they are also inferior to Him.  This is the hermeneutic Bible students should learn from how the author of Hebrews utilizes the Old Testament passage.  Jesus is better.   To understand how one should use and understand the Old Testament is the essence of hermeneutics or Bible interpretation.

He is the better messenger.  He holds the better word of revelation, and He is the better Prophet.  Now in chapter seven the same hermeneutic will explain how Jesus Christ is the better High Priest who mediates a better covenant with better promises.

Understanding the Hermeneutic: Melchizedek’s Role Points to Christ vv1-17

Here we see how the author of Hebrews uses a particular character of the Old Testament points prophetically to Christ as One who is greater than all other mediators between God and man.  In Genesis 14, we have already read this man’s story, how was God’s even before there was a covenant with that established a Levitical priesthood (v1).  Abraham recognized this man’s role and authority as someone who is greater than himself which is a point for consideration (v4). Abraham who is the great patriarch of Israel recognized someone greater than himself.  And Levitical priests who are descendants of Abraham also must recognize a greater priesthood of Melchizedek (v9).

Jesus Christ, who was born of the tribe of Judah, is indeed the ultimate High Priest, but His order is not of Levi, but He was chosen in the likeness of Melchizedek’s order (v15), a High Priest of a more superior sort than Aaron’s. But is this just fanciful thinking?  How do we know this is the proper use of Genesis.  Well, even though the author of Hebrews is writing under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he still provides other Scriptures to collaborate his hermeneutic (v17).  In a Psalm we have already seen quoted before, the author shows that his interpretation is supported by other inspired Scriptures (see Psalm 110:4).

It is because of these inspired examples that modern day Bible students must also proof check their interpretations with the Bible.  If one’s conclusion fails to find plain and clear support in other Scripture, then that conclusion is to be rejected.  We know Jesus is the greater High Priest because more than one passage of God’s word says so.  The truths that the Holy Spirit will teach us will be repeated throughout a number of passages.

The Implications of Jesus’ Priesthood vv18-28

So now the author as biblically established Jesus’ priesthood is superior to Levi’s, what are the implications that follow?  Rather bluntly the author explains that Levi’s priesthood was too weak and useless to make men right in God’s eyes.  The law which governed their order never made anyone perfect, but now through Jesus there is finally a hope that men may be made perfect, holy, sinless (v18-19).  Verse 19 says Jesus’ gave a better hope, which is the consistent theme all through Hebrews.  Jesus is better.

The author goes on to explain Jesus’ priesthood superiority.  Levitical priests became priests simply because of their birth order.  But Jesus’ priesthood was established with God eternal decree, again quoting Psalm 110:4 (v21).   Furthermore, priests under Aaron’s order were subject to death and sin which prevented them from remaining in office (v23).  But Jesus who is not guilty of sin has no need to offer sacrifices for Himself (v27).  And because He lives eternally, His priesthood is eternally sure.  This ensures salvation for all who place their faith in Him (v24-25).

So let the reader be convinced, Christ’s covenant, this “New Covenant”, which He mediates is far superior than the old mediated by Levitical priests and the law.  Christ’s superior position was ordained by God’s eternal decree, an oath spoken by God, that can never be altered (v28).  What more assurances does one need before they believe and obey God’s final word?