Hebrews 7:1-10

Priesthood like Melchizedek -- Hebrews 7:1-10: Melchizedek is set forth as a type of Christ. He is (a) king of Salem, and (b) priest of the most high God. Who was this Melchizedek? In Genesis 14:18 we read that, "Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God." In Psalms 110:4 it was said, "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."

There were many in the Bible who gave us brief glimpses of what Jesus would be like. Melchizedek, the priest, was the first to represent Christ by what he was and did. He depicted the foundation of all that our Lord Jesus Christ would do. Like Melchizedek, Jesus would hold a priestly office, whereby He made atonement, and reconciliation for the sins of mankind.

Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek and Melchizedek blessed him. The Levitical priests had a right to receive tithes of their brethren, but still that they were inferior to Melchizedek. Liberal giving was a part of the life of the patriarchs before the law, the Jews under the law, and the Christians in times of the gospel."King of righteousness" is the meaning of the name "Melchizedek." What better type of the Messiah could there be than him who was king of righteousness? We have no record of Melchizedek's death. Just so, the life of the church depends upon the everlasting life of Jesus Christ, our Savior. The Hebrew writer attempted to show the superiority of Jesus by proving that His priesthood was like that of Melchizedek.