February 26, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Hebrews Chapter 7
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
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.
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
Hebrews Chapter 7 delves into a profound theological reflection on the high priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing a comparison between the Levitical priesthood and the order of Melchizedek. The author of Hebrews argues that Jesus’ priesthood is unique, eternal, and superior. By linking Him to Melchizedek—a mysterious priest and king—the text highlights the superiority of the new order over the old law and underscores the final and perfect redemption through Christ.
Commentary:
1.Melchizedek as a Type of Christ (Verses 1–10)
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Melchizedek as King and Priest:
Melchizedek is described as the king of Salem (peace) and a priest of God Most High. His name means “King of Righteousness,” pointing to the qualities that Christ also embodies.
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Abraham’s Encounter with Melchizedek:
Abraham, the patriarch, gives Melchizedek a tithe of his spoils, underscoring Melchizedek’s superiority. Even though Abraham is the father of the Israelite nation, he recognizes Melchizedek as a higher spiritual authority.
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Timeless Priesthood:
Melchizedek appears “without father, without mother, without genealogy”—a reference to the eternal nature of his priesthood, prophetically pointing to Christ, who lives forever.
2.The Imperfection of the Levitical Priesthood (Verses 11–19)
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Insufficient Perfection Through the Law:
The Levitical priesthood could not achieve complete reconciliation with God. The law revealed sin but could not fully cleanse the conscience or bring ultimate redemption.
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Change of Priesthood and Law:
With Christ as High Priest, the priesthood—and consequently the law—is transformed. His priesthood is not based on genealogical descent but on the power of an indestructible life.
3.Jesus’ Superior Priesthood According to the Order of Melchizedek (Verses 20–25)
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Confirmed by Divine Oath:
Unlike the Levitical priests, Christ was established as High Priest through a divine oath (verse 21), emphasizing the permanence and authority of His priesthood.
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Eternal Intercession:
Jesus lives forever and continually intercedes for believers. His work is not temporary but enduring and effective for all time.
4.The Perfect High Priest (Verses 26–28)
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Christ’s Flawless Character:
Jesus is described as “holy, innocent, undefiled”—qualities that distinguish Him from earthly priests.
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A Once-for-All Sacrifice:
While Levitical priests needed to offer sacrifices regularly for their sins and those of the people, Christ offered Himself once and for all, securing eternal redemption.
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Complete Salvation:
Through His sacrifice and continual intercession, believers gain access to God and a lasting hope for eternal life.
Summary:
Hebrews Chapter 7 emphasizes the superiority of Jesus’ high priesthood over the Levitical system. By connecting Christ to Melchizedek, the chapter illustrates that Jesus is not merely another priest in Aaron’s lineage but an eternal High Priest established by divine oath. His priesthood is not limited by earthly ancestry but founded on His indestructible life and perfect sacrifice. Unlike the temporary and imperfect offerings of the Old Covenant, Christ’s once-for-all atonement provides lasting reconciliation and eternal intercession. This chapter thus offers hope and invites us to trust in the complete salvation found in Christ.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 6 shows us the path from the awakening of the conscience to the acceptance of divine gifts of grace. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we recognize the destructive power and misery of sin, which separates us from God. This realization arouses in us a deep desire for forgiveness, cleansing, and freedom—yet we cannot obtain these graces through our own efforts, but only through steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, who bestows them upon us as a free gift from God.
Commentary
1.Awakening of the Conscience and Recognition of Sinfulness
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Stirring by the Holy Spirit:
The conscience is awakened by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to perceive the malice, power, guilt, and misery of sin.
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Realization of Separation:
We come to understand that sin has separated us from God and that we ourselves are trapped in a state of helplessness and selfishness.
2.God’s Gifts of Grace and Promises
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Free Gift of Grace:
God offers us forgiveness, cleansing, peace, and love as gifts of grace—things that cannot be bought with money or human wisdom (see Isaiah 55:1).
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Biblical Promises:
Promises such as “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18) and “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26) show that God is able to free us from our sinfulness.
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Jesus as an Example:
Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man (Matthew 9:6) demonstrates that faith in His words and miracles brings immediate deliverance and healing.
3.Faith and Acceptance of the Divine Promise
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Necessity of Faith:
The text calls us to confess our sins and yield ourselves to God. Only through steadfast faith, not through feelings, can we receive God’s promises.
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Daily Surrender:
It is emphasized that we should daily acknowledge our belonging to Christ and live in His Spirit, thus remaining continually in His grace and mercy.
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Condition of Prayer:
Our requests must be in harmony with God’s will, who wants to cleanse us of our failings and make us His children.
4.The Universal Power of Grace
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Unlimited Forgiveness:
No one is so sinful that they cannot be touched by God’s infinite mercy. God wants to fill us with His blessings—strength, righteousness, and purity.
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The Father-Heart of God:
God’s love is so great that He has accepted us even in our weakness. His immeasurable love and mercy express His eternal desire to redeem and renew us.
Summary
Chapter 6, “Faith and Acceptance,” calls us to acknowledge our own sinfulness and awaken within ourselves a deep longing for divine forgiveness and renewal. It stresses that we cannot achieve sanctification through our own power, but that God’s grace—given freely through Jesus Christ—covers all our shortcomings. By confessing our sins and holding firmly to faith in Jesus’ words and miracles, we become children of God who live in His Spirit and are healed by His mercy. Ultimately, it is unwavering faith and daily surrender that lead us into the fullness of God’s blessings and empower us to live a renewed, holy life.
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