Lesson 4953

 (Lesson 4953) (08-23-25) Hebrews 7:1-9 

   “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; 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; 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. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 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: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 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.” 

 

   This lesson describes Melchisedec, king of Salem and priest of the most high God, who met Abraham and blessed him after a battle. Abraham, in turn, gave him a tenth of the spoils of war. Melchisedec is presented as a figure without recorded genealogy, beginning, or end, which makes him typical of Jesus. The priesthood of both Melchisedec and Jesus is far greater than that of the Levites who were appointed priests under the law. This passage stresses that Jesus, much like Melchisedec, holds a priesthood not based on genealogy or the Law of the Jews, but on the eternal power of God. Unlike the imperfect priests of Israel, Jesus is the perfect and everlasting High Priest, superior to all priests, and fully able to mediate for the everlasting life of those who will believe in Him. ~