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These words are the apostle's application of what was before discoursed; by comparing Melchizedek's excellency with Abraham's; he shews Christ's excellency above Melchizedek's, and he calls upon them to consider this, consider how grat this man was. It will be fruitless, and to no advantage, to propose and declare the most important truths of the gospel, if those unto whom they are proposed do not diligently inquire into them, and duly ponder and consider of them. The Hebrews are here called upon to consider: But what? And whom? Why, who Melchizedek was, and how great a man he was?
Note here, That the greatness of Melchizedek did not respect either the endowments of his person, of the largeness of his dominion, or his riches and wealth, in which sense some are said to be great in Scripture: but he is pronounced great with respect to his office, and in regard of his nearness to God on that account, as also in his representing our Lord Jesus Christ.
Observe farther, The proof here given of the greatness of Melchizedek, in that no meaner person than Abraham, than Abraham the Patriarch, did give the tenth part of the spoils unto him.
Here remark, That notwithstanding the highest advantages and privileges which Abraham was possessed of, which rendered him almost adored by his posterity, yet when the meanest duty was presented to him, he readily complied with it. The highest privileges neither can nor ought to exempt any person from the performance of the meanest duty. Duty is our highest honour, and chiefest advantage; but privileges, promotions, dignities, and exaltations, may become snares, and end in the ruin of men's souls. When a person is dignified and advanced in the church, if thereby he thinks himself exempted from the ordinary service of the ministry, he is guilty of horrid pride and in gratitude: But if he farther indulges himself in a course of idleness, sloth, sensuality, and worldliness, these are crimes unpardonable, and want a name to express them.