William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Hebrews 7:8 - 7:8

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Hebrews 7:8 - 7:8


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Our apostle still carrieth on the same argument, proving Melchizedek's priesthood to surpass and excel the Aaronical and Levitical priesthood in the immortality of it: As the less is blessed of the greater, so is that which is immortal greater and better than what is mortal: But such is Melchizedek, and his order of priesthood, though the priests be superior to the people, and take tithes of them, yet they do die as well as the people: But we read not a word of Melchizedek's death, he is a priest for ever; that is, he did typically prefigure Christ, who doth properly and indeed live for ever. Melchizedek ever lives secundam historiam, Christ secundam veritatem.

Learn hence, That the life of the church depends upon the everlasting life of Jesus Christ: He liveth for ever, when ministers die or have their mouths stopped. This great High Priest lives, upon whom the life and preservation, the continuance and salvation of the church does depend: Here men die that receive tithes.

Note, From their mortality, that in the outward administration of God's worship, he is pleased to make use of the ministry of frail, mortal and dying men. Zec_1:5.

The prophets, do they live for ever?

Hereby it does evidently appear, that it is the power of God, and nothing else, which gives efficacy and success to all gospel-administrations, 2Co_4:7.

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.