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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Hebrews 7:4 - 7:10
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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Heb_7:4-10
4Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest's office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
Heb_7:5 "although these are descended from Abraham" This is rabbinic logic based on Levi being present in the loins of Abraham (cf. Heb_7:10). This is Jewish exegesis, not scientific fact.
Heb_7:7 "the greater" The heart of the book of Hebrews is the comparison between the Mosaic covenant and the new covenant in Christ.
This contrast is often expressed by the term "greater" (kreittôu/kreissôu), which means "better," "superior," "more excellent," "more valuable," "higher rank." This is a recurrent theme in Hebrews.
1. much better than the angels (cf. Heb_1:4)
2. better things concerning you (cf. Heb_6:9)
3. lesser is blessed by the greater (cf. Heb_7:7)
4. a better hope (cf. Heb_7:19)
5. a better covenant (cf. Heb_7:22; Heb_8:6)
6. with better sacrifice (cf. Heb_9:23)
7. a better possession (cf. Heb_10:34)
8. a better resurrection (cf. Heb_11:35)
9. a better country (cf. Heb_11:16)
10. God has provided something better (cf. Heb_11:40)
11. he sprinkled blood speaks better (cf. Heb_12:24)
Heb_7:8 "lives on" This refers to the eternality of Melchizedek because (1) his parents (genealogy) are not mentioned in Genesis 14 nor is his death recorded and also (2) Psa_110:4 b's specific comment ("forever").
Heb_7:9-10 This is rabbinical exegesis. Since Levi the tribe of Aaron is descendant from Abraham, then by analogy, the Jewish priesthood (i.e., even the High Priest) paid tithes to Melchizedek. Therefore, Melchizedek is superior and Jesus is superior to Jewish priests.