Hebrews

Friday, 16 November 2018

Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Hebrews 7:7

The author here states a simple truth of both the Bible and of life in general. First, he says, “Now beyond all contradiction.” The meaning of the words is that there is absolutely no dispute in the matter which he will present. It is an understood and unquestioned principle recognized by all and at all times. From there, the author completes his thought with, “the lesser is blessed by the better.”

The position or person who is greater (better) bestows a blessing on the lesser. This isn’t the same meaning as when we say “Bless the Lord.” Rather, that is a form of praise from the lesser to the greater. Instead, the author is speaking of a blessing in the sense of something that can be bestowed upon another person.

Think of a graduate from college where the certificate is bestowed by the dean or some other important official. When handed to the graduate, a form of blessing might be given such as, “May the Lord bless the days of your working life abundantly.” If someone is named “Employee of the year” this blessing is granted by someone higher in the company’s ranks, etc. Or, one might think of the blessing of a father upon his children. The father is considered as the superior in that relationship.

Finally, and most directly to the matter at hand, there is the blessing of Aaron (and his line) upon the people of Israel. This was directed by the Lord, and it was – beyond all contradiction – that Aaron was considered the superior of all of Israel in this regard. That is recorded in Numbers 6 –

“‘“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ²³ “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:
²⁴ “The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’
²⁷ “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”’”

As a note of clarification though, this is not speaking of moral superiority or some other related aspect. This is speaking of a position of rank, office, or authority. In the case of Abraham, he would be in a position lower than the “king of Salem” and “priest of the Most High God” in this regard. A difference between Melchizedek and Aaron is seen here. The Lord instructed through the law that Aaron was to bless the people. However, Melchizedek possessed this right apart from the law. Again, as with the receiving of the tithes, we have a confirmation of the greatness of Melchizedek, and the superiority of His office over that of Aaron.

Interestingly, in the account of Isaac meeting Pharaoh in Egypt, it twice says that Isaac blessed Pharaoh. The same word is used in both occasions and can also be interpreted to “greet,” but it appears the author of Genesis was indicating the greatness of Isaac over Pharaoh.

Likewise, Melchizedek is the one who blessed Abraham, not the other way around. In other words, the “lesser” person is Abraham. He, the man who had received the promise from God, was considered lesser than Melchizedek! For those who have been instructed in the greatness of Abraham, including his name being mentioned again and again in Scripture – such as in the genealogies of Jesus – this seems rather incredible. But the author states this is the case in order to draw the obvious and amazing parallel of Melchizedek to the Person of Jesus.

The greatness of Melchizedek in redemptive history, then, is one of extraordinary importance. There is still a large amount of information that the author of Hebrews is going to draw out of this one short meeting between these two great men – a meeting which consists of only three short verses in the Bible. The author of Hebrews, under divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is providing us with eternal truths about the nature of Jesus’ ministry which are simply astonishing!

Life application: If the author of Hebrews has drawn out (and will continue to draw out) this much theological information from an encounter of only a few verses in the Old Testament, then how much information has God packed into larger passages recorded there? As you read the Bible, ask questions of the text, seeking answers from God who reveals according to His wisdom. Finally, to understand the blessing of Aaron upon the people of Israel, along with doctrine on the Trinity, please feel free to watch this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeYlnhNMg3I&t

Lord God, it simply can’t be more exciting than to peer into the recesses of our history and see the Light of Christ shining through. His superiority over all of history is glorious, and all we can do is praise the immense wisdom which You have displayed in the pages of Scripture as You have revealed Him to a race of beings in desperate need of His coming! Amen.

Thursday, 15 November 2018

…but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Hebrews 7:6

The words, “but he” are speaking of Melchizedek. In order to show his greatness, he is being contrasted with Abraham – a figure known in history as the man of great faith, the father of the Hebrew nation, and the example of patience and perseverance in the face of testing. Despite holding such high esteem among the faithful of Israel, the author says that Melchizedek – who in the previous verse received a tenth of the spoils – isn’t descended from Levi. As he says, “but he whose genealogy is not derived from them.”

The Greek word is genealogeó. It is used only this once in Scripture, and it is the basis for our modern word “genealogy.” Israel was to pay tithes to the Levites, and the Levites, in turn, gave a tithe to the priests. This was a mandate of the law, not an inherent right. And yet, Melchizedek “received tithes from Abraham.” There was no law mandating this, and yet Abraham felt it was appropriate to offer a tenth of the spoils of battle in this way. And this, despite the fact that Melchizedek was not of the Levitical order to whom the law mandated that Israel’s tithes be given.

But what is being said here? It, on the surface, appears to be placing the horse in front of the cart… Levi descended from Abraham, not the other way around. However, we’ll see the impeccable logic of what the author is intending in the verses ahead.

However, in addition to giving a tenth of the spoils, it was Abraham, not Melchizedek, who received the promises from God. Despite this, it was Melchizedek who blessed Abraham. As it says, Melchizedek “blessed him who had the promises.” This was recorded in verse 7:1 when the author stated the facts previously recorded in the Genesis account.

On the surface, this may seem appropriate – after all, Abraham was the one with the promise of blessing from God. However, the author will use the same type of impeccable logic concerning the blessing from Melchizedek in the verses ahead. What we think is backwards or unrealistic is actually something which contains truths which are inescapable when presented from God’s perspective.

Not to get too far ahead, but what is happening in this verse is that in accepting the tithes from Abraham, he was accepting the greater position which was accorded to him by Abraham. In turn, he then blessed Abraham. In accepting the blessing, Abraham was acknowledging he was in a lesser position to Melchizedek. But, as we have seen, Abraham had the promise of God, establishing him as a great man indeed. In fact, he is considered as the father of faith to this day. However, the exchange here demonstrates that Melchizedek is greater than Abraham.

Life application: It is because of the account set before us, and countless other magnificent accounts which arise, that we study the Bible not just once, but for an entire lifetime. Colleges and seminaries are devoted to the Word of God because it is an inexhaustible resource. We can’t simply ignore it, neglect Bible studies and sermons, and expect to be able to comprehend all that the Bible contains. Instead, we need to read, study, listen to, contemplate, pray over, and cherish the Bible each and every day. If we fail in this regard, we can never grow from milk to solid food.

Heavenly Father, You are great and greatly to be praised. And Your word is an amazingly wonderful source of wonder and delight. It is inexhaustible in what it reveals. Layer upon layer of wisdom is revealed in it as we slowly and meticulously search out its pages. And with each layer comes another interconnected item of wonder. Thank You for Your glorious, precious, and superior word! Amen.

Wednesday, 14 November 2018

And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; Hebrews 7:5

As is recorded in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, the author now explains that even though the tribe of Levi descended from Abraham, just as all the other tribes of Israel (their brethren), they were to receive a tenth of the produce of the land. As stated in the analysis of the previous verse, this tenth was mandated in each third year. But even in the other two years when the tithe was eaten by the one tithing, the people were told, “You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you.” Deuteronomy 14:27.

If the Levite’s portion during the third year of tithing wasn’t enough to sustain him for the full three years, he would suffer. So, even during the other two years, the people were instructed to tend to the needs of the Levites. This is because their job was to minister to the people, assist in matters of the law, etc. Because of this, they wouldn’t have been able to conduct the normal pattern of business, such as tending to land and fields, that the rest of the people would have had time for.

Understanding this, there is still the matter of the priesthood. It is this which the author is specifically addressing. The people of Israel worked and earned. Every third year, a tithe of that was to be given away, in its entirety. This was to be stored up and given to the Levites (Numbers 18:21-24). However, there was more to be done with it. The tribe of Levi was divided into his three sons – Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. From Kohath, the line of Aaron was chosen as the priestly line (Exodus 28:1). After the tithe was collected by the sons of Levi, a tenth of that was then to be taken and given to this priestly line (Numbers 18:25-32). In fact, it was to be the best portion as noted in Numbers 18:30.

This then explains the words, “And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood.” It is specifically speaking of the sons of Levi through Aaron, but indirectly from all of the sons of Levi, and then further from all of the children of Israel. It is this particular line who “have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law.” The priestly line of Aaron alone received tithes from the people without paying a tithe themselves. The line of tithing ended in them. However, it is to be understood that this is a precept of the law. Therefore, it is the law alone which then elevates the line of Aaron above the other Levites and thus above the other people of Israel. This is why the author says that it is by the law that the commandment is given concerning the tithes provided to Aaron’s line “that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham.”

In other words, other than by this precept, the priests would be on the same level as all the others in Israel who issue from Abraham. There was no right in them which inherently allowed them to exact tithes upon their brethren. Again, the right they possessed came apart from any personal merit. However, Abraham is said to have paid tithes to Melchizedek apart from the law. This shows an obvious inherent right in Melchizedek which the priests of Aaron did not possess. No law mandated this, and yet it happened. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth because Melchizedek possessed an inherent right to it. The importance of this will continue to be explained by the author in the verses ahead.

Life application: There is an important application here for us. Tithing is not a New Testament standard, but rather “let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper…” 1 Corinthians 16:2. We set our offerings aside to pay for the salary of our pastors and missionaries, and also to keep the church functioning properly. There’s obviously a lot of money in some Christian circles, such as televangelists, and sometimes pastors have it far better than their congregants. However, many pastors – particularly in small churches – eke out a living and are totally dependent on the goodness of the people they minister to. They have set their hearts, minds, and lives on Jesus, and they should be taken care of by those they tend to. So don’t forget them when you give, and also don’t forget them during the week with your prayers and assistance if they need it.

Lord, you’ve been so good to give us caring scholars, missionaries, pastors, preachers, and teachers of Your word. Help us to remember them in the giving of our offerings – both of money and of the abilities we have – that can benefit them. Their service is so much appreciated. Help us to remember to let them know it from time to time as well. Amen.

Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. Hebrews 7:4

The author now begins to explain the level of greatness of Melchizedek, something he will do for the next seven verses. The reason for this is because he will then show how the greatness of Melchizedek’s priesthood exceeded that of Aaron’s. From there, and because of the parallel between Melchizedek and Jesus, he will make the obvious conclusion that the priesthood of Jesus exceeds that of Aaron. To begin this, he relies on what has been stated so far in verses 1 through 3 and says, “Now consider how great this man was.” It should rather say, “Now consider how great this man is.” The reason is because of what it said in the previous verse, that he “…like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” It is a state which continues.

From there, he now returns to the thought of verse 7:2 for explanation by saying, “to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.” In 7:2, he repeated the information given in Genesis 14 which stated this fact. Here, he calls Abraham, “the patriarch.” It is a term meaning, “first father.” He is the “head” or “founder” of a family, and is thus considered the greatest of that family. In the Bible, this title is given to him, the 12 sons of Israel, and to David. We can infer it also applies to Isaac and Jacob. The term comes from pater meaning father and arche meaning first or greater.

The use of the word patriarch here is purposeful. If Abraham was the greatest of the family of the Hebrews, and if he can be shown to be in a lesser position than Melchizedek, then it will imply a surpassing greatness in Melchizedek. If that can be established, then Jesus – who is the One being set in comparison to Melchizedek – will then be shown to also be in surpassing greatness to the patriarch Abraham – even though He descends from him in His humanity.

It is for this reason that the author now brings in tithing. It was a concept understood by every person in Israel. The specific guidelines, as were practiced by the people, are explained fully in Deuteronomy 14:22-29, with many other references scattered throughout the Books of Moses and elsewhere.

The people were to set aside one-tenth of everything they accumulated each year. For the first two years, they were to enjoy that tenth themselves in the Lord’s presence – eating, drinking, and rejoicing in His provision. Of the third year, it says –

“At the end of every third year you shall bring out the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. ²⁹ And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.” Deuteronomy 14:28, 29.

This tithe was then further divided (as is mentioned in Leviticus 27) and a 10^th of that was given to the priests who ministered at the temple. This was the sacred portion for the Lord’s service and the best of all that was gathered.

Life application: Tithes and all offerings of the Old Testament were, like praise, from the lesser to the greater. The common people tithed to the Levites and the Levites to the priests – in ascending order. In the verses ahead, we will see a most fascinating reason why the author proclaims the greatness of Melchizedek. Yes, Abraham gave a tenth to him, but this signifies something even more interesting. How willing are you to be patient and slowly learn the word of God? Too often, people hear about a concept, such as tithing, and they run with it as a precept for the church. However, the law is a completely different dispensation than the church age. Is it appropriate to mandate this Old Testament precept? The only way to know is to learn the word first, and then apply its precepts in context. Be sure not to run ahead of sound doctrine, but keep things in their intended context!

Yes Lord! What a fun thing to look into the words of the Old Testament and then see how they point to the Person and work of Jesus. In understanding these types and patterns, we can more fully understand the surpassing greatness of the work of the Lord. Thank You that redemptive history is so carefully recorded for us to know – with all certainty – that we are following the proper path in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 12 November 2018

…without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. Hebrews 7:3

The author continues to relate information which can be gleaned about Melchizedek from the account found in Genesis 14. However, the information he passes on now is not what was stated, but what was left unstated. He begins with three family-related matters by saying, “without father, without mother, without genealogy.”

In this, he is not literally claiming that Melchizedek had no parents or other genealogy. Instead, he is making the point that the author of Genesis (God through Moses) specifically left these points out in order to establish a connection to Jesus in this regard. In Genesis, there are numerous genealogical listings. Adam was created, but after him, the successive generations of the people who are recorded are listed by their individual families, showing where they came from, and to what people groups they eventually became a part of. However, nothing is recorded about Melchizedek in this regard. There is no listing of it despite the meticulous care provided for other peoples’ family listings.

Even if a person was seen only once, it might say, “John Doe was a Canaanite.” That alone would tell us that his father descended from Canaan, who in turn descended from Ham, who in turn descended from Noah. Thus, the genealogical record is implied in the statement. But such is not the case with Melchizedek.

Next, we are told that he has “neither beginning of days nor end of life.” Again, fanciful ideas of a supernatural being are made up about Melchizedek because of this statement. And yet, the only point the author is making is that there is no recorded birth record, nor is there any recorded death regarding Melchizedek. For example, Abraham’s birth is recorded in Genesis 11:26 –

“Now Terah lived seventy years, and begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran.”

His death is then recorded in Genesis 25:7, 8 –

“This is the sum of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-five years. ⁸ Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people.”

This is a common occurrence in the Bible. Therefore, the exclusion of such information is as telling as its inclusion. God purposefully left this information out in order to establish a connection between Melchizedek and Jesus. The author demonstrates that, in contrast to others who are recorded, Melchizedek is “made like the Son of God.” Notice that he calls Jesus the Son of God, indicating Christ’s eternality. Jesus has a human genealogy which is carefully recorded for us in Matthew and in Luke. However, being the Son of God, he is also “from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).

With this understanding, we can now see the author’s logic taking shape. First, it is the words, “without genealogy,” upon which the author’s careful attention explains the first two points – “without father, without mother.” Secondly, it is the eternality of the record of Melchizedek – “having neither beginning of days nor end of life” – which explains the words, “but made like the Son of God.” And finally, the two thoughts then meld into the final words of the verse which says that “he remains a priest continually.”

The word for “continually” is diénekés. It signifies to “bear all the way across in an unbroken (non-stop) fashion; to persist all the way, to the (intended) end” (HELPS Word Studies). In other words, it means “forever.” It is this information that the Hebrew audience would need to be told. Once explained, the pieces would begin to fit together. Under the Old Covenant, Aaron was the first high priest. Only a descendant of Aaron could minister as a priest before the Lord, and so a meticulous genealogical record was kept. After the first exile, the priests were gathered together in order to minister once again in Jerusalem, but this is recorded in Ezra concerning some of those people –

“These sought their listing among those who were registered by genealogy, but they were not found; therefore they were excluded from the priesthood as defiled. ⁶³ And the governor said to them that they should not eat of the most holy things till a priest could consult with the Urim and Thummim.” Ezra 2:62, 63

These men were excluded until a decision could be rendered by the Lord concerning their genealogy. But what is also true is that these men would die, and someone would step in from the sons of Aaron to continue to minister, one generation after another. However, David said in the Psalms –

“The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
‘You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.’” Psalm 110:4

Melchizedek was neither from Aaron, nor was there any birth or death record given for him. David, under inspiration of the Spirit, prophesied that One would come who would fit this pattern. There is no need for a genealogy which reaches back to Aaron for this One to minister as a priest. And there is no time after He became a priest that His duties would end. Instead, He “remains a priest continually.” It is Jesus who is referred to, and it is then another of the numerous proofs found thus far in Hebrews which establishes His deity.

David was intimating that the Messiah to come would be God (by using the term Adonai (Lord, when speaking of Yehovah)) in Psalm 110:1. He is, therefore, eternal as is confirmed in verse 4 of the psalm. The author will continue to explain these things concerning Melchizedek in the verses ahead.

Life application: As always, the deity of Jesus Christ is on full display in the book of Hebrews. If you know someone who is in a cult which denies this, are you willing to take the time to show him or her the logical and indisputable connections that the author of Hebrews is making to prove this point? Further, what if someone challenges you on this precept? Will you remember where to go to find the answer to shut them up concerning their heresy. These are matters of the greatest weight and importance. Salvation of the human soul depends on our calling on Jesus through the truth of the gospel, and there is but one gospel. Be ready at all times to defend your stand on the truth of Christ, and be willing to do so when you are given opportunity to do so as well.

O God! How absolutely glorious to know that you have chosen real figures in history to point us to the eternal truths about Jesus our Lord! The words recorded in the Bible demonstrate Your marvelous wisdom in ways we can’t fully comprehend or imagine. Thank You, O Lord, for opening our eyes to the beauty of Your glorious word. Amen.