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This is a stronger Greek word than DIEVEKES. It means that Jesus’ priesthood cannot be transferred. Julius Caesar’s reign was interrupted and briefly transferred to Pompey. Jesus is not the same as Melchizedek.
Melchizedek is not Jesus for another reason. The Greek simply says that Melchizedek lives (v. 8). The NIV translates it correctly as “living.” But the Greek says Jesus “always lives” and He “abides or lives forever.” (Is anyone looking for proof that Jesus is God or lives forever? Here it is. He lives forever). Every time Melchizedek and Jesus are compared, stronger Greek words are used for Jesus. Melchizedek’s priesthood can be temporarily transferred, but Jesus’ priesthood cannot be transferred. Melchizedek lives, but Jesus always lives - He lives forever! Also, in Heb. 7:4 Melchizedek is called a man. Finally, if Melchizedek is Jesus Christ, he would be Jesus’ first advent or first coming to this planet. It is clear that Melchizedek was recognized as a king of an actual city. He did not just show up and then disappear. He was a real king of a real city. This would be a clear violation of the teaching of scripture that Christ has two advents - or comes to earth two times - to die, return to life and to set up His kingdom. It does not appear that Melchizedek was an Old Testament appearance of Jesus.
Melchizedek Is Great. The Holy Spirit is now ready to finish the foundation.
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Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils And 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. But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham, and blessed the one who had the promises. But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. And in this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. (NASB) Heb. 7:4-10 |
Melchizedek was instantly accepted by Abraham as being greater than himself, and he allowed Melchizedek to give him a blessing. Abraham in return gave Melchizedek a tithe or ten percent of the spoils of the battle. In that act of giving, Abraham’s distant offspring, the sons of Levi, also gave tithes to Melchizedek though they were not yet born but were in the loins of Abraham.
The Levities, who received tithes from the people, paid tithes through Abraham to one who was greater than Abraham. They paid tithes to one who was greater than themselves.
Conclusion. Melchizedek is greater than any levitical priest and he is recognized by God as being a priest. There is no scriptural record of his birth, his parents, his genealogy, or his death, so his priesthood has never ended. When the Word of God recognizes Jesus as a high priest in the succession of Melchizedek, Jesus' priesthood is legal, unbroken and nontransferable, since He always lives. What a wonderful comfort for sinners like us. He is our Savior and One who will always be present to cover our sins with His blood and to ensure that we reach heaven. The foundation is laid ,and the Spirit is now ready to give us the first of several major and wonderful spiritual conclusions. That is our next study. |
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