Hebrews 7:11-22

11: Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?
12: For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 
13: For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.
14: For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.
15: And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek,
16: who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.

17: For it is attested of Him, “YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.” 
18: For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness
19: (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
20: And inasmuch as it was not without an oath
21: (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND, ‘YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER’”);
22: so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

*** 

Paul pointed out that if the people could have become perfect through the Levitical priesthood, then why would there need to be another priesthood? More specifically, why would there need to be another priest after the order of Melchizedek if the priesthood of Aaron and the Levites worked perfectly? Why would David prophesy of this future Priest of another order, if the one in place at the time was working?

Priesthood and law are connected. The Levitical priests sacrificed for the people who sinned—who broke the Law of God given through Moses. The priests judged everything according to that law. So, when a priesthood changes so does the law associated with it. Christ being a priest after the order of Melchizedek means the law—the rules—connected to His priesthood were different. A most obvious change of the new priesthood is that Jesus was not a Levite; He was of the tribe of Judah. He did not become the eternal priest on the basis of physical requirement (the tribe of Levi), but according to the example of Melchizedek which was the power of an indestructible life. Again, Paul quoted Psalm 110:4 where the Lord clearly says He is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

The old law was set aside because it was weak and useless for reconciling people to God. A better hope was brought in through which we can draw near to God. This change in law, this new hope, this salvation through the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ came about through an oath, with Jesus being the guarantee of a better covenant. The old covenant was established on law, the new covenant was established by an oath—the Word of God—not the ability of the people. This is a far better way to free people from the bondage of sin and reconciling them to the Father.


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