Priesthood of Melchizedek
The priesthood of Melchizedek is the main theme of Hebrews 7–10, so we need not enter into the details now. You will want to read Gen. 14:17–20 for the background. The whole argument of Heb. 7–10 is that Christ is a greater high priest because His priesthood is of a greater order—it belongs to Melchizedek, not Aaron. The name “Melchizedek” means “king of righteousness”; he was also priest of Salem, which means “peace.” Aaron was never a priest-king; but Jesus is both Priest and King. He is a Priest seated on a throne! And His ministry is of peace, the “rest” that was discussed in chapters 3–4.
Christ came from Judah, the kingly tribe, and not from Levi, the priestly tribe. Melchizedek suddenly appears in Gen. 14 and then drops out of the story; there is no listing of his beginning or ending. Thus, he is compared to Christ’s eternal Sonship, for He too is “without beginning and ending.” Aaron died and had to be replaced; Christ will never die—His priesthood is forever. Aaron was priest over an earthly household, while Christ is Priest over a heavenly people.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992. Print.
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