The Greatness Of Melchizedek In Relation To Abraham Series

2/29/20

Tom Lowe

Lesson #22 [ID5a] The Greatness of Melchizedek in Relation to Abraham (Hebrews 7:1-10)

Scripture: Hebrews 7:1-10 (NIV)

Melchizedek the Priest

1This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” 3Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.

4Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

Introduction:

Word was brought to Abraham that Lot was being carried away into captivity. Abraham immediately armed about 318 men out of his own household. Each man that he could arm must have had at least one woman and a child. Therefore, Abraham must have had about a thousand people who served under him. He took these 318 men, and by a surprise attack, he was able to get a victory over the kings of the east. All he was concerned about was rescuing Lot, but in the process of doing so, he was able to rescue the king of Sodom and all the others.

In Genesis 14:17 we are told: “After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). The king of Sodom made Abraham an offer which he refused, then out of nowhere, we read: “And Melchizedek king of Salem1 brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the most high God forever. (Gen. 14:18).

The Jewish nation was accustomed to the priesthood of the tribe of Levi. This tribe was chosen by God to serve God in the tabernacle (Ex. 29; Num. 18). Aaron was the first high priest appointed by God. Despite their many failures, the priests had served God for many centuries; but now the writer has affirmed that their priesthood has ended! To defend this statement, and to prove that the order of Melchizedek is superior to that of Aaron, he presents three arguments in the first three verses.

Commentary

(7:1) This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,

The record of the event described in this lesson is in Genesis 14:17-24, so take time to read it before we get started. The writer of the Epistle wanted us to know several facts about this mysterious man, Melchizedek. Undoubtedly, there could have been much more written about this man; but the books of Moses are inspired, and therefore all we need to know about Him is recorded.

The words “This Melchizedek” acts as a bridge from verse 1 of Chapter 7 back to verse 20 of Chapter 6; thus, it cements together what the writer said previously with what he is about to say.

Fact #1: He was both king and priest.

In Old Testament times the throne and the altar were separated. Those who attempted -to move into the priest’s office were judged by God. But here is a man who held both offices of Priest and king! Aaron never had that privilege. And it is important to note that Melchizedek was not a counterfeit priest: he was the priest of the most high God (Gen. 14:18, 22). His ministry was legitimate.

(7:2) and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”

Now the very interesting thing is that when Melchizedek came out to meet Abraham, he brought bread and wine. I believe these two Old Testament worthies, these patriarchs, celebrated the Lord’s Supper together! They were looking forward to the coming of Christ two thousand years ago. They celebrated the Lord’s Supper together. Don’t ask me to explain it -I can’t explain it; I can just call your attention to it. This is something before which we stand in profound awe and wonder and worship. This is where faith treads on the high places