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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 7:4

Verse 4 4.Now consider, etc. This is the fourth comparison between Christ and Melchisedec, that Abraham presented tithes to him. But though tithes were instituted for several reasons, yet the Apostle here refers only to what serves his present purpose. One reason why tithes were paid to the Levites was, because they were the children of Abraham, to whose seed the land was promised. It was, then, by a hereditary right that a portion of the land was allotted to them; for as they were not allowed... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 7:5

Verse 5 5.And verily they, etc. It would be more suitable to render the words thus, “because they are the sons of Levi.” The Apostle indeed does not assign it as a reason that they received tithes because they were the sons of Levi; but he is comparing the whole tribe with Melchisedec in this way. Though God granted to the Levites the right of requiring tithes from the people, and thus set them above all the Israelites, yet they have all descended from the same parent; and Abraham, the father... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 7:6

Verse 6 6.Blessed him, etc. This is the fifth comparison between Christ and Melchisedec. The Apostle assumes it as an admitted principle that the less is blessed by the greater; and then he adds that Melchisedec blessed Abraham: hence the conclusion is that the less was Abraham. But for the sake of strengthening his argument he again raises the dignity of Abraham; for the more glorious Abraham is made, the higher the dignity of Melchisedec appears. For this purpose he says that Abraham had the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 7:7

Verse 7 7.The less is, (114) etc. Let us first know what the word blessed means here. It means indeed a solemn praying by which he who is invested with some high and public honor, recommends to God men in private stations and under his ministry. Another way of blessing is when we pray for one another; which is commonly done by all the godly. But this blessing mentioned by the Apostle was a symbol of greater authority. Thus Isaac blessed his son Jacob, and Jacob himself blessed his grandsons,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:1-10

Melchizedek. The author here returns from his long digression, and enters upon the central theme of the treatise. I. WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT MELCHIZEDEK . ( Hebrews 7:1-3 ) 1. As a man. Such omissions respecting a personage so exalted are contrary to Oriental custom. The points which the Holy Spirit has studiously concealed about Melchizedek are—his personal parentage, his priestly pedigree, and the dates of his birth and death. 2. As a type. ( Hebrews 7:3 ) The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:1-10

Christ a Priest after the order of Melchizedek. The writer now returns from the digression. So far he has established from their Scriptures the priesthood of Christ. But that is not enough; that is no reason why he should be preferred to Aaron. He proceeds, then, to show that, however great Aaron was, Christ was greater. But on what grounds can he establish this to the satisfaction of a Hebrew? He rests his proof entirely on those Scriptures which the Hebrew accepted as authoritative, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:1-17

The priesthood forever after the order of Melchizedek. It is evident that the whole of this elaborate argument with respect to Melchizedek must be looked at in the light of the reference to Psalms 110:1-7 . In quoting this psalm, the writer was on firm ground so far as his readers were concerned. They would not repudiate the significance of this utterance, that it must have some weighty, practical meaning; and it was his to show them what that meaning was, and so to cheer their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:4

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, even gave a tenth of the spoils . The typical significance of Melchizedek is now further seen in what passed between him and Abraham, in respect to tithe and blessing. Alford's inference, that πηλίκος οὕτος , referring as it does, not to the antitype, but to the man himself, implies some mysterious greatness beyond what appears in the original record, does not follow. Of one who simply blessed and received tithes... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:4-10

Christ superior to Melchizedek. I. THE GREATNESS OF OUR LORD IS FORESHADOWED BY MELCHIZEDEK 'S RECEIVING TITHES FROM ABRAHAM . As the representative of Jehovah, Abraham paid tithes to this distinguished priest. There is here an instance of that corporate principle which appears in the writings of Paul, who affirms that by the sin of Adam there came upon the race spiritual loss and exposure to death; and by the appearance and glorious work of our Lord many are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:5-7

And they indeed of the song of Levi who receive the office of priesthood have commandment to receive tithes of the people according to the Law, that is, of their brethren, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham: but he whose genealogy is not counted from them hath received tithes of Abraham. As much as to say, "Let it not be said that the tithing of Abraham by Melchizedek implies no higher priestly prerogative than the tithing of Abraham's descendants by the sons of Aaron; for... read more

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