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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Hebrews 7:11-28

Observe the necessity there was of raising up another priest, after the order of Melchisedec and not after the order of Aaron, by whom that perfection should come which could not come by the Levitical priesthood, which therefore must be changed, and the whole economy with it, Heb. 7:11, 12 Here, I. It is asserted that perfection could not come by the Levitical priesthood and the law. They could not put those who came to them into the perfect enjoyment of the good things they pointed out to... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Hebrews 7:1-28

We come now to a passage of such paramount importance for the writer to the Hebrews and in itself so difficult to understand that we must deal with it in a special way. Hebrews 6:1-20 , ( Hebrews 6:20 ), ended with the statement that Jesus had been made a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. This priesthood after the order of Melchizedek is the most characteristic thought of Hebrews. Behind it lie ways of thinking and of arguing and of using scripture which are quite strange to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 7:20

And inasmuch as not without an oath ,.... Our version supplies as follows, he was made priest ; which well agrees with what is said in the next verse; the Syriac version renders it, "and which he confirmed to us by an oath"; that is, the better hope, Christ and his priesthood, said to be brought in, and by which men draw nigh to God; this is established by the oath of God himself referring to Psalm 110:4 afterwards cited in proof of it. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 7:20

Not without an oath - " The apostle's reasoning here is founded on this, that God never interposed his oath, except to show the certainty and immutability of the thing sworn. Thus he sware to Abraham, Genesis 22:16-18 , that in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed; and to the rebellious Israelites, Deuteronomy 1:34 , Deuteronomy 1:35 , that they should not enter into his rest; and to Moses, Deuteronomy 4:21 , that he should not go into Canaan; and to David, Psalm... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 7:20

Verse 20 20.And inasmuch as not without an oath, etc. Here is another argument, why the Law ought to give place to the Gospel; for God has set Christ’s priesthood above that of Aaron, since in honor to the former he was pleased to make an oath. For when he appointed the ancient priests, he introduced no oath; but it is said of Christ, the Lord swore; which was doubtless done for the sake of honoring him. We see the end for which he again quotes the Psalmist, even that we may know, that more... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:11-25

Further proofs of the superiority of Christ's priesthood involved in the symbol of Melchizedek. Note: The word "Law" in Hebrews 7:11 , Hebrews 7:12 , Hebrews 7:19 must not be understood to refer to the Jewish system, but simply to the code of regulations by which the priesthood was appointed. The apostle is thinking throughout the chapter, not of the Jewish dispensation, but of the priesthood. The expression, "weak and unprofitable," does not imply that there was failure in God's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:11-28

Christ greater than Aaron. This passage is really just a commentary on the Old Testament oracle contained in Psalms 110:4 . There might appropriately be prefixed to it as a motto the words, "Behold, a greater than Aaron is here." I. THE IMPERFECTION OF THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD . (Verses 11-19) Aaron's mediation could not satisfy justice, or pacify conscience, or sanctify the heart. All that it could do was to exhibit a faint adumbration of the ideal priesthood. The words... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:19-22

The Divine Priest. I. THE PRE - EMINENCE OF OUR LORD 'S PRIESTHOOD ATTESTED BY THE SOLEMNITY OF HIS APPOINTMENT . The priests of the Mosaic Law were placed in their office by an act of the Divine will, and the order of their consecration was prescribed by the lawgiver, who probably superintended the process which fitted them to enter upon their duties. There was no oath proclaimed on the occasion. When Christ was appointed there was an oath, which was conveyed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:20

Separated from sinners. This verse exhibits in a strong clear light the moral purity of our High Priest, and its becomingness in relation to the necessities of his people. I. THE HOLINESS OF CHRIST . He was born without; entail of birth-sin. His boyhood and youth were stainless. His manhood was one of sinless perfection. His friends regarded him as faultless. His enemies testified to his purity (Pilate, Judas, the devils whom he east out). Jesus himself claimed to be holy ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:20-22

And inasmuch as not without an oath [properly, swearing of an oath, ὁρκωμοσίας ] he was made priest : (for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith unto him, Thou art a Priest for ever); by so much of a better covenant hath Jesus become surety . The significance of the Divine oath, in connection with the promise to Abraham, has been dwelt on above: the oath of Psalms 110:1-7 . is here similarly referred to, as imitating a... read more

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