Hebrews 7:11-25

The superior priesthood of Jesus 7:11-25

Having shown the superiority of Melchizedek to Abraham and Levi, the writer proceeded to point out the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood and Jesus’ priesthood. He did so to clarify for his readers the inferiority of the Mosaic Covenant and its priesthood. Not only was Melchizedek greater than Aaron, Melchizedek, though he preceded Aaron in time, also replaced Aaron.

"Within the structure of the homily, Hebrews 7:1-28 is clearly defined as a literary unit. The reference to ’the Son of God’ in Hebrews 7:3 prepares for the climactic reference to the ’Son’ in Hebrews 7:28. The entire chapter is concerned with the Son as priest, or high priest, ’like Melchizedek,’ who is superior to the Levitical priests. The fact that Hebrews 7:28 summarizes and concludes the comparison of Jesus as Son with the Levitical priesthood, a subject that occupies the writer in a preparatory way in Hebrews 7:1-10 and directly in Hebrews 7:11-28, is of special importance . . ." [Note: Lane, p. 177.]

Genesis 14:17-20 now falls into the background, and Psalms 110:4 becomes dominant. [Note: Cf. G. L. Cockerill, The Melchizedek Christology in Hebrews 7:1-28, pp. 16-20.] Note also the keywords "perfection" (Hebrews 7:11) and "perfect" (Hebrews 7:19; Hebrews 7:28). These two words not only form an inclusio but begin and end the argument of the pericope. Perfection did not come through the Old Covenant priests but through the Son the New Covenant Priest. Why would God replace the Levitical priesthood? Four reasons follow.