Hebrews 7:4-10 –Melchizedek shows Christ as a greater priest

Having given some details about the uniqueness of Melchizedek, the author now turned to discuss his significance. Melchizedek was not only more superior to Abraham but he was also greater than Levi. He elaborated further on three facts that he had given in the previous three verses. Firstly, Melchizedek received a tithe from Abraham; secondly, he blessed Abraham; and thirdly, he surpassed Abraham in life span. His intention, as shown in verse 4, was to demonstrate that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham.

The two words “Now observe” in verse 4, indicate that what he was about to discuss was something significant and he wanted them to pay close attention, so that they would not miss the weight of it. The patriarch Abraham was a revered figure to the Jews, yet he paid tithes to Melchizedek. This implied that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham.

In verses 5-6, the author’s purpose was to contrast Levi with Melchizedek. The Old Testament priests, the sons of Levi, were descendents of Abraham. They were instructed by the Law to collect tithes from the people. Hence, they collected tithes because God commanded it in the Law. But in the case of Abraham, his tithes to Melchizedek was a voluntary act. This act of Abraham demonstrated that the Melchizedek priesthood was more superior to the Levitical priesthood.

In part of verse 6 as well as verse 7, the author further demonstrated why Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. He said that it was customary that only a greater person would bless someone lesser. Since Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek, it showed that the latter was more superior to the former. Furthermore, Melchizedek was significant because from the genealogical record, he was immortal. The sons of Levi who received tithes from their brethren all experienced death. In contrast, Melchizedek, to whom Abraham paid tithes, lived on (verse 8).

In verses 9-10, the author was arguing deductively. He asserted that even Levi actually paid tithes to Melchizedek. How so, since Levi was not even born at that time? The author implied that he was actually in Abraham’s loins and when the patriarch paid tithes to Melchizedek, Levi also indirectly participated in paying that tithes. In other words, Levi who was supposed to receive tithes also paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham; hence, it proves that Melchizedek was more superior to him.  

We are told in Genesis 14:8 that when Melchizedek greeted Abraham, he also gave him bread and wine. This symbolically shows us that Christ, our eternal Melchizedek, also offers His life as bread to us and His blood as wine for our redemption. His life, His flesh and blood were given so that we could be made righteous and experience God’s peace. Now as we feed on him, our spiritual food and drink, we are sustained, and so live to be His emissaries in the world. We are to continue in His mission to bring peace, healing and wholeness to the world.