Bible Commentaries

The writer now takes up again the subject of the Priesthood of Jesus after the order of Melchisedek. Melchisedek is called "Priest of the Most High." His name means king of righteousness. He is called "King of Peace." The one instance of the exercise of his priesthood in the Old Testament reveals him administering sustenance. imparting blessing, and instituting communion. The similarity between him and his priesthood and Christ and His priesthood is so remarkable that it does appear as though the appearance of Melchisedek to Abraham was one of the Christophanies of the Old Testament.

The writer then turned to the subject of the superiority of Christ to the priesthood of Levi. That priesthood had failed to perfect anything. The right of the Priesthood of the Son was vested with His own Personality. He had an endless life, and this implies the absolute perfection of His nature, and, consequently, the continuity of His Person. The superiority of the Priesthood of the Son consists in that through Him a better hope was given to men through which they might draw nigh unto God, and so ultimately realize perfection.

The contrast is made vivid in two particulars. First as to the oath of appointment; and, second, as to the perpetuity of the office. Beyond the Son there is no necessity for any priest, for that God has appointed Him by oath forever. He is therefore "able to save to the uttermost," because "He ever liveth to make intercession."