Part 1406

7:12. For the priesthood being translated, it is necessary that a translation also be made of the law,

7:13. For he of whom these things are spoken is of another tribe, of which no one attended on the altar.

7:14. For it is evident that our Lord sprung out of Juda: in which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.

7:15. And it is yet far more evident: if according to the similitude of Melchisedech there ariseth another priest,

7:16. Who is made, not according to the law of a carnal commandment, but according to the power of an indissoluble life.

7:17. For he testifieth: Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.

7:18. There is indeed a setting aside of the former commandment, because of the weakness and unprofitableness thereof:

7:19. For the law brought nothing to perfection: but a bringing in of a better hope, by which we draw nigh to God.

7:20. And inasmuch as it is not without an oath (for the others indeed were made priests without an oath:

7:21. But this with an oath, by him that said unto him: The Lord hath sworn and he will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever).

7:22. By so much is Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

7:23. And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue:

Many priests, etc.... The apostle notes this difference between the high priests of the law, and our high priest Jesus Christ; that they being removed by death, made way for their successors; whereas our Lord Jesus is a priest for ever, and hath no successor; but liveth and concurreth for ever with his ministers, the priests of the new testament, in all their functions. Also, that no one priest of the law, nor all of them together, could offer that absolute sacrifice of everlasting redemption, which our one high priest Jesus Christ has offered once, and for ever.

7:24. But this, for that he continueth for ever, hath an everlasting priesthood:

7:25. Whereby he is able also to save for ever them that come to God by him; always living to make intercession for us.

Make intercession.... Christ, as man, continually maketh intercession for us, by representing his passion to his Father.

7:26. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens:

7:27. Who needeth not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, in offering himself.

7:28. For the law maketh men priests, who have infirmity: but the word of the oath (which was since the law) the Son who is perfected for evermore.

Hebrews Chapter 8

More of the excellence of the priesthood of Christ and of the New Testament.

8:1. Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens,

8:2. A minister of the holies and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man.

The holies.... That is, the sanctuary.

8:3. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that he also should have some thing to offer.

8:4. If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest: seeing that there would be others to offer gifts according to the law.

If then he were on earth, etc.... That is, if he were not of a higher condition than the Levitical order of earthly priests, and had not another kind of sacrifice to offer, he should be excluded by them from the priesthood, and its functions, which by the law were appropriated to their tribe.

8:5. Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things. As it was answered to Moses, when he was to finish the tabernacle: See (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern which was shewn thee on the mount.