Hebrews 7:15 Commentary and Bible Study

It is evident that Christ was from the tribe of Judah and therefore could not belong to the Levitical priesthood (verse 14), and it is even more apparent, or evident – it is a related but different word – that the Levitical priesthood was due to come to an end because of the prophecy in Psalm 110. The Levitical priesthood had long been established by the law and had been in operation in Israel for centuries, and yet here was David speaking as a prophet and saying that another priesthood should arise in the future. There cannot be two priesthoods operating at the same time, and so the Levitical priesthood must give way to this new priesthood of the order of Melchisedec, for the prophecy given later supersedes the law given earlier. Christ is the great mediator. He is in the line of priests according to the pattern of Melchisedec, and at the time of Melchisedec the tribe of Levi was not even thought about. In fact Melchisedec had a general priesthood, because the Jews as a nation did not exist, and therefore he was a priest for Jews and Gentiles; he was a universal priest. He was a priest for all who came within his city, his reign, and under his influence. So, what a wonderful picture he is of Christ, because Christ would be great high priest, not just of the Jews, but universally of converted people, Jews and Gentiles alike. Like Melchisedec, Christ is the universal high priest, and the King of righteousness. He lived a perfect holy life, and his righteousness is imputed to his people. He suffered and died so that his people could be forgiven and made righteous everlastingly. Melchisedec was the king of peace. Like him, Christ is the King of peace. Peace is reconciliation; Jesus Christ reconciles men and women to God so there is peace between man and God through him.