Hebrews 7:2 - to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”;
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What does "Hebrews 7:2" mean?
This verse refers to Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who appears in the Old Testament book of Genesis and is used in Hebrews as a prototype for Jesus. Let's break down the verse:
"to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all": This refers back to Genesis 14:20, where Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek. This act shows Abraham acknowledging Melchizedek's superior position and authority.
"(being first, by interpretation, 'king of righteousness')": This is an explanation of the meaning of the name "Melchizedek." "Melchi-" means "king" and "-zedek" means "righteousness." So, the name itself signifies "king of righteousness."
"and then also 'king of Salem', which means 'king of peace'": Similarly, "Salem" is understood to be an early name for Jerusalem, which is often associated with peace. Therefore, "king of Salem" is interpreted as "king of peace."
In essence, the verse highlights the significance of Melchizedek by:
1. Emphasizing his worthiness of honor: Abraham's tithe demonstrates Melchizedek's superior standing.
2. Interpreting his titles: His titles ("king of righteousness" and "king of peace") are presented as significant attributes.
Why is this important in the context of Hebrews?
The author of Hebrews uses Melchizedek to argue for the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical priesthood established through Moses. Here's how:
Melchizedek's Kingship and Priesthood: Melchizedek was both a king and a priest (Genesis 14:18), a combination not typically found in the Levitical system.
Eternal Priesthood: Hebrews emphasizes that Melchizedek's priesthood wasn't based on lineage or a temporal law, but on his own inherent being. He has no recorded beginning or end of life (Hebrews 7:3), making him a type of eternal priest.
Superiority Over Abraham and Levi: Abraham, the ancestor of the entire Jewish nation, paid tithes to Melchizedek, indicating that Melchizedek was greater. Since the Levitical priesthood descended from Abraham, it, too, is considered inferior to Melchizedek's priesthood.
Therefore, by highlighting the qualities of Melchizedek – his kingship of righteousness and peace, his inherent priesthood, and his superiority over Abraham – the author of Hebrews establishes a framework to present Jesus as the ultimate high priest, belonging to a superior and eternal order, fulfilling the roles of both king and priest, and bringing true righteousness and peace.
The verse sets the stage for the argument that Jesus, like Melchizedek, is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, a priesthood that is superior to the Levitical priesthood and that brings a better covenant with God.
Hebrews 7:2 - to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”;
What does "Hebrews 7:2" mean?
This verse refers to Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who appears in the Old Testament book of Genesis and is used in Hebrews as a prototype for Jesus. Let's break down the verse:
"to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all": This refers back to Genesis 14:20, where Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek. This act shows Abraham acknowledging Melchizedek's superior position and authority.
"(being first, by interpretation, 'king of righteousness')": This is an explanation of the meaning of the name "Melchizedek." "Melchi-" means "king" and "-zedek" means "righteousness." So, the name itself signifies "king of righteousness."
"and then also 'king of Salem', which means 'king of peace'": Similarly, "Salem" is understood to be an early name for Jerusalem, which is often associated with peace. Therefore, "king of Salem" is interpreted as "king of peace."
In essence, the verse highlights the significance of Melchizedek by:
1. Emphasizing his worthiness of honor: Abraham's tithe demonstrates Melchizedek's superior standing.
2. Interpreting his titles: His titles ("king of righteousness" and "king of peace") are presented as significant attributes.
Why is this important in the context of Hebrews?
The author of Hebrews uses Melchizedek to argue for the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical priesthood established through Moses. Here's how:
Melchizedek's Kingship and Priesthood: Melchizedek was both a king and a priest (Genesis 14:18), a combination not typically found in the Levitical system.
Eternal Priesthood: Hebrews emphasizes that Melchizedek's priesthood wasn't based on lineage or a temporal law, but on his own inherent being. He has no recorded beginning or end of life (Hebrews 7:3), making him a type of eternal priest.
Superiority Over Abraham and Levi: Abraham, the ancestor of the entire Jewish nation, paid tithes to Melchizedek, indicating that Melchizedek was greater. Since the Levitical priesthood descended from Abraham, it, too, is considered inferior to Melchizedek's priesthood.
Therefore, by highlighting the qualities of Melchizedek – his kingship of righteousness and peace, his inherent priesthood, and his superiority over Abraham – the author of Hebrews establishes a framework to present Jesus as the ultimate high priest, belonging to a superior and eternal order, fulfilling the roles of both king and priest, and bringing true righteousness and peace.
The verse sets the stage for the argument that Jesus, like Melchizedek, is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, a priesthood that is superior to the Levitical priesthood and that brings a better covenant with God.