Hebrews 7

Melchizedek, made like unto the Son of God

Melchizedek — King of righteousness; King of Salem — King of peace

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; Hebrews 7:1–3

The text says Melchizedek was made like the Son of God. His names, King of righteousness and King of peace, and his bread-and-wine blessing of Abraham point to Christ. The Joseph Smith Translation says the priesthood, not the man, is without beginning or end.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interprets Genesis 14:18-20 — The meeting with Abraham explained as a type of Christ.
• the same title in Alma 13:17-18 — Melchizedek called the prince of peace, a title of Christ.

Another priest to rise

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? Hebrews 7:11

The Levitical priesthood could not make people perfect, so God promised another priest of a higher order, Jesus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Psalm 110:4 — Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Our Lord sprang out of Judah

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. Hebrews 7:13–14

Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe, not the priestly tribe of Levi, showing His priesthood is of a different order.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Genesis 49:10 — The sceptre shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh come.
• the same title in Revelation 5:5 — The Lion of the tribe of Juda.

After the similitude of Melchizedek

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Hebrews 7:15–16

The text itself calls Melchizedek a similitude: Jesus is a priest like him, whose authority comes from the power of an endless life rather than family descent.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Alma 13:16 — Ordinances given in a manner that the people might look forward on the Son of God, being a type of His order.

Priest forever

For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 7:17

The Father testifies in Psalm 110 that His Son is a priest forever.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Psalm 110:4 — The divine oath quoted.

Made priest with an oath

And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: Hebrews 7:20–21

Levite priests were made without an oath, but the Father swore an unchangeable oath when He made His Son a priest forever.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Psalm 110:4 — The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent.

Surety of a better testament

Surety — a guarantor who pledges himself that the covenant will be kept

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

Jesus personally guarantees the new and better covenant; He stakes Himself on its promises.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Hebrews 8:6 — Mediator of a better covenant.

Ever liveth to make intercession

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Hebrews 7:24–25

Priests die, but Jesus lives forever, so He can save completely everyone who comes to God through Him, always pleading for them.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in 2 Nephi 2:9 — He shall make intercession for all the children of men.
• the same event in D&C 45:3-5 — The advocate with the Father pleading your cause.

Holy, harmless, undefiled High Priest

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Hebrews 7:26

Jesus is exactly the High Priest we need: completely holy and pure, and exalted above the heavens.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in 1 Peter 2:22 — Who did no sin.

Offered up Himself once

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Hebrews 7:27

Israel's high priests had to sacrifice for their own sins and then the people's, over and over. Jesus, sinless, offered Himself once, and that was enough.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• typified by Leviticus 16:6 — Aaron offers first for himself, then for the people.
• the same event in Alma 34:10 — A great and last sacrifice, infinite and eternal.

The Son consecrated for evermore

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Hebrews 7:28

The law made weak men priests, but God's oath made His perfect Son a High Priest forever.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Hebrews 5:5-6 — The Son made High Priest by the Father.