The Verse
King James Version (KJV): But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
New International Version (NIV): This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
English Standard Version (ESV): But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
Introduction
Hebrews 7:6 is one of those verses that seem to speak in riddles until we take the time to peel back the layers. It speaks of a man, Melchizedek, who was not of the Levitical line, yet he was a priest who was able to receive tithes from Abraham. It’s a verse that challenges our understanding of what we think we know about the biblical priesthood and invites us to go deeper into the mystery of God’s divine order.
This verse places Melchizedek’s priesthood above the Levitical priesthood by pointing out that Abraham, the ancestor of Levi, paid tithes to Melchizedek, thus acknowledging his higher position. This mysterious figure of Melchizedek becomes a prophetic representation of Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest.
Historical Context
This verse, part of the Epistle to the Hebrews, was written by an unknown author, often speculated to be Paul, Barnabas, or Apollos. It’s written to Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and the Levitical priesthood. The author uses the figure of Melchizedek to draw parallels between his priesthood and that of Jesus Christ.
Key Word Analysis
1. Descent: In the original Greek, the word is ‘genealogeo’ and it speaks to lineage and ancestry. It highlights the significance of Melchizedek’s lack of recorded lineage.
2. Tithes: Comes from the Hebrew word ‘ma’aser’ which means the tenth part, highlighting the practice of giving a portion back to God.
3. Promise: In Greek, the word is ‘epaggelia’ and it refers to the divine assurances given to Abraham, which were foundational to the Jewish faith.
Spiritual Insight
This verse reveals that God’s divine plan transcends human understanding and traditions. It shows that God can, and does, use those who are outside of human structures and systems to carry out His will. This foreshadows Jesus, who came not from the priestly line of Levi, but from Judah, yet He became our eternal High Priest.
Life Application
As modern readers, we should remember that God does not conform to our expectations or traditions. He is not limited by human structures or systems. Rather, we are called to live in faith like Abraham, recognizing and honoring God’s divine order, even when it doesn’t fit our understanding.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
“Beloved, I know that your faith is challenged when things don’t go according to your expectations. But remember Abraham, who honoured My authority flowing through Melchizedek, even though it defied the norms. I am not bound by traditions or customs, but I am committed to fulfilling My promises. Trust Me, just as Abraham did.”
Prayer Prompt
Dear Lord, help us to have faith like Abraham, to recognize your divine order, even when it doesn’t fit our understanding. May we be open to your surprising and unconventional ways, trusting that you are working for our good. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Who was Melchizedek?
Ans: Melchizedek was a king and a priest mentioned during the Abraham narrative in Genesis 14. His name means “king of righteousness” and he is also referred to as the “king of peace.”
Ques: Why is Melchizedek important in the book of Hebrews?
Ans: Melchizedek is used in Hebrews as a typology of Christ, presenting Jesus as our eternal High Priest who is superior to the Levitical priesthood.
Ques: What are the promises mentioned in the verse?
Ans: The promises refer to the divine assurances God gave to Abraham, including making him a great nation, blessing those who bless him, and through him, all families of the earth would be blessed.
Ques: What does it mean that Melchizedek did not trace his descent from Levi?
Ans: It means that Melchizedek was a priest before the Levitical priesthood was established, and his priesthood was not based on ancestry.
Related Verses
Genesis 14:18-20: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” This is the original account of Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek.
Psalm 110:4: “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” This verse prophecies the Messiah as a priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:20: “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” This verse establishes Jesus as our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
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