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(1). Chapter 1:--His superiority to ANGELS. He the Son. They the ministers.
(2). Chapter 3:--His superiority to MOSES. He the Son. Moses the servants.
(3). Chapter 4:--His superiority to JOSHUA. Jesus, the Son of God (verse 14).
Joshua, the son of Nun (verse 8).
(4). Chapter 5:-7:--His superiority to AARON.
The Levitical priesthood is filled by men who die.
The oath consecrates the Son as priest in the power of endless life.
The way is now clear for the apostle's teaching concerning "perfection", which has
never been lost sight of, although to our lesser minds the amount of detail, and involved
argument, may seem to indicate a departure from the original purpose. "If therefore
perfection . . . . ." is the apostle's argument from all that has been under review in this
article, and this we must now consider.
The changed order (7: 11-18).
Having considered together verses 1-10 of chapter 7:, and having seen the greatness
of the Melchisedec priesthood, we are prepared for the transference of that greatness to
Christ, and for its connection with the great theme of perfection. Before attempting any
further detail it will be a safeguard for us to have the broad outline of that great section
which is devoted to the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ.
Heb. 7: 1 - 10: 18.
A | 7: 1-10. This man (4). A priest--Eis to dienekes.
B | 7: 11 - 10: 4. PERFECTION.
c1 | 7: 11. No perfection by Levitical priesthood and carnal commandment.
d1 | 7: 12-18. But by Melchisedec priesthood.
c2 | 7: 19. No perfection by Law.
d2 | 7: 20-9: 8. But by oath to the Son.
c3 | 9: 9, 10. No perfection by carnal ordinances.
d3 | 9: 11-28. But by perfect tabernacle and better sacrifice.
c4 | 10: 1-4. No perfection by sacrifices of the law.
A | 10: 5-18. "But this man" (12). As priest sat down--Eis to dienekes.
To some minds "structures" make no appeal. The subject before us is so solemn and
so vital that we feel that much blessed truth will lose its force if not seen as a whole.
Therefore we tarry to draw attention to the lesson of the above structure. It will be
noticed that the opening and closing members are to do with the Melchisedec priesthood
of Christ in several important particulars.
(1). "THIS MAN".--Chapter 7: 4 by using this expression draws attention to the
greatness of Melchisedec above both Abraham and Levi.
(2). "BUT THIS MAN".--of chapter 10: 12 takes up the theme with reference to the
superiority of the sacrifice and priesthood of Christ.
(3). Both passages focus upon one peculiar expression, viz., eis to dienekes. This phrase
occurs in Heb. 7: 3; 10: 1, 12 & 14, and nowhere else in the N.T. It is