 |  |
(3)
Chapter 4: His superiority to JOSHUA. Jesus, the Son of God (verse 14). Joshua, the
son of Nun (verse 8).
(4)
Chapters 5: to 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 writer's argument from all that has been under review, and this
we must now ponder.
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.
Hebrews 7: 1 to 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 the 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 Scriptural structures make no appeal. The subject before us is so
solemn and so vital that we feel 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 the 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 and 14 and nowhere else in the New Testament. It
is translated twice "continually" and twice "for ever". "For a continuance" is a
good rendering. In the case of the type, Melchisedec, the silence of Scripture as to
his "beginning" of days or "end" of life sets him forth typically as a priest after the
power of an endless life. In the case of Christ, the antitype, the contrast is between