Study Desk

For this Melchisedek king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him,

For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedek met him.

If then perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law) what farther need was there that another priest should rise, after the order of Melchisedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

For the priesthood being changed, there is also necessarily a change of the law.

For he of whom these things are spoken, pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man attended on the altar.

For it is evident, that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning the priesthood.

For it is testified, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedek.

For verily there is a disannulling of the preceding commandment, for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw nigh to God.

And in as much as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath,

but this with an oath, by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedek:)

But this, because he continueth for ever, hath a priesthood that passeth not away.

Wherefore he is able also, to save them to the uttermost who come to God thro' him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

For such an high priest became us, holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens:

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, then for those of the people: for this he did once for all, when he offered up himself.

For the law maketh men high priests that have infirmity; but the word of the oath which was since the law, maketh the son, who is consecrated for evermore.

For every high priest is ordained to offer up gifts and sacrifices; whence it was necessary, that this also should have somewhat to offer.

For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, there being priests that offer gifts, according to the law,

Who serve after the pattern and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God, when he was about to make the tabernacle; for, saith he, See thou make all things according to the pattern which was shewed thee on the mount.

For if the first had been faultless, no place would have been sought for a second.