Unique


Hebrews 7:4-10
4See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! 5And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. 6But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. 9One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

One might wonder “who cares” about this Melchizedek guy. But he gains special mention in Genesis, by David in Psalm 110 and now here again in Hebrews. That is because he is unique among those called “priest” in the story of God’s people. He is called a priest of The Most High God, but he is not a descendant of Levi (or Aaron) and as such, stands alone. For reasons that are not explained with any detail, Abraham recognizes Melchizedek as just such a priest and honors him accordingly.

The writer of Hebrews makes a line through the priesthood, beginning with Levi (third son of Jacob). But that line does not pass through Melchizedek. He is a high priest because God has declared him as such. Abraham even extends to Melchizedek the role of priest as he shares a tithe with him from the spoils of the recent battle. Clearly, Abraham’s response to him is unique as well. All of this relates to Jesus because He too is seen as The Great High Priest of God Most High, but He is also not a descendant of Levi. He is from the Tribe of Judah. The case for His uniqueness mounts.

In all ways, Christ is unique. We bow down to our great High Priest as Lord and Savior. No one ever bowed down to the priest in the Old Testament. And, as Hebrews will go on to explain, not only is Christ the High Priest He is at the same time the sacrifice. It’s a big concept and one that only God can accomplish.

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