Our Righteous King { Hebrews 7 }
Hebrews chapter 7 tells of the priesthood of Melchizedek, “king of Salem, priest of the Most High God” (v. 1) The Hebrew word melek means king, and tsedek means righteousness, so the name Melchizedek is recognized as meaning “king of righteousness.”
We first meet this king of Salem,(Jerusalem), “king of peace”. (v. 2) in Genesis 14:18-20. Abraham has just defeated Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his three allies. After the battle Melchizedek meets Abraham and his men, bringing them bread and wine. He blesses Abraham and praises God for the victory. In response, Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of all his spoils.
Under the Law, as told in Lev. 27:30-32, the Israelites were to give a tenth of their tithes and offering to the Levites. But Abraham was under no such law, for Levi was yet to be born. (v.10) Instead, Abraham gave to Melchizedek out of thankfulness, recognizing the greatness of Melchizedek and of his priesthood. A priesthood even greater than that of Aaron’s. And like Abraham, we too should give priestly honors to our righteous King, Jesus Christ. Not because of a law, (which He freed us from), but out of thankfulness and the recognition of His great priesthood.
For Jesus is our perfect high Priest, “holy, innocent, undefiled, spectated from sinners and exalted above the heavens.” (v. 26) The Leviticus priests of Israel being human were sinners and had to make sin offerings not only for the people, but also for themselves. But Jesus, who never sinned, became our perfect sin offering. (v. 27) His death on the Cross provided forgiveness for every sin we have or will ever commit once and for all. (Heb. 10:10). And He is the “guarantee of a better covenant.” (v. 22) Levitical priests die, but Jesus who lives forever, “holds His Priesthood permanently.” (v. 24) He is our holy Minister, “made perfect forever” (v. 28) always at the side of the Father interceding on our behalf, and representing us perfectly before the throne of God.