Hebrews 7:12
Verse
Context
A Superior Priesthood
11Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?12For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well.
Sermons
Chip Brogden
St. John Chrysostom
David Servant
W.H. Hopson
Billy GrahamSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The priesthood being changed - That is, The order of Aaron being now abrogated, to make way for that which had preceded it, the order of Melchisedec. There is made of necessity a change also of the law - The very essence of the Levitical law consisting in its sacrificial offerings; and as these could not confer perfection, could not reconcile God to man, purify the unholy heart, nor open the kingdom of heaven to the souls of men, consequently it must be abolished, according to the order of God himself; for he said, Sacrifice and offering, and burnt-offering, and sacrifice for sin, he would not; see Psa 40:6, Psa 40:7, compared with Heb 10:5-10, and with Psa 110:4, where it is evident God designed to change both the law and the priesthood, and to introduce Jesus as the only Priest and Sacrifice, and to substitute the Gospel system for that of the Levitical institutions. The priesthood, therefore, being changed, Jesus coming in the place of Aaron, the law of ordinances and ceremonies, which served only to point out the Messiah, must of necessity be changed also.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--the reason why Paul presses the words "after the order of Melchisedec" in Psa 110:4, namely, because these presuppose a change or transference of the priesthood, and this carries with it a change also of the law (which is inseparably bound up with the priesthood, both stand and fall together, Heb 7:11). This is his answer to those who might object, What need was there of a new covenant?
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he of whom these things are spoken,.... In Psa 110:4 and in the type of him Melchizedek, in the preceding verses; for not Melchizedek is here meant, but the Lord Jesus Christ, as appears by what follows; the antitype of Melchizedek, the Lord our righteousness, the Prince of peace, the priest of God, that lives for ever, without father, without mother, &c. pertaineth to another tribe; the tribe of Judah, and not the tribe of Levi: of which no man gave attendance at the altar; either of burnt offering or of incense; that is, no man waited there, or took upon him and exercised the priest's office that was of the tribe of Judah: no man might lawfully do it; Uzziah, indeed, thrust himself into the priest's office, who was of that tribe, and went into the temple and burnt incense upon the altar of incense; but then he had no right to do it, and was punished for it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:12 According to the law given to Moses, the appointed priests were descendants of Aaron (Exod 28:41-43; 29:9). The priesthood is changed because Jesus is now the High Priest. Thus, God himself had changed the law concerning priests.
Hebrews 7:12
A Superior Priesthood
11Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?12For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hebrews Chapter 7
By Chip Brogden97429:56ExpositionalMAT 6:33HEB 7:1HEB 7:12HEB 7:22HEB 7:25In this video, Chip Brogdon continues his series of messages from the book of Hebrews. He focuses on Hebrews chapter 7, discussing Jesus as our High Priest, final sacrifice, and mediator of a new covenant. Brogdon takes a break from the weekly webcast to reflect on previous discussions and then dives into the study of Melchizedek, the King of Salem and Priest of the Most High God. He emphasizes that Jesus' priesthood surpasses that of the Old Testament priests and establishes a new covenant that renders the old one obsolete.
2 Corinthians 3:7-8
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 51:10ACT 13:22CO 3:18HEB 7:12John Chrysostom preaches about the comparison between the ministration of death under the Law and the ministration of the Spirit under the New Covenant, emphasizing the superiority of the latter in bringing life and righteousness. He explains how the Law revealed sin and brought punishment but did not cause sin, while the Spirit gives life and transforms believers into the image of the Lord. Chrysostom addresses the hardening of the minds of the Jews, who failed to see the glory of the Old Covenant and its fulfillment in Christ, leading to a veil over their hearts. He encourages turning to the Lord to have the veil removed and experience the surpassing glory of the Spirit, which brings liberty and transformation.
Day 226, Hebrews 8
By David Servant0JER 22:15HEB 7:12HEB 8:11HEB 8:131JN 2:3David Servant preaches on the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, emphasizing the appointment of a perpetual high priest after the order of Melchizedek, signifying the abolishment of the Levitical priesthood and the obsoleteness of the Mosaic Law related to it. The earthly tabernacle and priestly ministry were mere foreshadowings of Christ's superior priestly ministry in the heavenly tabernacle, culminating in the inauguration of the superior new covenant promised in the Old Testament. Those who cling to the old covenant miss the mark, as the new covenant has made the old one obsolete, requiring obedience to the law of Christ instead of the Law of Moses.
Baptism Essential to Salvation
By W.H. Hopson0MAT 28:19MRK 16:15ACT 2:38ROM 6:3GAL 3:27COL 2:122TI 3:16HEB 7:12JAS 2:172PE 3:15W.H. Hopson preaches about the essentiality of faith, repentance, and baptism for salvation, emphasizing the need for full compliance with the conditions of pardon outlined in the New Testament. He highlights the importance of understanding the law of pardon as the only amnesty proclamation for sinners, stressing that salvation is dependent on faith, repentance, and baptism as equally essential requirements. Hopson addresses objections to baptism as a non-essential element, refuting the notion that prayer alone can replace baptism in the process of remission of sins. He urges believers to adhere to the clear commandments of Jesus without altering or diminishing the Word of God, emphasizing the significance of baptism as a positive institution ordained for the forgiveness of sins.
Justification by Faith
By Billy Graham0MAT 18:7ROM 13:51CO 9:162CO 6:4HEB 7:12JUD 1:3Greek Word Studies for Distress (318) explores the concept of anagke, referring to various forms of necessity, compulsion, and distress brought on by external conditions or moral duty. The preacher delves into the dominant themes of trouble, hardship, and obligation found in different Bible verses, emphasizing the inner compulsion and outward pressures that influence our choices. Anagke is depicted as an inevitable force that can lead to suffering, afflictions, and the need for endurance, highlighting the divine constraints and moral responsibilities faced by believers.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The priesthood being changed - That is, The order of Aaron being now abrogated, to make way for that which had preceded it, the order of Melchisedec. There is made of necessity a change also of the law - The very essence of the Levitical law consisting in its sacrificial offerings; and as these could not confer perfection, could not reconcile God to man, purify the unholy heart, nor open the kingdom of heaven to the souls of men, consequently it must be abolished, according to the order of God himself; for he said, Sacrifice and offering, and burnt-offering, and sacrifice for sin, he would not; see Psa 40:6, Psa 40:7, compared with Heb 10:5-10, and with Psa 110:4, where it is evident God designed to change both the law and the priesthood, and to introduce Jesus as the only Priest and Sacrifice, and to substitute the Gospel system for that of the Levitical institutions. The priesthood, therefore, being changed, Jesus coming in the place of Aaron, the law of ordinances and ceremonies, which served only to point out the Messiah, must of necessity be changed also.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--the reason why Paul presses the words "after the order of Melchisedec" in Psa 110:4, namely, because these presuppose a change or transference of the priesthood, and this carries with it a change also of the law (which is inseparably bound up with the priesthood, both stand and fall together, Heb 7:11). This is his answer to those who might object, What need was there of a new covenant?
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he of whom these things are spoken,.... In Psa 110:4 and in the type of him Melchizedek, in the preceding verses; for not Melchizedek is here meant, but the Lord Jesus Christ, as appears by what follows; the antitype of Melchizedek, the Lord our righteousness, the Prince of peace, the priest of God, that lives for ever, without father, without mother, &c. pertaineth to another tribe; the tribe of Judah, and not the tribe of Levi: of which no man gave attendance at the altar; either of burnt offering or of incense; that is, no man waited there, or took upon him and exercised the priest's office that was of the tribe of Judah: no man might lawfully do it; Uzziah, indeed, thrust himself into the priest's office, who was of that tribe, and went into the temple and burnt incense upon the altar of incense; but then he had no right to do it, and was punished for it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:12 According to the law given to Moses, the appointed priests were descendants of Aaron (Exod 28:41-43; 29:9). The priesthood is changed because Jesus is now the High Priest. Thus, God himself had changed the law concerning priests.