KING AND PRIEST

A priest is not a priest without a sacrifice, and a King is not a King without a throne. Jesus is our Priest King,

Introduction

By all evidence, the book of Hebrews was written before the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. The writer refers to the temple, the priests, and the sacrifices in the present tense, showing these services were still ongoing. Yet he contrasts them with Christ’s greater ministry in the heavens—in the “greater and more perfect tabernacle”—revealing the earthly system as only a shadow pointing to Christ.

The writer explains that if Jesus were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there were already priests serving according to the Law. Even so, that priesthood was rendered ineffective by Christ’s finished work on the cross and by His ongoing ministry as our High Priest in heaven.

When the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D., the Levitical priesthood—already superseded by Christ—became completely inoperative.

THE LAW OF A CARNAL COMMANDMENT

Under the Law of Moses, only descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi could serve as priests. Jesus, however, is from the tribe of Judah—of the royal line of David—about whom Moses said nothing regarding priesthood (Hebrews 7:12–14).

The writer of Hebrews calls this priestly appointment “the law of a carnal commandment” (Hebrews 7:16–18), declaring it annulled because it was weak and unprofitable. Since the priesthood changed, the Law itself had to change (Hebrews 7:12).

Without priests to mediate between God and the people, the Law could not function. The priests themselves were mortal, sinful, and unable to bring people near to God. Hence, the Law “made nothing perfect” (Hebrews 7:19–23).

JESUS OUR APPOINTED PRIEST

Unlike the mortal priests of the Law, Jesus lives forever as our High Priest. He was appointed by the oath of God after being raised from the dead (Hebrews 7:21–22).

God promises never to revoke His oath concerning Jesus as our High Priest.

“The Lord has sworn and will not repent: You are a priest forever…” (Psalm 110:4)

Because of this irrevocable oath, Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant—our eternal hope.

CHRIST: PRIEST AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

Jesus’ priesthood is not after Aaron’s line, but “after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:11).

This phrase describes the rank and structure of His priesthood:

• Like Melchizedek, Jesus is both King and Priest—something not permitted under the Law of Moses.
• Unlike the Aaronic priests, His priesthood is eternal and unchanging.
• Jesus’ work is finished, and He is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High (Hebrews 8:1).

THREE WAYS MELCHIZEDEK IS PRESENTED IN SCRIPTURE

Bible teacher Ruth Lasalle Specter observed that Melchizedek appears in three ways:

1. In History – Genesis 14:17–23
   • First priest mentioned in Scripture.
   • Lived 400+ years before the Law and 1,000 years before the prophecy of Psalm 110.
2. In Prophecy – Psalm 110:4
   • “The Lord has sworn and will not repent: You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
3. In Doctrine – in Hebrews
   • His name means “King of Righteousness”.
   • Presented as a foreshadowing of Christ’s priesthood.

WHO WAS MELCHIZEDEK?

• King of Salem (Peace)—an early name for Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2).
• Ruled before Israel existed; his subjects were Gentiles.
• Met Abram after his victory over local kings (Genesis 14).
  
  Note: Abram’s name was changed to Abraham when God gave him the covenant of circumcision.

Abraham’s Tithe

Abraham’s tenth was a customary spoil-tax of his day—10% of war spoils, not of personal wealth.
Under Moses’ Law, such a spoil-tax was 1% to the Levites, who gave a tenth of that to the priests (Numbers 31:27-30).

MELCHIZEDEK WAS NOT CHRIST

• Every priest is chosen from among men (Hebrews 5:1).
• Scripture calls Melchizedek “made like unto the Son of God” (Hebrews 7:3)—showing similarity, not identity.
• Christ’s incarnation happened once, in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4).

WITHOUT ANCESTRY

“Without father, without mother, without descent… made like unto the Son of God; abides a priest continually.” —Hebrews 7:3

Hebrews highlights that Genesis omits any genealogy for Melchizedek—by divine design—to illustrate a priesthood apart from ancestry.

This silence in Scripture foreshadows Christ’s priesthood, established not by lineage but by God’s oath.

THE SON OF GOD, OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST

Jesus is our sympathetic High Priest, acquainted with our sufferings:

• Tempted as a man, yet without sin.
• Suffered rejection and injustice.
• Offered prayers and intercession for us.

Through His suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation, He became both King and Priest forever—our perfect Mediator.

KEY SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS

• Hebrews 8:1 – “We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.”
• Hebrews 7:24-25 – “He holds His priesthood permanently… therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him.”
• Psalm 110:4 – “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”