Pertains to Another Tribe Hebrews 7:13

The writer of Hebrews questioned rhetorically, “if therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood,... what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec”. He knew there would also have to be a “change of the law” for this to take place. In chapter seven and verse thirteen of Hebrews the writer shares more about how “Melchisedec”, “pertains to another tribe” where we read:

For he of whom these things are spoken pertains to another tribe,

of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

The verse begins, “For he of whom these things are spoken pertains to another tribe,...”. The writer began with the words, “For he” which means “even as, because, indeed, verily and therefore “Melchisedec” “of whom these things” which means “to, toward and according to him” “are spoken” which means “are uttered, declared and proclaimed” “pertains” or “belongs, takes in and takes part” “to another tribe” which means “to other ones not of the same nature, form, class or kind and are different”. “Melchisedec” belonged to a totally different tribe than Levi.

The verse continues, “...of which no man gave attendance at the altar.”. The writer added the words, “of which” or “through whom” “no man” which means “not another male person” “gave attendance” or “brought to or near, turned the mind to or attended” “at the altar” which refers to “the place where slaying and burning sacrifices were offered”. The tribe from which “Melchisedec” descended was not known for offering sacrifices upon “altars”.

When we meditate upon these words in Hebrews, we understand that “Melchisedec” did not descend from the tribe of Aaron as did Levi because “Melchisedec” did not descend from known men. Jesus Christ did not descend from Aaron either, and this Old Testament revelation of Him in the form of “Melchisedec” gives us the difference in His ability to offer salvation for man. Jesus is the exclusive priest for us to be saved, and if we are wise, we will not only give assent to that fact, but also make Him the Savior and Lord of our lives.

Next time the writer shares how “it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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