What this blog is about and what I hope it does...

I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

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3.29.2011

Hebrews 7:1-10

1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace." 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever. 4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people--that is, their brothers--even though their brothers are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

After a section of warnings and encouragements in 5:11-6:20, the author picks back up on the theme of Melchizedek in order to advance one of the major themes: the superiority of Christ and what He does over everything else! You may have questions about this Melchizedek person (I do), but the important thing is to let the author guide us in understanding the significance of this person here is this passage and what it implies about Jesus. If you want to read the little OT stuff about Melchizedek, see Genesis 14:17-24.

Other questions, thoughts, etc.

2 comments:

  1. A few things about Melchizedek: (1) his name (melek + zedeka) means king of righteousness...he perhaps even had a ministry of leading others to right relationship with God; (2) king of Salem (another name for Jerusalem before there was a Jerusalem...here probably a Canaanite city) and it means peace...so, 'king of peace'; (3) priest of God Most High - perhaps the only OT character described as both priest and king.

    Notice also the order of the names in v. 1: first righteousness then peace...that seems to be the way God works: by bringing us into right relationship with Him, we come to experience peace. So often, we try to make peace inside apart from letting God bring us to right relationship.

    Finally, the rest of vv. 1-3 and 4-10 involves Melchizedek's superiority to Abraham shown in Abe's giving him a tithe, and Melchizedek's mysterious origins and lack of ending...all this to foreshadow that Jesus and His activity far surpass the old covenant.

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  2. Thanks Matt . That Melchizedek is a puzzling guy .Thanks for shedding some light .

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