“And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham” (Hebrews 7:5).
It often helps to consider where we began in order to determine where we are going. In the case of the Jewish Christians addressed here in the Biblical book of Hebrews, there was an incident that took place in the life of their ancestor Abraham that presented them with a proverbial fork in the road. One fork led back to the Levitical priesthood, and all it represented. At the other fork stood Melchizedek, the ancient priest-king of God Most High.
The Old Testament book of Numbers records the following directive from God concerning the people of ancient Israel: “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting” (Numbers 18:21 NIV). In light of this, it is interesting to consider the relationship between these members of the Old Testament tribe of Levi (who were descended from Abraham) and Melchizedek.
Even though Abraham served as the forefather of the Levitical priestly class, he did not receive a tithe from Melchizedek. Instead, it was the other way around- Abraham gave a tithe through Melchizedek. Now before we continue, we should remember that Abraham was no ordinary person. In fact, the New Testament book of James refers to him as “…the friend of God” (James 2:23). Yet Abraham acknowledged Melchizidek’s superiority through his decision to submit a tithe to God through him.
That brings us to the fork in the road mentioned earlier. When faced with a decision to pursue the Old Testament means of relating to God though the Levitical priesthood, or the New Testament means of relating to God through Christ, the question becomes, “which is better?” The author of Hebrews responds to that question with a bit of inductive reasoning here within this passage.
Even though the “…descendants of Levi who are priests are commanded by the Law to collect one tenth from the people of Israel” (GNT), there is a sense in which they paid tithes through their ancestor Abraham. Much like an Olympic athlete who represents his or her country, Abraham similarly represents those who follow him- including the members of the Levitical priesthood.
So the fact that Abraham’s tithe passed through Melchizedek served to demonstrate his preeminence. Since Jesus is our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, that makes His priesthood superior to any other.