“For He testifies: ‘You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek'” (Hebrews 7:17).
The word “order” can be defined in several ways. For instance, this word might take the form of a command or directive. It might refer to a pattern, sequence, or arrangement. Then there are computer scientists and mathematicians who use this word to identify structures and equations, while others might use it to describe business transactions with financial brokers.
Although the word “order” possesses several different meanings, Hebrews 7:17 uses this word in a very specific manner. In this context, “order” refers to…
- The post, rank, or position that one holds in civic or other affairs. (1)
- A distinctive class. (2)
- The likeness or manner of something (3)
The Amplified Bible draws our attention to this definition in its translation of this verse: “…You are a Priest forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek” (AMPC).
You see, the Levitical priests served within the limits of their order. For instance…
- They were selected based on their genealogy.
- They had to offer sacrifices to atone for their sins before they could minister on behalf of others.
- They relinquished their roles as priests when they passed from this life.
On the other hand…
- Jesus’ priesthood is associated with God’s oath (as we’ll see in Hebrews 7:20-21), not His human genealogy.
- His sinless nature ensured that He never had to present a sacrifice for His sins (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26-27).
- Jesus’ priestly ministry will never end, as we’re told in the passage quote above.
This has led one source to offer the following insight…
” In the book of Hebrews, Jesus is shown as a priest whose status is far greater than the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-8:1). As a part of that presentation the passage cites Psalm 110, which declares Christ to be a “priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 7:17) In doing so, the author of Hebrews declares the Psalm passage to be a prophecy fulfilled in Christ.
He is not alone in citing this Messianic Psalm: Jesus quotes its first verse when he challenges the Pharisees to reflect on what they think about the Messiah, and Peter in his sermon at Pentecost quotes that verse as a credential for identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah (Matt. 22:41-46; Acts 2:32-36). The Psalm as a whole presents a king-priest of a very high order, acting on God ‘s authority, and its reference to Melchizedek, a king of righteousness and peace as well as a mysterious priest, shows an Old Testament type reaching far beyond its original historical context to a fulfillment in Christ.” (4)
(1) G5010 taxis Thayer’s Greek Definitions https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5010/rsv/tr/0-1/
(2) G5010 taxis Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/taxis
(3) “Order” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, James Orr, M.A., D.D., General Editor
(4) Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell, PhD, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, [pg. 214] © 2017 Josh McDowell Ministry