So, What’s the Order of Melchizedek?

Abram was a great warrior who rescued his brother and all the people who were with him. Melchizedek, who was the king of Salem and a priest of the most high God, heard about this feat and that God gave Abram the victory and so he went to Abram and blessed him.

[14] And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. [15] And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. [16] And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. [17] And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale. [18] And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. [19] And he blessed him, and said, “Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: [20] And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” – Genesis 14:14-20 KJV

Abraham gave Melchizedek tithes and Melchizedek was not counted among the Hebrew priests, but Abraham gave him honor with tithes and Melchizedek blessed him. This mattered because Levitical priests were commanded to take tithes and yet, Abram gave tithes to Melchizedek which made the Levites pay to Melchizedek as well because the Levites were the future sons of Abraham.

[8] And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them , of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. [9] And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. [10] For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. – Hebrews 7:8-10 KJV

The reason Melchizedek the priest is not counted is that Moses declared the priests of God come under the tribe of the Levites. Melchizedek was from the tribe of Judah. Moses did not speak of Judah concerning the priesthood.

However, the Levitical priesthood could not sustain forever because the law made high priests with infirmity, but Melchizedek was not a part of them. So, God made an oath.

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” – Psalm 110:4 KJV

Melchizedek’s priesthood was recognized by God and because of His word of oath since the law, Christ is after the order of Melchizedek. This makes Christ live forever rather than working death, which is what the law on tablets brought.

[15] And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, [16] Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. [17] For he testifieth, “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” [18] For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. [19] For the law made nothing perfect 1 This does not mean that people could not follow the law perfectly. God shows us exsmples of that., but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. [20] And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: [21] (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, “The Lord sware and will not repent, ‘Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec’”:) [22] By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. [23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: [24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. [25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. [26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; [27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. [28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. – Hebrews 7:15-28 KJV

Moreover, instead of the order being under Aaron, the change of order represents the change of law. Therefore, a change of priesthood comes a change of law, which is why Christ changed the “no longer an eye for an eye.” This helps us to understand how important it is to live in grace because the law brought death, but Christ brings life.

He brings life in so many ways!