_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 7:1. MELCHIZEDEK.—Already three times referred to (chaps. Hebrews 5:6; Hebrews 5:10, Hebrews 6:20); in each case the order of priesthood which Melchizedek represents, rather than the man himself, is in the writer’s mind. Melchizedek is a very vague and indisti... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 7:4. HOW GREAT.—Lit. “of what exalted rank.” Jesus had shown great reverence for Abraham. SPOILS.—Lit. “the top part of a heap of grain.” Then firstfruits. “As offerings were made to their gods, by the Greeks, from spoils taken in war, ἀκροθίνια came at last... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 7:11.—Here begins the argument of the next nine verses. PERFECTION.—A difficult word; the full meaning of everything that could be required of a human priesthood. “Power of perfectionment, capacity to achieve the end in view.” This was not to be attained throu... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 7:18. DISANNULLING.—Setting aside from its active place and work, as that which has had its day, and is no longer efficient. It had to be superseded. A stronger word is now used than that in Hebrews 7:12. WEAKNESS, ETC.—See following verse. Sufficient in rela... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Hebrews 7:24. CONTINUETH EVER.—A firm assertion of the present living priesthood of Christ. UNCHANGEABLE.—R.V. margin, “hath a priesthood that doth not pass to another.” Vulgate, _sempiternum. Stuart_, “without succession.” _Moulton_, “Since His life is indissoluble,... [ Continue Reading ]