007:010 for Levi was yet in the loins of his forefather when
Melchizedek met Abraham.
007:011 Now if the crowning blessing was attainable by means of
the Levitical priesthood--for as resting on this foundation
the people received the Law, to which they are still subject--
what further need was there for a Priest of a different kind
to be raised up belonging to the order of Melchizedek instead
of being said to belong to the order of Aaron?
007:012 For when the priesthood changes, a change of Law also of
necessity takes place.
007:013 He, however, to whom that prophecy refers is associated
with a different tribe, not one member of which has anything
to do with the altar.
007:014 For it is undeniable that our Lord sprang from Judah, a tribe
of which Moses said nothing in connection with priests.
007:015 And this is still more abundantly clear when we read that it
is as belonging to the order of Melchizedek that a priest
of a different kind is to arise,
007:016 and hold His office not in obedience to any temporary Law,
but by virtue of an indestructible Life.
007:017 For the words are in evidence, "Thou art a priest for ever,
belonging to the order of Melchizedek."
007:018 On the one hand we have here the abrogation of an earlier code
because it was weak and ineffective--
007:019 for the Law brought no perfect blessing--but on the other hand
we have the bringing in of a new and better hope by means
of which we draw near to God.
007:020 And since it was not without an oath being taken--
007:021 for these men hold office without any oath having been taken,
but He holds it attested by an oath from Him who said