Hebrews 7:13

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

Hebrews 7:13 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews is a letter written to Jewish Christians to strengthen their faith and encourage them to persevere in their commitment to Christ. The author emphasizes the superiority of Christ and His priesthood compared to the Old Testament priesthood and the Mosaic law.

Meaning

In this verse, the author refers to Jesus, who is the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, as mentioned in the previous verses. The phrase “he of whom these things are spoken” points to the Lord Jesus Christ, the antitype of Melchizedek, not to Melchizedek himself. The author explains that Jesus does not belong to the tribe of Levi, which was the priestly tribe established under the Mosaic law. Rather, Jesus comes from another tribe, indicating a different order of priesthood.

The “another tribe” is the tribe of Judah, not the tribe of Levi. The point is that no one from the tribe of Judah ever served at the altar as a priest under the Levitical system. The altar was a central place of sacrifice and worship in the Old Testament system, and no man from this other tribe had the privilege of serving as a priest there.

By highlighting that Jesus belongs to a different tribe and that no one from this tribe served at the altar, the author emphasizes the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. The Levitical priests were limited by their human lineage, but Jesus, as the eternal Son of God, is the perfect and ultimate High Priest. The argument is that since the priesthood is changed, there is of necessity a change also of the law. The law of the priesthood alters because the person, character, and office of the priest had altered.

Biblical connections

The mention of another tribe refers to the order of Melchizedek, introduced earlier in Hebrews 7. The author draws a parallel between Melchizedek, who was a priest and king in the time of Abraham, and Jesus. The order of Melchizedek symbolizes a priesthood that is eternal and superior to the Levitical priesthood. This verse also connects to the prophecy found in Psalm 110:4, which declares that the Messiah would be a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. The author of Hebrews, by explaining its significance, demonstrates that Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy and the ultimate High Priest.

According to Jewish belief, the Messiah was to come from the tribe of Judah, yet none of the house of David or the tribe of Judah ever presumed to present themselves as priests of the order of God. This indicates an entire change of the priesthood and of the law of priests. Jesus’ priesthood is not an extension of the Levitical system but a fundamentally different order, based on the power of an endless life, as testified in Psalm 110:4.

Application

• Confidence in Jesus’ Priesthood: The verse reinforces the confidence that believers can have in Jesus as their High Priest. Jesus’ priesthood is not limited by human constraints or the shortcomings of the Levitical system. He is the perfect and eternal High Priest who intercedes on behalf of believers before God.

• Embrace the New Covenant: The book of Hebrews repeatedly emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant established through Jesus’ sacrifice. As believers, we are called to embrace this new covenant and leave behind the rituals and regulations of the old covenant. Our faith and hope should be anchored in Jesus, who has made a way for us to have direct access to God.

• Trust in Jesus’ Unchanging Priesthood: Since Jesus’ priesthood is based on His divine nature and not on human lineage, we can trust in His unchanging priesthood. The Levitical priests would die and be replaced, but Jesus remains our High Priest forever. He is always available to provide mercy, grace, and intercession on our behalf.

Reflection

Reflecting on the fact that Jesus, who did not belong to the tribe of Levi, took on the role of High Priest, should evoke gratitude and awe in our hearts. Jesus willingly offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, bridging the gap between humanity and God. We should respond to this amazing act of love with thanksgiving and surrender to His lordship.