Hebrews 5:10

Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 5:10 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers facing persecution and tempted to return to Judaism. The author presents Jesus as the ultimate high priest, superior to the Levitical priesthood. In Hebrews 5, the qualifications and appointment of high priests are discussed, showing that Jesus meets and exceeds every requirement.

Meaning

“Called of God”

Jesus was not a self-appointed or ordinary priest; He was divinely appointed by God. The phrase “called of God” emphasizes that His appointment resulted from God’s sovereign choice, giving Him unique authority and legitimacy. This calling was not based on human lineage or merit but on God’s direct will.

“A high priest”

The high priest’s role in the Old Testament was to represent the people before God and offer sacrifices for their sins. Jesus perfectly embodies this role, being both fully God and fully man, able to sympathize with human weakness.

“After the order of Melchisedec”

The “order of Melchisedec” refers to Melchizedek, who was both a king and a priest (Genesis 14:18). This order is distinct from the Levitical priesthood, which was temporary. The order of Melchisedec is eternal, as confirmed by the Old Testament prophecy in Psalm 110:4, which Christ fulfills. The repetition of this phrase in Hebrews confirms the certainty and truth of Christ’s priesthood.

Comparison with Melchizedek

The author later elaborates on the significance of this order in Hebrews 7. Melchizedek served as a prototype of Christ’s priesthood. Both were kings of righteousness and peace, and their priesthood had no recorded beginning or end. Thus, Jesus’s priesthood, being after the order of Melchizedek, is superior to the Levitical priesthood, characterized by antiquity, dignity, and perpetuity.

Jesus as the ultimate high priest

Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is the perfect high priest who offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Unlike human high priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus was sinless and able to offer Himself as a once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27). His priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, providing a perfect and lasting sacrifice.

Application

Hebrews 5:10 reminds us of Jesus’s unique role as the high priest appointed by God. Through His sacrifice, Jesus provides forgiveness of sins and intercedes on our behalf. As believers, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, understands our weaknesses and sympathizes with us (Hebrews 4:15). This divine appointment assures us that our salvation is secure in Him.