Hebrews 7:5

And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

Hebrews 7:5 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews addresses Jewish Christians facing persecution and tempted to return to Judaism. The author demonstrates the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood, and this verse lays the foundation for that argument.

Meaning

Sons of Levi

In the Old Testament, the tribe of Levi was set apart by God for religious service and for the priesthood. The Levitical priests, descended from Aaron, served as intermediaries between God and the people of Israel, offering sacrifices and performing various rituals.

Commandment to take tithes

Under the Law of Moses, the Levites were commanded to collect tithes from the people of Israel. A tithe is a tenth of one’s income or produce. This tithe supported the Levites because they received no land inheritance like the other tribes. Their right to tithes was based on their priestly office, not on inherent superiority, and it was a provision for their service in the tabernacle.

From their brethren

The Levitical priests collected tithes from their fellow Israelites, who were their brethren or fellow descendants of Abraham. This highlights that the priests and the people shared the same lineage; the priests were not a separate class but fellow Israelites.

Though they come out of the loins of Abraham

This phrase emphasizes the ancestral connection between the Levites and Abraham. The Levites descended from Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (also called Israel). Abraham, the father of the nation, was Jacob’s grandfather, so the Levites could trace their lineage back to Abraham. Even Abraham’s descendants were subject to the tithing commandment.

Biblical connections

This verse establishes the authority and legitimacy of the Levitical priesthood under the Old Covenant. The Jewish Christians respected this priesthood, and the author acknowledges its God-given purpose. However, the Levitical priesthood was established by the Law and was therefore subject to change, as the author later argues that a change of priesthood necessitates a change of law (Hebrews 7:12). In contrast, Melchizedek, who was not of Levi, received tithes from Abraham himself without any commandment, showing his greater dignity (Hebrews 7:4-6). This sets the stage for the argument that Christ’s priesthood, according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:11-28), is superior to the Levitical priesthood. Christ’s priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, unlike the Levitical priests who died and needed successors.

Application

This verse encourages readers to place their faith in Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who offers a perfect and everlasting sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. The temporary nature of the Levitical system points to the need for a better priesthood, fulfilled in Christ.

Reflection

Consider how the Levitical priests received tithes by commandment, yet Melchizedek received them from Abraham without such a command. This contrast reveals the greater dignity of Christ’s priesthood, which is not based on human lineage or law but on an eternal, unchangeable order. Let this truth deepen your trust in Christ as your perfect High Priest.