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The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 1 Yahshua a Better Covenant Foreshadowed by The Order of Melchizedek Life Application Throughout this presentation you will see this icon of a sheaf of wheat. They represent correlations serving as cross-references and witnesses. This purpose of this presentation is to discover more about the Order of Melchizedek, the enigmatic figure, a servant of the Most-High El Elohim Yahuah and is known as an architype of Yahshua our Messiah. The majority focus on who he was. This presentation will focus on what he represents in terms of the New, or Better Covenant and what it teaches us for Life Application in our 21st century. Some of us know this narrative found in Genesis 14:18-20 Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God/Yahuah. Gen 14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God/Yahuah, possessor of heaven and earth: Gen 14:20 And blessed be the most high God/El Elohim, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Psa_110:4 The God/El Elohim/Yahuah/Adonai hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedek. Heb 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedek. • Are there deeper revelations to this Order? • Why are there few teachings on this Order. • Is there additional truth we may be missing, or is it there in plain sight? • Is there deeper knowledge to be found? • Is it covenant related? • Which covenant? • Does it carry Life Applications for today? LET’S BEGIN Why “That” Book Title? And Who is the Author? When I began researching the origins of the title, the word Quagmire kept coming to mind.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 2 Quagmire - a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot. - an awkward, complex, or hazardous situation. That describes the answer question exactly because scholars do not know “exactly” the what and why of the title, or, who wrote the Book of Hebrews. Yet, they realize and agree on the significance it carries. Though scholarly exegesis varies as to title and author, their overall consensus rests in the Profound Depths of Yahuah’s Story of Redemption Through the Person and Works of Yahshua with Melchizedek representing Yahuah’s desire for how humankind should live. I will divert in places because of necessity. MOVING ON A well-known Scripture in Hebrews most of us are familiar comes from Heb. 5:11-12 Of whom we [not sure who we is] have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of Yahuah; and are (have) become such as [like those] have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Here, uttered is G3004. LÉGŌ ; fut. léxō. Thayer Definition: 1) to say, to speak 1a) affirm over, maintain 1b) to teach 1c) to exhort, advise, to command, direct 1d) to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say 1e) to call by name, to call, name 1f) to speak out, speak of, mention Thayer Definition: Dull G3576 slow, sluggish, indolent/lazy Oxford Dictionary Lacking interest or excitement, dispirited, slow to understand. Why is the author using such strong words with Yah’s people? This is like calling someone slow and stupid. They certainly were not always this way. Again, who is making such a strong statement? And, Why?
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 3 The Book of Hebrews does not carry the same naming conventions as other books of the Bible. We can take any book title and identify the author, along with a close approximation of where it was written, and who it was written to and why. For example, the book of Numbers relates to census taking, laws and regulations. Galatians was written to the Galatians by Paul; Psalms was written by David and others; Mark was written by Mark to the largely Gentile audience in Rome, and Philippians was written by Paul to the congregation at Philippi. These are easily identified. Yet Hebrews has no such pattern. Academic theories abound, Let’s take a look at a few.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 4 1. The title “Hebrews” is almost certainly not a title supplied by the book’s author. It appears to come from the early manuscript tradition and from the church’s understanding of the audience the work was addressing. Modern scholarship has disputed the applicability of every word of this title. Neither does it appear in the oldest manuscripts, where we find simply "to Hebrews" (pros Hebraious). This, too, seems to have been prefixed to the original writing by a collector or copyist. It is too vague and general for the author to have used it. And there is nothing in the body of the book which affirms any part of either title. No question arises, at least directly, of pseudonymity either of author or of readers, for both are anonymous. For the purpose of tracing the history and interpreting the meaning of the book, the absence of a title, or of any definite historical data, is a disadvantage. We are left to infer its historical context from a few fragments of uncertain tradition, …Where no date, name or well-known event is fixed, it becomes impossible to decide, among many possibilities, what known historical conditions, if any, are presupposed. Yet this very fact, of the book's detachment from personal and historical incidents, renders it more self-contained, and [its exegesis less dependent upon understanding the exact historical situation]. But its general relation to the thought of its time must be taken into account if we are to understand it at all. https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/H/hebrews-epistle-to-the.html This is an important deduction because the book itself begins: “God, who at sundry/various times and in diverse/various manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets…” Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; — Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV) It is almost as if Yahuah Himself wrote it and decided to keep Himself anonymous. Unlike Paul's letters that opened with statements such as: “Paul…unto the church…” The author never says, “I am Paul,” and as research shows, nor does he address his readers as “Hebrews.” Again, There is no identification of the author anywhere in the book. 2. Therefore, question becomes, Why did early Christians call the recipients “Hebrews”? The title probably arose because the contents strongly suggested an audience deeply grounded in the Scriptures and institutions of Israel. Hebrews assumes [the audience] has extensive knowledge of: • Abraham and the patriarchs - (7:4) • Moses and the Exodus - (3:16 • The Sinai covenant - (8:9) • The Levitical priesthood - (7:11)
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 5 • Aaron - (5:4) • Melchizedek - (7:15) • The Tabernacle - (9:2) • The Day of Atonement - (9:14) • Animal sacrifices - (8:3) • The covenant promises - (8:6) • Jeremiah 31 and the New Covenant - (12:24) • Israel's wilderness generation - (3:17) Early Christian tradition understood the recipients as believers who came out of a Hebrew/Jewish religious background. That understanding is reflected in the heading Pros Hebraious. However, we should distinguish between the title and what can actually be proved from the text. “To the Hebrews” is ancient, but because it was apparently not part of the author's original composition, the title alone cannot prove that every recipient was ethnically Jewish. https://biblicalfoundations.org/introducing-hebrews-who-were-the-readers/ Who exactly were THESE “Hebrews”? The strongest evidence may actually point toward a specific community of believers connected with Rome, rather than a general letter sent to all Jewish believers. Hebrews 13:24—“They of Italy salute you”—becomes crucial, as do Hebrews 10:32– 34, 12:4, and 13:7. And once we investigate who these people were, why they were suffering, and what was happening in Rome during the first century, several of Hebrews' severe warning passages begin to take on much sharper historical meaning. This shows us that not every Hebrew had to war against apostasy. This letter was to a specific group of Hebrews. However, the teachings are profound for then and now as so many of us find ourselves suffering the same warfare. There is something deeper about the name of the book, it’s recipients, the Hebrews, Melchizedek, and Yahshua. Why was this epistle written to them over Hebrews in other regions? Did it have purpose for a larger audience? Yahuah is omniscience. He knew the apostate infiltration that would spread across the world had Rome been able to take over the world. Even today we see the profound impact it does have. The Book of Hebrews is a profound Time Marker for this era we live in. The title is remarkably appropriate to the theology of the book because Abraham, the Hebrew, becomes crucial to the Hebrews argument. This brings us to an important interpretive point:
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 6 Hebrews is not merely a book written “to Jewish people.” It is an argument about what Israel's Scriptures, covenants, priesthood, sanctuary, sacrifices, and promises ultimately mean in relation to Yahusha the Messiah. This is why the ancient title “To the Hebrews” is fitting, despite evidence that the title may have been added by a collector or copyist and that it probably originated with early scribes rather than the anonymous author himself. Every introduction to the Book of Hebrews lends additional support to this statement. In conclusion, in terms of the author, the theologian Origen wrote: as part of his inference to the author: [God] alone knows.” https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250106.htm SIDENOTE CHAPTER Thirteen A Backdrop: Why “these” Hebrew Jewish Christians? Acts 18:2 reports that Aquila and Priscilla had left Italy because Claudius had ordered Jews to depart from Rome. The Roman historian Suetonius wrote that Claudius expelled Jews because they were continually creating disturbances “at the instigation of Chrestus.” “Chrestus” may have been Suetonius’s confused reference to Christus—Messiah. If so, disagreements within Rome’s Jewish community concerning Yahusha had become intense enough to attract imperial attention. This interpretation is plausible but cannot be proven; “Chrestus” could also have referred to another person. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25011005 The reference to "Chrestus" is often interpreted as a misspelling of "Christus," suggesting that the disturbances were related to conflicts between Jewish and Christian factions within the Jewish community. https://biblehub.com/topical/naves/r/rome-- jews_excluded_from,_by_claudius_caesar.htm The incident is important for understanding early Roman Christianity. Roman authorities did not yet necessarily see Christianity as a completely separate religion. Disputes between Jews who accepted Yahusha and Jews who rejected him could simply appear to Roman officials as internal Jewish disorder. The expulsion would have disrupted Jewish families, synagogues, businesses, and assemblies of believers. When Jewish believers later returned to Rome, congregations that had developed under predominantly Gentile leadership may have faced questions concerning Torah, circumcision, food, sacred days, and the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul’s letter to the Romans reflects precisely this kind of mixed Jewish-Gentile environment.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 7 Nero and the Great Fire Claudius was followed by Nero, who ruled from 54 to 68 CE. During Nero’s reign, Christianity became more visibly distinguishable from the wider Jewish community in the eyes of Roman observers. In July 64 CE, a catastrophic fire destroyed large sections of Rome. The Roman historian Tacitus says that Nero placed blame upon people called “Christians” and subjected them to cruel public punishments. Some were executed, exposed to animals, crucified, or burned during public spectacles. Tacitus did not regard Christians favorably, but he nevertheless portrayed Nero’s treatment of them as excessively cruel. https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Tac.+Ann.+15.44&utm_source=c hatgpt.com This persecution appears to have been concentrated in the city of Rome, not a systematic empire-wide campaign against every Christian congregation. The familiar picture of Nero ordering universal persecution throughout the Roman Empire goes beyond the available evidence. Early Christian tradition also associates the deaths of Peter (AD 64–65) and Paul (AD 64–68 CE) with Rome during Nero’s reign, although the precise dates and circumstances of their deaths cannot be independently reconstructed. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-companion-to-the-age-of- nero/burning-rome-burning-christians/174BE1274DF70D5C6088BDAFC163F837 The probable historical window for Hebrews The author, original location, and exact date of Hebrews are unknown. A defensible scholarly range is approximately 60–95 CE, although many interpreters favor either: • A pre-70 date, commonly during the 60s • A post-70 date, commonly during the 70s–80s Hebrews was apparently known to the author of 1 Clement, a Roman Christian writing usually dated near the end of the first century. This makes a date later than approximately 95 CE unlikely. Arguments that Hebrews must have been written before the Temple’s destruction are possible but inconclusive, because the author principally describes the wilderness tabernacle portrayed in Scripture, not Herod’s Temple as a functioning contemporary institution. https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and- maps/biblical-literature-new-testament?utm_source=chatgpt.com A pre-70 reading If Hebrews was written before 70 CE, the Temple and priesthood were still visible and functioning. The author would be teaching that, despite their earthly magnificence, the Levitical institutions were provisional shadows pointing toward the heavenly ministry of Yahusha. The readers may have been tempted to regard visible, socially established worship as safer than identification with a marginalized Messianic assembly. A post-70 reading
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 8 If Hebrews was written after 70 CE, its message would address a world in which the Temple had already disappeared. The heavenly sanctuary and eternal High Priesthood of Yahusha would assure believers that access to Yahuah did not depend upon a building that Rome could destroy. The absence of the earthly Temple would not mean that Israel’s covenant story had failed. The author argues that the tabernacle, priesthood, sacrifices, and covenant anticipated a greater heavenly reality fulfilled through Messiah. Rome’s claims versus the message of Hebrews These Hellenized Jews had become indoctrinated into Roman culture which involved their Greek way of religious thinking. Hebrews presents a deliberate contrast between the visible Roman world and Yahuah’s invisible but enduring order: The Roman world The message of Hebrews Emperors claimed supremacy Yahusha is enthroned above every power Rome claimed an eternal city Believers seek “the city that is to come” The empire depended upon military force Messiah triumphs through suffering and faithful obedience Earthly governments could be shaken Yahuah gives an unshakable kingdom Rome destroyed the earthly sanctuary Yahusha ministers in the heavenly sanctuary Society could exclude believers Yahusha sanctifies his people outside the camp Property and status could be taken Believers possess a “better and lasting possession” Death appeared to have final authority Yahusha destroys the power associated with death We know Apostle Paul called himself a Hebrew: Php 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew (G1445 - Hebraios) of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee. Paul is saying that he no longer identified with the Law of the Pharisees. I see this as a classic example for us today who have been grafted into the stomp of Jesse, regardless of bloodline. Paul was born a Hebrew yet was taught under Gamaliel is recognized as a Pharisaic doctor of Jewish Law. And if you are Yahshua’s, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:29 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:11 Apostle Paul is reported to have been killed in AD 60, supposedly the same year the Book of Hebrews was written. Roman society placed pressure upon believers
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 9 Roman religion was woven into civic and social life. Sacrifices, festivals, guild meetings, patronage relationships, military ceremonies, and public expressions of loyalty frequently involved traditional gods or the emperor’s honor. Believers who refused such practices could be perceived as: • Disloyal to the community • Hostile toward Roman traditions • Irreligious or atheistic • Socially disruptive • Offenders against the gods who protected Rome Roman writers used the dismissive word superstitio for religious practices they considered excessive, strange, or socially harmful. Tacitus and Suetonius applied such language to Christians. Persecution during the first century was generally local, sporadic, and dependent upon particular circumstances. It was not yet a continuous empire-wide policy. Nevertheless, believers could experience social exclusion, legal vulnerability, loss of livelihood, confiscation of possessions, arrest, public humiliation, or death. The situation reflected within Hebrews Hebrews does not describe its recipients as merely engaging in abstract theological study. They were a pressured community in danger of spiritual exhaustion. They had already suffered Hebrews 10:32–34 recalls an earlier period when they had experienced: • Public reproach and affliction • Identification with imprisoned believers • Confiscation of property • Hebrews 13:3 tells them to remember prisoners and the mistreated. Hebrews 13:13 calls them to bear Yahusha’s reproach “outside the camp.” The precise historical event behind these passages cannot be identified. It could reflect disturbances connected with Claudius, local hostility during Nero’s period, or some other regional persecution. The text establishes the experience of suffering but does not name the emperor responsible. They Were Becoming Weary The danger was not merely violent persecution. It was gradual spiritual retreat: Drifting away Hebrews 2:1- That is why we must hold on all the more firmly to the truths we have heard, so that we will not be carried away. (GNB) Developing an unbelieving heart Hebrews 3:12- My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God. Becoming sluggish Hebrews 5:11–12; 6:12- There is much we have to say about this matter, but it is hard to explain to you, because you are so slow to understand. Heb 5:12 There has been enough time for you to be teachers—yet you still need someone to teach you the first lessons of Yah’s message. Instead of eating solid food,
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 10 you still have to drink milk. 6:12- We do not want you to become lazy, but to be like those who believe and are patient, and so receive what God has promised. Neglecting assembly Hebrews 10:25- Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Messiah is coming nearer. Throwing away confidence Hebrews 10:35- Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. (Cf. Mat. 5:12) Shrinking back Hebrews 10:38–39- but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back." Heb 10:39 But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved. (cf. Hab. 2:3-4) Hebrews 13:22 reads like a sermon sent to a congregation whose members were tired, discouraged, and tempted to withdraw from open identification with Yahusha. We can easily see a 21st century likeness in this example. The text warns against neglect, unbelief, apostasy, and abandonment of their confession. Hellenized Jews feeling the pressure. Why the priesthood, sacrifice, and the sanctuary mattered so much The historical crisis surrounding the Temple helps us understand further the book of Hebrews. This time-marker became the perfect backdrop for ushering in THE NEW ORDER • The High Priesthood of Yahusha over the Temple Priests • The Order of Melchizedek a better covenant • The heavenly sanctuary over the Temple • The once-for-all sacrifice rather than daily sacrifice; Yahshua became a one-time eternal sacrifice • The New Covenant; replaces an ineffective one. • Direct access to Yahuah rather than • The inadequacy of repeatedly offered sacrifices SIDE NOTE: Some research suggests that the Benediction in Chapter 13 was an inclusion because of the stylistically difference between it and the preceding verses in chapter 13. There is too much to consider concerning this. I added it as an FYI. A good question to ask in your research if you want to explore this topic more is to ask “was chapter 13 added to the Book of Hebrews.”
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 11 Hebrews is not merely a book written “to Jewish people.” It is an argument about what Israel's Scriptures, covenants, priesthood, sanctuary, sacrifices, and promises ultimately mean in relation to Yahusha the Messiah. I intend to look a little closer at the correlation between the “Jewish people”, and “Israel’s Scriptures” as it relates to Hebrews 8:7-10 and prophecy as part of the next series. Heb 8:7 If nothing had been wrong with the first promise, no one would look for another one. Heb 8:8 But God/El Elohim found something wrong with his people and said to them, The days are coming, says Yahuah, when I will make a new promise to Israel and Judah. QUESTION: Have Israel and Judah both embraced the promise? Heb 8:9 It will not be like the promise that I made to their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of Egypt. They rejected that promise, so I ignored them, says the Lord. Heb 8:10 But this is the promise that I will make to Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my teachings inside them, and I will write those teachings on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. YAHSHUA – BEGINNING WITH ABRAHAM Why do I place emphasis on the word Hebrew? We identify as descendants of Abraham. The word was used frequently, and we can surmise it was by Divine plan. My view is that it is used often to teach us the difference between them and us. You Are of Your Father the Devil John 8:39-47. They [The Pharisees and those like them] answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. We are Yahuah’s sovereign choice.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 12 Rom 9:7-8 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8. That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of Yahuah: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Compare Abraham Yahshua Abraham receives the promises Hebrews 6:13–15 Fulfillment of the promise. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. Galatians 3:16 Abraham gives tithes to Melchizedek — Hebrews 7:1–10 High priests receive tithes. Hebrews 7 teaches that the Messiah is the eternal High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Abraham lives by faith — Hebrews 11:8– 19 Melchizedek, King of Righteousness King of Peace (Jerusalem, place and a way to live) Abraham anticipates the heavenly city — Hebrews 11:10 Yahshua will come down with His Father in the New Jerusalem not made with hands. Rev. 21:2 The readers are described as heirs of God's promises — Hebrews 6:17 In Yahshua we are heirs of the promise. There is much more history than this presentation can cover. However, the links above and throughout this series are a good beginning without going into theological and exegetical detail. ------------------------------------------------- SECTION TAKE AWAY Yahshua lived and walked in the Order of Melchizedek. The Order of Melchizedek is Yah’s call to faith, endurance, and community. This is the instruction wrapped up in the Book of Hebrews; I pray we all become enlightened by it. I quote Luke 24:30-31 When he was at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 13 I pray we each receive this bread, enabling us to see the depths of what this Order is. ------------------------------------ Most of us are familiar with how Scripture introduces Melchizedek. For the sake of presentation, I will overview the passages beginning with Genesis 14:18-20. My purpose in this presentation is to connect Melchizedek to Yahuah’s plan of Salvation and show how Yahshua fulfilled it throughout the Bible in ways some of us may not have considered. I am not sure how many Parts this topic will turn out to be-Yah will direct me. However, I will take my time because there are many parts. A LOOK AT THE PASSAGES What the Bible Says About Melchizedek From Genesis we are introduced to Melchizedek. Genesis 14:18–20. And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of Yahuah/God Most High.) Gen 14:19 And he[Melchizedek] blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by Yahuah/God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; Gen 14:20 and blessed be Yahuah/God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Psa 110:4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Heb 1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, Bread of Life Yahshua functions as a High Priest I am the Bread of Life Yahshua announced John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me (More on this phrase later) shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35; 48-58; 7:37-38; witnessed in Isaiah 55:1-3, 1 Corinthians 10:16-18
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 14 Heb 1:2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. Heb 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore El Elohim, your Yahuah, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” This is a rich shadow of the meaning of the name Melchizedek, as we will see. Melchizedek is not heard of again until the Writer of Hebrews speaks to the people. I will give a brief outline of the book’s intent. They are from the KJV (1983) and Everyone’s Guide to Hebrews by Neil R. Lightfoot (1929-2012), PhD, professor of New Testament at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. THE BOOK OF HEBREWS SUMMARIZED Chapter (1:1-2:4) Yahshua, Son Of Yah Chapter (2:5-18) Yahshua, Son Of Man/So Great a Salvation Chapter (3:1-4:13) Yahshua, the Faithful High Priest/Messiah Superior to Moses/Israel failed to believe Chapter (4:14-5:10) Yahshua, the Merciful High Priest/A Sympathetic and Compassionate Messiah Chapter (5:11-6:20) On to Mature Teaching Chapter (7:1-28) Yahshua Like Melchizedek/The Priestly Order of Melchizedek Definition and Usage of Disannulling (verse18): Refers to the act of making something void or null, effectively canceling or abolishing it. In biblical contexts, it often pertains to the nullification of covenants, promises, or laws. The concept is significant in understanding the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant and the fulfillment of the law through Yahshua. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. https://biblehub.com/topical/d/disannulling.htm
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 15 SIDENOTE: Continue Chapter (8:1-13) Yahshua: Better (kreitton) Ministry, Better Promises/Messiah the High Priest and New Covenant (But not done away with Jeremiah 31:31) Chapter (9:1-28) Yahshua the Better Sacrifice Part 1 / OT, NT Contrasted. The sacrifice of Yahshua establishes the New Covenant. Chapter (10:1-18) Yahshua the Better Sacrifice Part 2 (The Failure of the Old Covenant) Chapter (10-19-39) A Call to Draw Near (A Plea to Hold on to the New Faith) Chapter (11:1-40) A Call to Faith (The Power of Assurance) SEE INSERT Chapter (12:1-29) A Call to Perseverance ADD STRONG’S on this) (Run the Race, Warning Against Disobedience) Chapter (13:1-25) A Call to Pilgrims/Service Well Pleasing to Yahuah our Elohim The Supremacy of Yahuah’s Son Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son He saith, Your throne, O Elohim, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. The Witness to Hebrews 1:8 Yahuah confirms to us this Divine aspect of His Son prophesied in Isaiah 9:6. The Pharisees' law consisted of the Written Torah (613 commands) and an additional 1,500+ "fence laws" (Oral Law) to protect it, creating man-made legalism that Yahshua criticized as excessive and misguided. The Pharisees (/ˈfærəsiːz/; Hebrew: פְּרּושִׁים , romanized: Pərūšīm, lit. 'separated ones') were a Jewish social movement and school of thought in the Levant during the time of Second Temple Judaism. Following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, Pharisaic beliefs became the foundational, liturgical, and ritualistic basis for Rabbinic Judaism. Although the group no longer exists, their traditions are of great importance for the manifold Jewish religious movements. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharisees We see a connection between this social movement and what Hebrews admonished. It was the reproach, and reprimand given by Paul against Rabbinic Judaism. Yahshua ushered in the New Order. It’s an interesting correlation between the word New Order ushered in by Yahuah and the enemies of Yah also use the same name to define how what they want to usher in.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 16 Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Elohim, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Yahuah spoke of His son as “O Elohim.” Yahshua has been placed in the role of Yahuah. Yahshua is Yah manifest in flesh and blood. In this sense, He is our Elohim, for we know that Yahshua is Yah’s Word wrapped in flesh, and He walked among us. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, … John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. Another witness to Hebrews 1:8. Yahuah confirms to us this Divine aspect of His Son prophesied in Numbers 24:17. I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Seth. Yahshua’s Divine nature is illustrated yet again in Psalm 45:6, where the words “Thy throne, O Yahuah, is ever and ever. I want to take a side-step observation by saying that I have a 1986 KJV study Bible naming a section of chapter 45 as A Psalm for the King’s Marriage, where vv. 10-15 are symbolized as a bride's exhortation as she is to become the king’s wife. The conclusion expresses the wish that the king be blessed with a permanent dynasty (vv. 16-17). (KJV Study Bible, Nelson, 1988 Liberty University). The Old Testament Concealed The New Testament Revealed These Scriptures, taken from both the Old and New Testaments, tell us that: I find this powerful, as it correlates Yahshua as the bridegroom to Israel and His Kingdom reigning forever. The Son has a scepter of righteousness, as is correlated to the name Melchizedek, King of Righteousness. Additionally, we are His bride. Yahuah wants His bride to be clean, and without spot or wrinkle,
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 17 Melchizedek was a Shadow of Yahshua Yahshua is the full likeness of what Melchizedek was, as he was priest of El Elohim Most High If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for, under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? Melchizedek King and Priest of Salam/Shalom (peace) His name means King of Righteousness • Melchizedek: (H4442). • Melek = King • Tzedek = Righteousness (H6664) Digging deeper into the word Righteousness Tzedek is the root with the Strong’s of H6663 meaning right, or the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity:… “God/Yahuah, who at sundry(various) times and in diverse/various manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets…” Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; — Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV) He was King and Priest of ALL things right; naturally, morally, and legally. We can connect that to another reason he appeared to Abram. He was King of Jerusalem; he led and governed people; Yahuah caused him to engage with Abraham. Abram committed a righteous act by retrieving Lot, who had gotten caught up in the battle of the kings. As a result, Yahuah sent Melchizedek, offering him bread and wine. Bread and wine; was this the first communion? More later. Abram, in times past, demonstrated his righteous nature. Remember, he left Ur, a land of evil. He heard Yah’s call and obeyed; Melchizedek called Him blessed because of it. No wonder both the Levitical Priesthood and Yahshua Himself stemmed from this man blessed of Yah. Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Remember, the Levitical Priesthood served its
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 18 purpose but the nature and Priesthood of our Messiah represented a better pledge and promise. Heb 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was King of Salem/Shalem/Shalom/Peace, and Priest Yahshua was both Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), High Priest, and King of Kings (Rev. 19:16) ➢ JUST A THOUGHT: Melchizedek was King of Jerusalem (Gen. 14:18) Could we call ourselves Melchizedekians? After all, our Messiah ushered in the Better Covenant first introduced by Melchizedek, priest of Elohim Most High. Should we say we are Melchizedekians because Messiah ushered in a better, eternal covenant first established through him? Perhaps the reason many people do not associate with this is that, in general, it is seldom mentioned; even glossed over altogether. There are a few Assemblies who recognize and adopt the use of the name; they understand it’s meaning. What Do Priests Do? Priests represent the teachings/principles of Yahuah to the people. Peter tells us: 1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Exodus 19:5-6 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” We also find this is in Exodus 19:5-6, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10, Isaiah 61:6. I like the next verses because they speak of purpose, our purpose, already set forth from sundry times (Heb 1:1-2). There are other verses but the message is clear. I want to dive into this as we consider the full nature of the Order of Melchizedek and our relationship and standing in it. 1Pe 2:9-10 Verse10. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you (us) out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of Elohim/God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 19 We are called to live in the likeness set forth and exemplified by our Yahshua our Messiah. This same way of living was set forth through The Order of Melchizedek. What is this order or, principle of Yahuah? THE FOCUS AND PURPOSE: Of whom we [not sure who we is] have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of Yahuah; and are (have) become such as [like those] have need of milk, and not of strong meat. On to Mature Teaching: The Oracles/Teachings/Principles of Yahuah Chapter (5:11-6:20) The Principles of the Doctrine of Messiah/An Anchor of the Soul. Milk or Meat? Where We Think We Are? Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. The Great Commission: Solidifying Doctrine Hebrews 6:1 Amplified Good News Bible Therefore let us get past the elementary stage in the teachings about Yashua, advancing on to maturity and perfection and spiritual completeness, [doing this] without laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (6:1,AMP) Let us go forward, then, to mature teaching and leave behind us the first lessons of the Christian message. We should not lay again the foundation of turning away from useless works and believing in God;
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 20 Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Yahshua had appointed them. Mat 28:17 And when they saw Him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. Mat 28:18 And Yahshua came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. but some doubted G1365 διστάζω distázō; fut. distásō, from dís ( G1364), twice, two ways. To doubt, waver, hesitate, be uncertain. …In Mat_28:17, the verb in the aor. edístasan translated "some doubted" should rather be translated "they hesitated" (a.t.). This refers not to the doubt of the disciples concerning the identity of the risen Messiah because they recognized Him fully. However, they hesitated in regard to their responsibility to preach the gospel to the world knowing that Yahshua in His resurrection body was no longer going to be on earth. 1Pe_4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of Yahuah; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which Yahuah giveth: that Yahuah in all things may be glorified through Yahshua our Messiah, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. A person building a house does not despise the foundation. But once the foundation has been laid, construction must continue. The Greek idea behind “perfection” carries the sense of completeness, fullness, or reaching the intended goal. The author wants them to grow into a better understanding of: • Yahusha’s High Priesthood • The New Covenant. • The Heavenly sanctuary. • The meaning of Messiah’s sacrifice. • Faithful perseverance. • Access to Yahuah through the Son. We want to advance in our knowledge concerning the basic doctrines of Yahshua. It is necessary that we get a firm grip on these basic teachings so that we can move on to greater things. We have to have a good foundation on which to build.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 21 THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE ORACLES OF YAHUAH Chapter (5:11-6:20) Foundational Principles of Yahuah Repentance from Dead Works Faith Towards Yahuah Doctrine of Hands Doctrine of Baptism Resurrection From The Dead Eternal Judgement Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Yahshua, let us go on unto perfection. “Let us leave…and go on. That is, leave behind and move forward from the elemental teachings of Yahshua to more advance teaching of His priesthood and atoning sacrifice. A foundation does not need to be laid again, yet it gives us the milk to grow into the knowledge of the Priesthood, and what it means. But first, a look at the milk. 1. Repentance from dead works and faith toward Yahuah. (Heb.9:14; Romans 6:23) Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Repentance and faith are a sanctification equation where repentance is the first step, or, A=B; they belong together. Repentance from dead works means turning away from deeds that are spiritually lifeless, sinful, or incapable of cleansing the conscience. “Dead works” should not be interpreted as a blanket condemnation of obedience to Torah. Hebrews consistently encourages more than only obedience, it requires, holiness, righteousness, and faithful conduct. Dead works can include:
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 22 • Sinful deeds that produce death. • Religious activities performed without living faith such as tithing. • Attempts to establish righteousness apart from Yahuah’s grace. • Ritual actions treated as though they could cleanse the heart without repentance. • Outward activity that lacks spiritual life. 2. Faith toward Yahuah means trusting His promise, character, and saving work rather than relying upon human effort (self-righteous). Romans 11: Faith Abraham, Elias, David, Moses, Enoch, Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Rebecca 3. The “laying on of hands” had several uses in biblical communities: This is another principle that requires a deeper dive. • Blessing. • Commissioning for service. • Identification. • Prayer for healing. • Appointment to ministry. • Public recognition of spiritual responsibility. The author does not specify which use he has in mind, so we should avoid restricting it to one practice. 4. Baptisms Mark 7:4. This will need a closer look and will happen in the next session when we take a look at these principles more deeply. The Greek word translated “baptisms” or “washings” is plural and can refer broadly to ritual washings, purification practices, or baptismal instruction. The hearers likely needed to understand the relationship between: • Jewish purification practices. • Baptism associated with repentance. • Identification with Yahusha. • External washing and inward cleansing. 5. Resurrection of the dead (John 5:26-29). • Vindication of the righteous. • Accountability for evil. John 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; John 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 6. Yahuah’s Eternal Yahuah’s final judgement. (Acts 17:31) • The coming kingdom. • Eternal consequences. Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 23 These are the first principles with the rest found through the book which the author spoke would be taught, “If Yah permits”, meaning allow. SIDENOTE: What becomes of the Levites? Overview, With Life Application Remember, the book of Hebrews arose during a period when: • Claudius had expelled Jews from Rome. • The movement centered upon Yahusha was becoming increasingly distinguishable from other Jewish communities. • Nero brutally punished Christians in Rome after the fire of 64 CE. • Judea revolted against Roman rule. • Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed in 70 CE. • Roman emperors and dynasties rose and fell. • Jewish and Messianic communities were reconsidering identity, worship, priesthood, covenant, and sacred space. • Believers were experiencing social pressure, imprisonment, confiscation, reproach, and spiritual fatigue. Life Application for Today Against this background, Hebrews declares that the believers’ ultimate security was not in Rome, Jerusalem, an earthly building, or a human priesthood. It was in Yahshua, the enthroned Son, eternal High Priest according to Melchizedek, arbitrator of the New Covenant, and ruler of the kingdom that cannot be shaken. Hebrews 5:11–6:12 is a pastoral warning against spiritual stagnation and apostasy. The author has begun explaining Yahshua’s High Priesthood “according to the order of Melchizedek” in Hebrews 5:1–10, but he pauses because his hearers are not spiritually prepared to receive the deeper teaching. ARE WE? Isa 66:21 And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the El Elohim Yahuah. Isa 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the el El Elohim Yahuah, so shall your seed and your name remain. Isa 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Isa 66:21 And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the El Elohim Yahuah. Isa 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the El Elohim Yahuah, so shall your seed and your name remain. Isa 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the El Elohim Yahuah. .
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 24 The passage moves through four stages: 1. You have remained spiritually immature — 5:11–14 2. Move beyond the foundation toward maturity — 6:1–3 3. Do not abandon Messiah after experiencing covenant blessings — 6:4–8 4. Persevere in faith, love, and hope — 6:9–12 The primary concern is not intellectual inability. It is sluggishness, neglect, and the danger of turning away from Yahshua. Hebrews 5:11–14: Spiritual dullness and immaturity “You have become dull of hearing” The author says: “We have many things to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” The phrase “dull of hearing” does not mean they lacked intelligence. The Greek word conveys the idea of being sluggish, slow, lazy, or unresponsive. Notice that the author says they “have become” dull. They were not always in this condition. Their spiritual responsiveness had deteriorated. The problem was therefore moral and spiritual: • They had stopped listening carefully. • They were no longer applying what they had learned. • They had become passive. • Their endurance was weakening. • Their capacity to understand deeper truth had diminished through neglect. Spiritual truth becomes difficult to understand when a person repeatedly hears but does not obey. “You ought to be teachers” This does not necessarily mean every believer must hold a formal teaching office. It means mature believers should eventually become able to: • Explain the faith accurately. • Discern truth from error. • Encourage weaker believers. • Apply Scripture wisely. • Articulate the hope they possess. Their problem was not that they still needed instruction. All believers continue learning. Their problem was that they needed to restart lessons they should already have understood and practiced. Milk and solid food The author compares elementary teaching to milk and mature instruction to solid food. Milk is not bad. Babies need milk. Likewise, foundational biblical truths are essential. The problem is remaining dependent upon introductory teaching when one should have matured. Spiritual infancy becomes unhealthy when it is prolonged. The immature person is described as: • “Unskilled in the word of righteousness.” This could mean that the person is inexperienced in: • Understanding teaching about righteousness.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 25 • Applying Scripture to righteous living. • Discerning how Messiah’s work produces obedience. • Handling the Word accurately and responsibly. The mature person, by contrast, has trained spiritual faculties. “Their senses exercised to discern good and evil” The word translated “exercised” is related to athletic training. Mature discernment develops through consistent practice. The mature believer does not merely possess more information. The mature believer has learned to recognize: • Truth and error. • Faithfulness and compromise. • Obedience and self-deception. • The voice of Scripture and the pressure of culture. • What leads toward life and what leads toward apostasy. Discernment is formed through repeated obedience. One does not mature simply by hearing more sermons or accumulating more knowledge. Maturity develops as truth is practiced. these people were being pushed in two directions. These Hellenized Jews had become indoctrinated into Roman which also involved their Greek way of thinking. Can we see a Life Application in this? We are called to be priest. 1Pe t2:9-10 Verse10. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you (us) out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of Elohim/God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Exodus 19:5-6 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you (Moses) shall speak to the people of Israel.” These verses speak of purpose, our purpose, already set forth from sundry times (Heb 1:1-2). The message is clear. As we consider the full nature of the Order of Melchizedek and our purpose as priests of Yahuah, we too are to shew forth the teachings of Him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light; and stand in it as we walk in it. 1 Peter 2:5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Yahshua.
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 26 1 Corinthians 4:1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Yahshua and stewards of the mysteries of Yahuah. and made us a kingdom, priests to his Yahuah and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Additional verses: Revelation 5:10; and Isaiah 61:6. Here is the charge, how many of us can accept walking in this role? Do any of us live like Hellenized Jews Priest of Yahuah? This is the partial message that The Book of Hebrews speak of. Part Two Continues………………..Look for in October, Yah Permits
The Order of Melchizedek: A Better Covenant 27 PART TWO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W42s4Q0WEtM This is the end of Part One of this Series. In Part Two, will consist of taking a deeper look into these principles as we move forward to chapters 7-13 which introduces us more into the knowledge of Yahshua and the beginnings of the Yahuah’s Foundational Principles. Indeed these were in place well before Israel became Israel.