From the age of accountability all mankind
instinctively knows that there is a Supreme Creator and Ruler over all of
creation.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of Elohim is revealed from
heaven against all wickedness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the
truth in unrighteousness,
Rom 1:19 because that which is known of Elohim is
manifest among them, for Elohim has manifested it to them.
Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His
invisible qualities have been clearly seen, being understood from what
has been made, both His everlasting power and Mightiness, for them to be
without excuse,
Rom 1:21 because, although they knew Elohim, they did
not esteem Him as Elohim, nor gave thanks, but became vain in their reasonings,
and their undiscerning heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 and changed the esteem of the incorruptible
Elohim into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds and of
four-footed beasts and of reptiles.
Rom 1:24 Therefore Elohim gave them up to uncleanness
in the lust of their hearts, to disrespect their bodies among themselves,
Rom 1:25 who changed the truth of Elohim into the
falsehood, and worshipped and served what was created rather than the Creator,
who is blessed forever. Amĕn.
By virtue of the fact that there is this Supreme
authority, it is incumbent upon all of mankind to establish how this Supreme
Being has chosen to be in relationship with His Creation.
We see once again in this Torah portion that YHVH has
chosen priesthood. This chosen priesthood has been instructed to function in a
particular way. Even this priesthood has an authority structure and a supreme
leader.
Heb 7:11 Truly, then, if perfection were through the
Lĕwitical priesthood – for under it the people were given the Torah – why was
there still need for another priest to arise according to the order of
Malkitseḏeq, and not be called
according to the order of Aharon?
Heb 7:12 For
the priesthood being changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law1
also. Footnote: 1Heb. 7:12. See “Law” in Explanatory notes.
Heb 7:13 For
He of whom this is said belongs to another tribe, from which no one had
attended at the altar.1 Footnote: 1See “Altar” in
Explanatory notes.
Heb 7:14 For
it is perfectly clear that our Master arose from Yehuḏah, a tribe about
which Mosheh never spoke of concerning priesthood,
Heb 7:15 and
this is clearer still, if another priest arises in the likeness of Malkitseḏeq,
Heb 7:16 who
has become, not according to the Torah of fleshly command, but according to the
power of an endless life,
Heb 7:17 for
He does witness, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Malkitseḏeq.”
Heb 7:18 For
there is indeed a setting aside of the former command because of its weakness
and unprofitableness,
Heb 7:19 for
the Torah perfected naught, but the bringing in of a better expectation,
through which we draw near to Elohim.
Heb 7:20 And
it was not without an oath!
Heb 7:21 For
they indeed became priests without an oath, but He became Priest with an
oath by Him who said to Him, “יהוה has sworn and
shall not regret, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Malkitseḏeq.’ ”
Heb 7:22 By as
much as this יהושע has become a
guarantor of a better covenant.
Heb 7:23 And
indeed, those that became priests were many, because they were prevented by
death from continuing,
Heb 7:24 but (Gk
–yet)He, because He remains forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
Heb 7:25 Therefore
He is also able to save completely those who draw near to Elohim through Him,
ever living to make intercession for them.
Heb 7:26 For it
was fitting that we should have such a High Priest – kind, innocent, undefiled,
having been separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens,
Heb 7:27 who does
not need, as those high priests, to offer up slaughter offerings day by
day, first for His own sins and then for those of the people, for this He did
once for all when He offered up Himself.
Heb 7:28 For the
Torah appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath
which came after the Torah, appoints the Son having been perfected
forever.
When we who have grown up in the church read this
passage of scripture we immediately assume that the Levitical priesthood has
been done away with. This is impossible – see Matt 5:17-19.
Let us consider once again this Torah portion and the
unchanging nature of YHVH’s Truth.