Bible Study – Book of Hebrews 7

Better than Melchizedek
Hebrews 7

Read Hebrews 7:1-10

1. What is the setting for Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek?Read Genesis 14:1-24 (especially v.18-20)
2. How would you describe Melchizedek?  (see also Genesis 14:18, Psalm 110:4)[his name, title, family?]
3. What role did Melchizedek play in Abraham’s life?
4. Why did Abraham give Melchizedek a tithe?
5. Why did Abraham refuse the spoils offered by the king of Sodom?  (Gen. 14:22-24)
6. What does David write in Psalm 110 about Melchizedek?  About Jesus?
   (See also Matthew 22:41-46)
7. What is the message the author of Hebrews makes of the meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek?  (Heb. 7:3-10)
8. What is the significance of the absence of any genealogy of Melchizedek?
9. What are the aspects of Melchizedek’s priesthood that relate to the priesthood of our Lord?
   How should these inspire confidence and courage in Christians?

Read Hebrews 7:11-28

1.  What limitation of both the Law and the Levitical priesthood is pointed out in v. 11-12?
2.  What would have disqualified Jesus from serving as an Israelite priest under the Law?
3. What distinguishing characteristics separate the priestly order of Melchizedek from that of the Levites?  (v.16-17 – see also Numbers 20:28)
4. How does v.18 describe the Law?
   But what does Rom. 7:12 say about the Law?
   How can both of these seemingly contradictory statements both be true? (see Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13-14)
5. What is the relationship, if any, between Hebrews 7:18-22 and 6:13-18?
6. What is the “better covenant” referred to in 7:22?  (Note ch. 8-10)
7. How does Psalm 110:4 serve as a prophecy of the coming of Messiah to serve as our Great High Priest; different from the Levitical priesthood?
8. So what are the benefits of our Lord being “a priest forever” (Hebrews 7:21, 25)?
9. Why does the author say that Christ saves forever “those who draw near to God” (7:25), rather than “those who trust in Christ” or something like this?
10.  Note the key phrase, “once for all” in Hebrews (7:27; 9:12, 26; 10:2, 10).  How is this good news for us and all people?
11.  What is “the oath that came after the Law” (v.28) – see again 6:13-14; 7:20-22.