JESUS Christ’s High Priesthood after the order of Melchisedec Heb. 7:1-10, FAR MORE EXCELLENT THAN Aaron’S PRIESTHOOD, 11-28.
“First being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of peace” (v. 2). “Everything has an “interpretation”. “In the Scripture everything is of importance; we cannot read and interpret the Scripture as any other book, since Scripture is not like any other book, even as no other book is like the Scripture. “Hence the names of persons and places, the omissions of circumstances, the use of the singular or plural number, the application of a title—all things are under the control of the all-wise and gracious Spirit of God. Compare Paul’s commentary on the word ‘all’ in Psalm 8:7, and the important deductions from it in Heb. 2:8 and 1Cor. 15:27; on the word ‘new’ Jer. 31, Heb. 8:13; the singular ‘seed’ Gal. 3:16. What a wonderful superstructure built on Psalm 110:4! Each word is full of most important and blessed meaning. In Psalm 32:1, 2 no mention is made of works, hence Romans 4:6’ (Adolph Saphir).” “Now the “interpretation” which is here given us. Melchizedek means “king of righteousness” and Salem “king of peace.” he represented Christ in His mediatorial office and work. Now the “King of righteousness” Ps. 45:4–7; 72:1–3, 7; 85:10, 11. Is. 9:6, 7; Je. 23:5, 6;
and “of peace” Lu. 2:14. Ro. 3:26; 5:1, 2. Ep. 14–18. is the Author, Cause, and Dispenser of righteousness and peace. Christ is the Maker and Giver of peace because He is “the Lord our righteousness” Jer. 23:6. Righteousness must go first, and then peace will follow after. This is the uniform order of Scripture wherever the two are mentioned together: peace never precedes righteousness. Mark well the following passages: “Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together: righteousness and peace have kissed” Ps. 85:9, 10. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever” Isa. 32:17. “In His days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth” Ps. 72:7. Jesus Christ is “the Righteous” One 1Jn. 2:1. He came here to “fulfill all righteousness” Matt. 3:15). He rose with the garment of righteouness. Is. 61:10. Therefore we were made “the righteousness of God in Him” 2Cor. 5:21. He also came here to pacify the wrath of God against His people’s sins Eph. 2:3 to be a propitiation Rom. 3:25, to “make peace through the blood of His cross” Col. 1:20. Hence we are told, “Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Rom. 5:1. Divinely perfect was the type! All authority has been given to Him in heaven and in earth Matt. 28:18. He is, even now, upholding all things by the word of His power Heb. 1:3. He is expressly declared to be “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and the Lord of lords” 1Tim. 6:15. In the Millennium this will be openly demonstrated here upon earth. Then it will appear to all that He is a righteous Branch, for as King He shall “reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” (Jer. 23:5), and, as Is. 9:7 tells us, “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end”. Meanwhile, faith views Him today as King, King of righteousness and King of peace.” Pink Arthur W.
