6. he whose descent is not counted from them--not from "the sons
of Levi," as those "who receive the priesthood." This verse explains
"without descent" (Greek, "genealogy" in both verses,
Heb 7:3).
He who needs not, as the Levitical priests, to be able to trace his
genealogy back to Levi.
received--Greek, "hath received tithes."
blessed--Greek, "hath blessed." The perfect tense
implies that the significance of the fact endures to the present time.
him that had--"the possessor of the promises," Abraham's
peculiar distinction and designation. Paul exalts Abraham in order
still more to exalt Melchisedec. When Christ is the subject, the
singular "promise" is used. "The promises" in the plural, refer to
God's promise of greatness to himself and his seed, and of the
possession of Canaan, twice repeated before the blessing of
Melchisedec. As the priests, though above the people
(Heb 7:7)
whom it was their duty to "bless," were yet subordinate to Abraham; and
as Abraham was subordinate to Melchisedec, who blessed him, Melchisedec
must be much above the Levitical priests.
JFB.
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