Verse 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

In the five following verses the Apostle pursues and concludes that part of his argument from the consideration of Melchisedec, which concerned the greatness and glory of him who was represented by him, and his preeminence above the Levitical priests. For if Melchisedec who was but a type of him, was in his own person in so many instances more excellent than they; how much more must he be esteemed to be above them, who was represented by him. For he whom another is appointed to represent, must be more glorious than he by whom he is represented. This part of his argument the Apostle concludes in these verses, and from there proceeds to another great inference and deduction from what he had taught concerning this Melchisedec. And this was that which strook to the heart of that controversie which he had in hand, namely, that the Levitical Priesthood must necessarily cease upon the introduction of that better priesthood which was fore-signified by that of Melchisedec. And these things, whatever sence we now have of them, were those on which the salvation or damnation of these Hebrews did absolutely depend. For unless they were prevailed on to forgoe that priesthood which was now abolished, and to betake themselves alone to that more excellent which was then introduced, they must unavoidably perish; as accordingly on this very account it fell out with the generality of that people, their posterity persisting in the same unbelief to this day. And that which God made the crisis of the life and death of that church and people, ought to be diligently weighed and considered by us. It may be some find not themselves much concerned in this laborious accurate dispute of the Apostle, wherein so much occurrs about pedigrees, priests, and tithes, which they think belongs not to them. But let them remember, that in that great day of taking down the whole fabric of Mosaical worship, and the abolition of the Covenant of Sinai, the life and death of that ancient church, the posterity of Abraham the friend of God, to whom to this season an inclosure was made of all spiritual priviledges (Romans 9:4), depended upon their receiving or rejecting of the truth here contended for. And God in like manner does often-times single out especial truths for the trial of the faith and obedience of the church in especial seasons. And when he does so, there is ever after an especial veneration due to them. But to return.

Upon the supposition that the Levitical priests did receive tithes, as well as Melchisedec, wherein they were equal; and that they received tithes of their brethren the posterity of Abraham, which was their especial prerogative and dignity; he yet proveth by four arguments that the greatness he had assigned to Melchisedec and his preeminence above them, was no more than was due to him. And the first of these is taken from the consideration of his person of whom he received tithes, ver. 6. The second from the action of benediction which accompanied his receiving of tithes, ver. 7. The third from the condition and state of his own person compared with all those who received tithes according to the law, ver. 8. And the fourth from that which determines the whole question, namely, that Levi himself, and so consequently all the whole race of priests that sprang from his loyns, did thus pay tithes to him.