Hebrews 7 — Verse 9, 10 (Introduction)

It may be objected to the whole precedent argument of the Apostle, that although Abraham himself paid tithes to Melchisedec, yet it follows not that Melchisedec was superior to the Levitical Priests, concerning whom alone the question was between him and the Jews. For although Abraham might be a priest in some sense also, by virtue of common right, as were all the Patriarchs, yet was he not so by virtue of any especial office, instituted of God to abide in the Church. But when God afterwards by peculiar law and ordinance erected an order and office of priesthood in the family of Levi, it might be superior to or exalted above that of Melchisedec, although Abraham paid tithes to him. This objection therefore the Apostle obviates in these verses, and therewithal giving his former argument a farther improvement, he makes a transition according to his usual custom (as it has been often observed that it is his method to do) to his especial design, in proving the excellency of the Priesthood of Christ, above that of the law, which is the main scope of this whole discourse.