Greater Than Abraham and Levi – Hebrews 7:4-10
Oct 8, 2025 123
Hebrews 7:4-10
“See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. But this man, who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.” (ESV)
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Abraham Honoured Someone Greater
Hebrews tells us to “see how great this man was.” That’s saying something when the one showing honour is Abraham – the patriarch, the man of promise, the father of faith. Yet after his victory, Abraham meets Melchizedek and gives him a tenth of everything. In doing that, Abraham acknowledges Melchizedek’s greatness. The giver recognises the greater one.
Verse 7 makes the point super clear: “It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior.” Abraham, the one who received God’s promises, is now receiving a blessing from another. That means the entire story of Israel – its ancestry, its covenant, its priesthood – all stands under someone greater.
Even Levi Bowed Through Abraham
The writer pushes the logic even further. If Abraham gave to Melchizedek, then Levi – Abraham’s great-grandson and the head of Israel’s priestly tribe – did too. “He was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him” (v. 10). It’s the writer’s way of saying the whole priestly system was, in a sense, bowing to someone higher.
That’s huge. All those sacrifices and rituals were never meant to be the final word. The old covenant priesthood was temporary and imperfect. But in this ancient encounter, God was already pointing forward to a greater priesthood – one that would never need replacing.
The Good News is…
Jesus is the better priest we’ve been waiting for. He doesn’t come from Abraham’s line to serve under the old system – he stands above it. In John 8, Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am.” He is greater than Abraham, greater than Levi, greater than every priest who ever stood between humanity and God.
That means we don’t depend on ancestry, tradition, or performance to approach God. We come through Jesus alone – the eternal priest whose blessing never fades. He has already offered the perfect sacrifice and now invites us to live under his grace and favour.
When you wonder whether you’re good enough, remember this: Abraham bowed before a shadow, but you stand before the substance. The greater priest has come – and he blesses you forever.
Reflection
Where do you still look for confidence apart from Jesus? Success, family heritage, ministry, approval? Ask the Father to remind you that Christ’s priesthood is enough – greater, stronger, and more secure than anything else.
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