Hebrews 8 and 9

Hebrews 6

This chapter begins with incorrect wording that many translations have corrected including the JST. “Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ” doesn’t sound like good counsel. The JST says, “Not leaving” and a rendering of the Greek is more like “leaving the beginning doctrines.” Two ways to look at is to not build the foundation all over again, or it’s time to move on from the milk to the meat. I believe that verses 4-6 refer to those who have had their calling and election made sure. The Savior has appeared to them, they have perfect knowledge of his existence, and yet they still fall away, do evil and deny him. Joseph Smith said that these people stand outside in the noon sun and say it doesn’t exist. President Kimball said that in the end, the number of people who do this will be very few. In scripture they are referred to as sons of perdition.

Hebrews 7

We learn a little about the greatness of Melchizedek in this chapter. His name means “King of righteousness.” He was king of the city of Salem. Ancient tablets give the name of the city as Uru-Salem, which is easily identified as Jerusalem, meaning in Hebrew “the city peace” and this was about 2000 b.c. The JST also helps verse 3 to have more sense, “For this Melchizedek was ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother…” It wouldn’t make sense for Abraham to be born without father or mother. Verses 11-12 make clear reference to two priesthoods, the Aaronic and the Melchizedek. Perfection could and cannot be achieved through the lesser or Aaronic. As Paul states, if it could, there would be no need for the higher or Melchizedek priesthood. This was important for Paul because he didn’t act by the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood which the Jews held at the time of Christ, but by the authority of the higher priesthood. For the Jews, there had now come a change in priesthood, and as a result, a change in the law. As Paul says, the former laws were disannulled because they were unprofitable for salvation. The Aaronic was given through lineage of the tribe of Levi. The Melchizedek was given by oath and covenant. Christ is the great high priest of Melchizedek.