A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 42. Of Melchisedecs Priest-hood greater then Levi.

THe main point, that Melchisedec exceeded Levi, is here proved in this sixt 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and withall the consequence of the former argument (mentioned §. 36.) is con∣firmed. The consequence was this. If the sons of Levi in receiving tithes from their brethren, were therein counted greater then their brethren, then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 must needs be counted greater then they.

The confirmation of the consequence resteth on the person of whom 〈◊〉〈◊〉 received tithes: which was Abraham the Father of Levi. For he that is greater then the Father, must needs be greater then the son.

The former part of the sixt verse, containeth a description of Melchisedec, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉, a 1.1 He whose descent is not counted from them: which are the interpretation of this mystery, b 1.2 without descent, because his descent or pedigree was not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up.

This phrase, c 1.3 descent is counted, is the interpretation of one Greek word: which is a compound of a noun and a verb. d 1.4 The noun signifieth, among other things •…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or pedigree, or linage. e 1.5 The verb signifieth to utter or declare, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉: So as to have ones descent counted, is to have those from whom he com∣•…•…, and who descend from him, reckoned up and declared. But no such thing is done of Melchisedec: therefore it is said, his descent is not counted.

This clause, f 1.6 from them, is here added to shew a further difference betwixt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the Levits. Their descent was counted from Levi and from Abraham; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Melchisedecs from none such.

Or otherwise this phrase, from them, may indefinitely be taken: as if it had been 〈◊〉〈◊〉, from men. For he was, without descent, as is noted, §. 24.

This sheweth, that the right which Melchisedec had to receive tithes, was by no priviledge of kindred, as being one of Abrahams progenitors or predecessors: but only in regard of his office: meerly and simply, because he was a Priest of God, and in that respe•…•… hath a speciall prerogative, power and dignity above Abraham. And i•…•… above Abraham, then much more above Levi, who descended from Abraham; and for this end it is again expresly mentioned that, he received tithes from Abraham.

The issue of all is, that Melchisedecs Priest-hood was greater then the Priest-hood of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and in that respect much m•…•…re was Christs Priest-hood greater: and th•…•…reupon the more to be admired, and with greater confidence to be rested upon, See v. 4. §. 31. and v. 11. §. 66.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• c 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• d 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• e 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• f 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.