For he of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, of which no man has ever served at the altar.
Read Chapter 7
John Chrysostom
AD 407
And observe the mystery. First it was royal, and then it has become sacerdotal: so therefore also in regard to Christ: for King indeed He always was, but has become Priest from the time that He assumed the Flesh, that He offered the sacrifice. You see the change, and the very things which were ground of objection these he introduces, as though the natural order of things required them. For (he says) He of whom these things are spoken pertained to another tribe. I myself also say it, I know that this tribe [of Judah] had nothing of priesthood. For there is a transferring.
3. Yea and I am showing another difference also (he would say): not only from the tribe, nor yet only from the Person, nor from the character [of the Priesthood], nor from the covenant, but also from the type itself. Hebrews 7:16 Who was made [became so], not according to the law of a carnal commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. He became (he says) a priest not according to the law of a carnal commandment: for that law was in many respects unlawful.
What is, of a carnal commandment? Circumcise the flesh, it says; anoint the flesh; wash the flesh; purify the flesh; shave the flesh; bind upon the flesh; cherish the flesh; rest as to the flesh. And again its blessings, what are they? Long life for the flesh; milk and honey for the flesh; peace for the flesh; luxury for the flesh. From this law Aaron received the priesthood; Melchisedec however not so.
