Please note: The order of Melchizedek was not an earthly priesthood. Abraham met Melchizedek before Israel became a nation and before the levitical priesthood was established. The Melchizedek order is an eternal priesthood Hebrews 5:6, 6:20, 7:17. Just as the Gentiles were included in the promise before they became physically included, by faith and also before Israel became a nation. Genesis 18:18; 22:18, Galatians 3:7-9
Hebrews 7
1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. 5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; 6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. 8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
John 8
[sup]52[/sup] Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ [sup]53[/sup] Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”
[sup]54[/sup] Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. [sup]55[/sup] Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. [sup]56[/sup] Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”
[sup]57[/sup] Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”
[sup]58[/sup] Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
[sup]59[/sup] Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Shalom!
