9. It could be said that Levi, who received a tenth, paid a tenth through Abraham
10. because he was still in his ancestor’s body when Abraham paid the tenth to Melchizedek.
11. So if perfection came through the levitical office of priest (for the people received the Law under the priests), why was there still a need to speak about raising up another priest according to the order of Melchizedek rather than one according to the order of Aaron?
12. When the order of the priest changes, there has to be a change in the Law as well.
13. The person we are talking about belongs to another tribe, and no one ever served at the altar from that tribe.
14. It’s clear that our Lord came from the tribe of Judah, but Moses never said anything about priests from that tribe.
15. And it’s even clearer if another priest appears who is like Melchizedek.
16. He has become a priest by the power of a life that can’t be destroyed, rather than a legal requirement about physical descent.
17. This is confirmed: You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.
18. On the one hand, an earlier command is set aside because it was weak and useless
19. (because the Law made nothing perfect). On the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
20. And this was not done without a solemn pledge! The others have become priests without a solemn pledge,
21. but this priest was affirmed with a solemn pledge by the one who said, The Lord has made a solemn pledge and will not change his mind: You are a priest forever.