EXPOSITION
THE PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST.
The purpose of the first part of this chapter (Hebrews 5:1-10) is to corroborate the position arrived at in the conclusion of Hebrews 4:1-16., viz. that we have in Christ a true High Priest sufficient for all our needs. This is done by analyzing the conception of a high priest, and observing that Christ in all respects fulfils it. And thus the full exposition of Christ's heavenly priesthood above that of Aaron is prepared for. But this full exposition is still not entered on till after an exhortation (beginning at Hebrews 5:11), longer and more earnest than any former one, called for by the slowness of the Hebrew Christians to apprehend the doctrine. It is at length taken up and carried out in Hebrews 7:1-28.
The intention of Hebrews 7:1-10 being as above explained, it is a mistake to suppose any contrast intended here between the Aaronic priesthood and that of Christ; e.g. to take Hebrews 7:1-3 as meaning, Human high priests can sympathize in virtue of their own infirmity,—otherwise Christ; or, Human high priests have need of atonement for themselves,—not so Christ. The main drift, on the contrary, is that all recognized essentials of high priesthood are found in Christ. These essentials are that, the high priest's office being to mediate between man and God,