Hebrews 7:11-12 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.
The author now adds another logical point to his argument through the use of a rhetorical question. The logic of the question assumes a negative answer: there is no need for another priest. The first step in the logic is the idea that the Levitical was not able to resolve the sin problem and bring “perfection.” “Perfect” is an important theological word in the New Testament and in Hebrews. The basic idea behind it is something that has reached it goal or intended purpose. In the image of chapters 3 and 4, perfect is crossing the Jordan river and entering the promised land. Basically, perfection is following through with the promises God has made in Jesus, which means having faith and letting this faith move into the action of obediently walking towards the hope we have in Jesus. The sacrificial system administered by the Levitical priesthood could not bring this level of faith because it could not take care of the sin problem. This system set up in the law was temporary. The author will tell the readers how sacrifices had to be made continually and never permanently atoned for sin. Verse 11 is a hint of this argument that will come later in the epistle.
The second step in the logic is that if the Levitical priesthood actually brought perfection, then Jesus, a priest in the order of Melchizedek, would not need to have come. But Jesus, the Son of God, did come and die on a cross and rise from the dead. This point is assumed in the background of verse 11. The author is comparing two priestly orders: the Aaronic order passed down through the Levitical priesthood, which was temporary and never fully broad perfection, and the Melchizedekian order passed down through Jesus, which brought a permanent solution to sin.
The third step is the logical outcome of the first two and is given in verse 12. Since a new priestly order has emerged that finds its origins or at least its type in the ancient priest king, Melchizedek, then the law that governs this priesthood must have changed. There is a new law that takes effect. This verse prepares for what follows by providing the logical basis for the new way that Jesus brings.
This passage may see confusing to the casual reader but its point is important. This passage and other parts of Hebrews connects Jesus to the story of Israel and shows that God had a plan in mind from the beginning. There is unity to the big story of the Bible. The author of Hebrews is bringing the parts of this story together in a creative way.
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