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Hebrews 7:25 and the Other Verses of Hebrews 6:13–20 and Hebrews 7

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“As Moses lifted up the serpent [the serpent made of bronze described in Numbers 21:8–9] in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life, for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten [uniquely born] Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

“…for by grace you are saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, lest any man should boast.”

Above is the content of John 3:14–16 and the content of Ephesians 2:8–9, respectively.  Itʼs worthwhile to refrain from receiving the mark referenced in Revelation 13:11–18 and to instead receive eternal life for free by believing that Jesus is the Savior.  Before doing any Bible studying and before praying to God the Father, it is useful for a person who has believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior to try to think of any sins that one might have committed since one last confessed oneʼs known post-salvation sins to God the Father, and if one has indeed committed any, to then silently confess those sins to God the Father—confessing only one time for each sin—in accordance with what is mentioned in 1 John 1:9:  

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This webpage could be periodically updated.  If there is a mass disappearance of people professing to be Christians, and if the original author of this webpage is amongst those people disappearing en masse, then it is possible that this webpage will no longer be updated.  Also, if there is a mass disappearance of people professing to be Christians, it is worthwhile to consider the possibility that those people have exited from the earth on the occasion known as the Rapture instead of assuming that that mass disappearance involves extraterrestrials abducting those people or involves the annihilation of those people or involves anything else other than the Rapture.  

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Also, it is possible that it is worthwhile to print this content in case of time periods involving lack of Internet connectivity.  

When studying the Word of God, it is beneficial to keep in mind the content of Hebrews 4:12:  

“Indeed, the Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit and of the joints and the marrow and is a critic of thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Note:  The heart refers to the mind.  

It is also beneficial to keep in mind the content of 2 Timothy 3:16–17 when studying the Word of God:  

“All Scripture is God breathed and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God might be mature, having been thoroughly furnished unto all good work.”

It is the responsibility of a pastor-teacher to endeavor to correctly understand the Word of God and then to accurately teach the Word of God, as per the content of 2 Timothy 2:15:  

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of Truth.”

A pastor-teacher is a communicator rather than a crutch on which to be leaned.  In that regard, a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ should refrain from putting oneʼs trust in and thereby serving as a devoted follower of and thus worshiping a pastor-teacher.  Likewise, a believer should refrain from putting oneʼs trust in and thereby serving as a devoted follower of and thus worshiping anyone other than the Trinity [God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit], as per Joshua 24:15, the content of which references Joshua speaking to the Israelites:  

If it is disagreeable/bad/evil/wrong/wretchedness/displeasing in your sight to serve/worship Jehovah / Yahweh / I am I am / the existing One, choose for yourselves today whom you serve/worship:  whether the gods ['elohiym / false gods] which your fathers have served/worshiped which were beyond the river or the gods ['elohiym / false gods] of the Amorites in whose land you are living.  As for me and my house, we serve/worship Jehovah / Yahweh / I am I am / the existing One.

Note:  Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Joshua had been serving as the assistant of Moses while Moses was the leader of the Israelites, set the example for the Israelites.  Joshua chose to put his trust in and thereby serve as a devoted follower of and thus worship God the Father rather than Joshua choosing to put his trust in and thereby serve as a devoted follower of and thus worship the lesser of multiple evils amongst multiple choices of 'elohiym [el-oh-HEEM].  The word 'elohiym with a lowercase e can refer to false gods, to angels, or to human rulers or judges.  The word 'Elohiym with a capital E refers to the Trinity.  The word 'elohiym can also be used to refer to might as in mightiness.  In that regard, the use of the word 'elohiym in reference to false gods, to angels, or to human rulers or judges involves the connotation of mightiness in comparison to an average human.  When a person puts oneʼs trust in and thereby serves as a devoted follower of and thus worships an angel or human, that angel or human is that personʼs false god.  Regarding the foregoing, the content of Joshua 24:15 involves Joshua calling attention to the choices that the Israelites had, and that content involves Joshua permitting the Israelites to make their choices while Joshua led by example with his choice.  

The gift of pastor-teacher is for the purpose of each pastor-teacher functioning as a messenger who communicates the Word of God rather than functioning as a priest between the Trinity and mankind.  In that regard, the time period that can be referred to as the Church Age started fifty days after the Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected, and all Church Age believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are priests.  The Lord Jesus Christ is the High Priest of Church Age believers, and believers should be willing to acknowledge/confess/profess to people the believersʼ faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as per Hebrews 4:14–15:  

Therefore, since we have a great High Priest Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the acknowledgment/confession/profession.  Indeed, we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

Also, the Lord Jesus Christ is the High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek [mel-KIZ-uh-dek], who was the ruler of Salem when Abraham was still named Abram.  Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, as per Genesis 14:18, which references Melchizedek greeting Abram:  

Then Melchizedek king of Salem has brought out bread and wine, and he is a priest of 'El [AYL] 'Elyown [el-YOHN] / God [focusing on God the Fatherʼs power] Most High.

The Lord Jesus Christ is also both a king and a priest because the Lord is the Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, as per Hebrews 7:14–17:  

Indeed, it is evident that our Lord has arisen from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.  Also, it is still much more evident:  that according to the similarity of Melchizedek, Another of a different type of priest arises, Who has become such not on the basis of a law of fleshly command / physical requirement but according to the power of an indestructible life.  Indeed, it is attested:  “YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.”

Note:  The Lord Jesus Christ is from the tribe of Judah.  Also, the Lord Jesus Christ is qualified to be a priest because He was resurrected and therefore has an indestructible body.  The above content in all capital letters is a reference to Psalm 110:4.  

Because a king is royalty, a king who is a priest is a royal priest.  In that regard, Church Age believers are royalty because they are members of the Lord Jesus Christʼs family.  Therefore, all Church Age believers are royal priests, as per 1 Peter 2:9–10:  

However, you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR ACQUISITION/PRESERVATION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him Who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light, for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are GODʼS PEOPLE.  You had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

Note:  Before the Church Age, Gentiles were not Godʼs people.  In the Church Age, both Jewish and Gentile believers are Godʼs people.  The content of 1 Peter 2:10 references Hosea 2:23.  In that regard, Peter uses references involving Israel in the Old Testament to refer to Church Age believers.  

Itʼs the message rather than the messenger that should be the focus of the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Put succinctly:  itʼs the message rather than the messenger.  In that regard, it is beneficial to keep in mind the content of Revelation 22:8–9, which was written by the apostle John, who, in addition to writing The Revelation to John, wrote The Gospel According to John, The First Epistle of John, The Second Epistle of John, and The Third Epistle of John:  

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things, and when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things, but he says* to me, “Do not do that.  I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who keep the words of this book.  Worship God.”

*Note:  The word says is in the Greek historical present tense.  By means of the Greek historical present tense, past action or future action can be described from the perspective of someone seeing the action as it occurs.  

Regarding messages, believers should use the Word of God to examine what is being communicated.  That is what the Bereans who are mentioned in Acts 17:10–12 did:  

The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, who, when they arrived, went into the synagogue of the Jews.  Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, who received the word with all eagerness / readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.  Therefore, many of them believed, and not a few prominent Greek women and men.

Note:  The phrase not a few means “quite a few.”  

Today, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to meet believers in the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds on the occasion of the Rapture is one day closer than it was yesterday.  The Rapture involves both deceased and living believers in the Lord Jesus Christ meeting the Lord in the clouds in the atmosphere of the earth, receiving glorified immortal resurrection bodies similar to the Lord Jesus Christʼs glorified resurrection body, and going to Heaven with those resurrection bodies.  Before the Rapture occurs, deceased believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are in Heaven without glorified bodies.  While it is possible that the Rapture will occur on the day of the Feast of Trumpets / Yom Teruah [yahm tuh-ROO-uh or yohm tuh-ROO-uh]—which is what some people call Rosh Hashanah and which some people celebrate for two days—the next occurrence of which will possibly be during August, September, or October of 2026, it is worthwhile for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to get into the habit of being prepared every day for the return of the Lord, just in case the Rapture will occur on a day other than the day of the Feast of Trumpets / Yom Teruah.  Furthermore, it is worthwhile to be in the habit of being prepared for the Rapture so that if it does occur on the day of the Feast of Trumpets / Yom Teruah, one can be prepared for that day because of already being in the habit of being prepared.  Examples of being prepared for the Rapture include applying the content of 1 John 1:9 whenever one sins, being unselfish, and whenever circumstances are such that an opportunity arises, sharing the gospel—the good news that believing that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Savior Who was judged on the cross for the sins of humanity is the means by which a person is able to have eternal life.  Regarding sharing the gospel, one could also have a written or printed message containing the gospel with that written or printed message located somewhere where it could be easily noticed so that if a person or people were to read or hear that written or printed message either before or after the Rapture occurs, that person or people would thereby read or hear the gospel by means of that written or printed message.  

Regarding information about the Rapture, it is beneficial to keep in mind the content of 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51–52:  

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope, for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again—and we do indeed believe that Jesus died and rose again—so also God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.  Indeed, this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive who remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who have fallen asleep, for the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout of command, with a voice of an archangel and with a trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive who remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore, comfort one another with these words.

1 Corinthians 15:51–52

Behold, I tell you a mystery:  we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for a trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.

After the Rapture will be the seven-year Tribulation.  The believers who will be alive on the earth when the Rapture occurs will escape the Tribulation.  1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 covers that topic.  In that regard, in the book 1 Thessalonians, the content of 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 is immediately followed by the content of 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11.  

1 Thessalonians 5:1–11

Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you, for you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord is coming just like a thief in the night.  While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.  However, you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief, for you are all sons of light and sons of day.  We are not of night nor of darkness; therefore, let us not sleep as others, but let us be alert and sober.  Indeed, those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.  However, since we are of day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and benevolence/goodwill, and as a helmet, the hope / absolute confidence of deliverance, for God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining deliverance through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.  Therefore, comfort one another and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Note:  In this context, the day of the Lord is the time period that consists of the Rapture, the seven years of the Tribulation, and the Second Advent.  In that regard, deliverance from the Tribulation is the deliverance in this context.  Also, unspecified is who will be saying “Peace and safety!”  In this context, sleeping refers to a lack of alertness.  The alertness in this context involves being ready for the Rapture.  In order to be ready for the Rapture, a believer needs to be filled with the power of God the Holy Spirit and to pay attention for historical trends such as people saying “Peace and safety!” and for historical trends that match the pattern of the world being on the brink of tremendous calamities like those that will occur during the Tribulation.  Regarding being filled with the power of God the Holy Spirit, once a believer commits a sin after salvation, that believer is no longer filled with the power of God the Holy Spirit and is out of fellowship with the Trinity.  After that believer has confessed/acknowledged to God the Father all of that believerʼs known unconfessed post-salvation sins, fellowship with the Trinity and the filling with the power of the Holy Spirit are restored.  The procedure for confessing/acknowledging to God the Father all of oneʼs known unconfessed post-salvation sins is mentioned in 1 John 1:9:  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  Fellowship with God the Father and God the Son is mentioned in 1 John 1.  Being out of fellowship with God the Holy Spirit is referenced in Ephesians 4:30.  In that regard, when a believer sins, that believer grieves the Holy Spirit.  Losing the filling of the power of God the Holy Spirit is referenced in 1 Thessalonians 5:19.  In that regard, when a believer sins, the power of God the Holy Spirit is quenched in that believer.  After a believer has confessed/acknowledged to God the Father all of that believerʼs known unconfessed post-salvation sins, that believer is then filled with the power of God the Holy Spirit again and in fellowship with the Trinity again.  

The verse of the day for April 26th is Hebrews 7:25.  The title of the book Hebrews is also known as “The Epistle to the Hebrews” and “The Letter to the Hebrews.”  The author of the book Hebrews is unspecified in the Bible.  Because it is useful to study verses in the context of the verses around them, below is content related to Hebrews 6:13–20 and Hebrews 7.  

Note:  The king-priest Melchizedek [mel-KIZ-uh-dek], the ruler of Salem, is a teaching illustration for learning about the Lord Jesus Christ.  In that regard, Melchizedek can be referred to as a type of Christ.  Rather than this usage of the word type referring to a subset, this usage of the word type refers to someone or something that serves as a teaching illustration.  In the Bible, there is a variety of types that serve as teaching illustrations for learning about the Lord Jesus Christ.  The study of types is referred to as typology.  

Referenced in the notes below is the Church Age.  With regard to the Church Age, below is a synopsis of human history as categorized into time periods known as dispensations.  In the below synopsis, there is the term hypostatic union [high-PUH-stat-ick YOON-yuhn].  This refers to the Lord Jesus Christ being 100% Deity and 100% humanity.  The English word hypostatic is derived from the Koine [KOI-nay] Greek word ὑπόστασις [pronounced hoo-PAH-stah-sees and transliterated as hypostasis].  After the Lord Jesus Christ was judged for the sins of humanity, His body was in the grave for three days and three nights.  He was then resurrected, and He was on the earth for forty days after He was resurrected.  He then ascended to Heaven, and ten days after that, the Day of Pentecost [PEN-tih-kahst] occurred.  The Day of Pentecost was the beginning of the Church Age.  The word Pentecost is derived from the Koine Greek word πεντηκοστή [pronounced pen-tay-kah-STAY and transliterated as pentēkostē].  That word is derived from the Koine Greek word πεντήκοντα [pronounced pen-TAY-kahn-tah and transliterated as pentēkonta], which means “fifty.”  Therefore, the word Pentecost is derived from the fact that that day occurred fifty days after the Lord was resurrected.  In that regard, the Church Age began fifty days after the Lord was resurrected.  The Church Age will end with the Rapture.  The Rapture involves both deceased and living believers in the Lord Jesus Christ meeting the Lord in the clouds in the atmosphere of the earth, receiving glorified immortal resurrection bodies similar to the Lord Jesus Christʼs glorified resurrection body, and going to Heaven with those resurrection bodies.  Before the Rapture occurs, deceased believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are in Heaven without glorified bodies.  Absent from the Bible is anything specifically indicating the precise date and time when the Rapture will occur, although it is possible that the Rapture will occur on the day of the Feast of Trumpets / Yom Teruah [yahm tuh-ROO-uh or yohm tuh-ROO-uh]—which is what some people call Rosh Hashanah and which some people celebrate for two days—the next occurrence of which will possibly be during August, September, or October of 2026.  

Regarding the word judgment, the proper way to spell that word is without an e between the dg and the m.  In that regard, the e of the root word judge is dropped when the suffix ment is added to that root word.  The formation of the word judgment is shown below.  

judge −e +ment

= judg +ment

= judgment

Another way to categorize human history is by means of civilizations.  Civilizations begin only with believers.  Regarding the timing of civilizations and dispensations, the first civilization began with Adam and ended on the occasion of the Great Flood (also known as the Flood).  That civilization is known as the antediluvian civilization and the predulivian civilization.  In that regard, the prefixes ante and pre mean “before.”  Also, there are various spellings of the adjectives that refer to the time before the Flood.  Those spellings include antediluvian, ante-diluvian, prediluvian, and pre-diluvian.  

After the Flood, there were only eight believers on the earth:  Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their sonsʼ wives.  With the removal of the unbelievers from the earth on the occasion of the Flood, a new civilization was started.  That civilization is known as the postdiluvian civilization (also known as the postdiluvial civilization).  Regarding the terminology, the prefix post means “after,” and the adjectives diluvian and diluvial mean “having to do with a flood.”  Also, there are various spellings of the adjectives that refer to the time after the Flood.  Those spellings include postdiluvian, post-diluvian, postdiluvial, and post-diluvial.  The postdiluvian civilization will end on the occasion of the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ.  On the occasion of the Second Advent, the Lord will remove all unbelievers from the earth.  Their removal will be by means of physical death just as the removal of all unbelievers was by means of physical death on the occasion of the Flood.  This is called the Baptism of Fire, which is either a metaphorical description because fire can be used to represent judgment or a literal reference to the use of fire in the judgment of unbelievers on the occasion of the Second Advent.  The Baptism of Fire is referenced in Matthew 3:11–12; Luke 3:15–17; and 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9.  

Just as a new civilization started after the Flood, so also a new civilization will start after the Baptism of Fire.  That civilization is called the Millennium.  The Millennium is both a civilization and a dispensation.  The Eternal State is also both a civilization and a dispensation.  

Hebrews 6:13

Indeed, when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could take an oath by no one greater, He took an oath by Himself,

Hebrews 6:14

saying, “I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU, AND I WILL SURELY MULTIPLY YOU.”

Note:  This refers to Abraham having many descendants.  Also, this is a reference to Genesis 22:15–17.  In that regard, below is content related to Genesis 22:15–17.  

Genesis 22:15

Then the Angel of Jehovah / Yahweh / I am I am / the existing One calls to Abraham a second time from the heavens 

Note:  The Angel of Jehovah / Yahweh / I am I am / the existing One was God the Son manifesting Himself in the form of an angel.  The use of a present tense in the verb calls references what has occurred in the past.  Such a use of a present tense has a rhetorical effect.  In that regard, using a verb in a present tense to refer to the past can help a reader or hearer of the Word of God imagine past events as though the reader or hearer is watching those events as they occur.  

The context of the content of this verse is such that the word heavens as used in this verse refers to the atmosphere of the earth.  In that regard, the atmosphere of the earth can be referred to as the first heavens (also known as the first heaven).  Outer space can be referred to as the second heavens (also known as the second heaven).  The location of the throne room of God the Father can be referred to as the Third Heavens (also known as the Third Heaven or simply as Heaven).  

Genesis 22:16

and says, “By Myself I have sworn—a declaration of Jehovah / Yahweh / I am I am / the existing One—because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son.  

Note:  Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac in accordance with what God the Son told Abraham to do.  Absent from the Bible is anything indicating that people should offer any other people to be sacrificed.  Also, God the Son had stopped Abraham from actually sacrificing Isaac.  

Genesis 22:17

“Indeed, I greatly bless you, and I greatly multiply your offspring/seed/descendants as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore  Your offspring/seed/descendants possess the gate of his enemies.”  

Note:  In this verse, the word heavens refers to outer space.  As mentioned in the notes for Genesis 22:15, outer space can be referred to as the second heavens (also known as the second heaven).  Abraham would have many descendants such that the number of those descendants could be compared to the stars that are in outer space and the grains of sand on a seashore.  

The verbs in the present tense in this verse are used to refer events that occurred after the Angel of Jehovah / Yahweh / I am I am / the existing One spoke this to Abraham.  Such uses of a present tense have a rhetorical effect.  In that regard, using a verb in a present tense to refer to the future can help a reader or hearer of the Word of God imagine future events as though the reader or hearer is watching those events as they occur.  

Possessing the gate of enemies refers to defeating enemies.  In that regard, the content of this verse involves a prophecy about Israelites defeating various enemies.  Israelites have defeated various enemies at various times in history.  

Also, the Lord Jesus Christ is descended from Abraham.  In that regard, when the Lord Jesus Christ was judged on the cross for the sins of humanity, the Lord achieved a strategic victory over Satan in the angelic conflict.  The angelic conflict is the conflict between the Trinity and the elect angels on one side and Satan and the fallen angels on the other side.  This conflict has been raging for a long time, and it began sometime before the creation of mankind.  How long the angelic conflict has been raging is unspecified in the Bible.  Also, the specific means by which the struggle of the angelic conflict is waged is unspecified in the Bible.  Whatever is the specific nature of that struggle, human beings were evidently created to resolve the angelic conflict.  In that regard, it appears that at least one aspect of the angelic conflict involves argumentation and attempts at persuasion, such as in a court case.  For example, when, in the Garden of Eden, the first woman was tricked by the serpent—whether the references to a serpent in Genesis 3 are metaphorical references to Satan appearing in a form other than that of a serpent or of something like a serpent or whether the references to a serpent in Genesis 3 are literal references to Satan appearing in the form of a serpent or of something like a serpent or whether the references to a serpent in Genesis 3 are literal references to Satan controlling a literal serpent—Satan persuaded the first woman to eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Later, Satan caused Job to experience suffering.  Later still, Satan tried to persuade the Lord Jesus Christ to sin.  The Biblical accounts of those occasions indicate that Satan was arguing and trying to persuade.  

In addition, on the occasion of the Second Advent, the Lord Jesus Christ will defat the Lordʼs enemies.  Then the Lord will reign on the earth for the 1,000 years of the Millennium.  At the end of the Millennium, the Lord Jesus Christ will again defat the Lordʼs enemies.  

Hebrews 6:15

Then in this manner, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.

Note:  This refers to Abraham having many descendants.  

Hebrews 6:16

Indeed, men take an oath by the greater, and to them an oath as confirmation is an end of every dispute.

Note:  In this verse, the pronoun them refers to those who had been disputing with someone who takes an oath.  When some people try to end a dispute, they take on oath by something greater.  For example, some people take an oath in the name of God the Father by saying something like the following:  “I swear to tell the truth—so help me God.”  

Hebrews 6:17

In the same way, God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, pledged Himself as a Surety/Guarantee with an oath,

Hebrews 6:18

so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope / absolute confidence set before us, 

Note:  The two unchangeable things are God promising Abraham and God taking an oath regarding that promise.  Unspecified in this verse and the surrounding verses is to what the phrase have fled for refuge refers.  Regardless of to what that phrase refers, the fact that God promised Abraham and took an oath about that promise can provide strong encouragement for a believer to take hold of the hope / absolute confidence that is found in the Word of God.  

It is possible that the author of The Epistle to the Hebrews used the reference to fleeing for refuge to refer to special cities under the regulations of the Mosaic Law.  The term Mosaic Law refers to the laws communicated by Moses to the ancient Israelites.  Because Moses communicated those laws, they are known collectively as the Mosaic Law.  The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law by being judged on the cross for the sins of humanity.  Now that the Lord Jesus Christ has fulfilled the Mosaic Law, no believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are under the regulations of the Mosaic Law.  Under the regulations of the Mosaic Law, there were cities of refuge, which were sanctuary cities to which a person who accidentally killed someone could flee for refuge from being slain by an avenging relative of the person who was accidentally killed.  The topic of the cities of refuge is covered in Numbers 35:9–29; Joshua 20; 1 Chronicles 6:57–60; and 1 Chronicles 6:66–70.  

The cities of refuge are teaching illustrations that teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.  In that regard, just as a person could escape physical death by literally fleeing to a city of refuge, so also a person can escape eternal judgment by metaphorically fleeing to the Lord Jesus Christ.  A person metaphorically flees to the Lord Jesus Christ by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior.  Because the cities of refuge are teaching illustrations that teach about the Lord Jesus Christ, the cities of refuge can be referred to as types of Christ.  Rather than this usage of the word type referring to a subset, this usage of the word type refers to someone or something that serves as a teaching illustration.  In the Bible, there is a variety of types that serve as teaching illustrations for learning about the Lord Jesus Christ.  The study of types is referred to as typology.  

Hebrews 6:19

which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and one which enters within the veil, 

Note:  The Word of God is an anchor for the soul in that the Word of God provides stability for the soul.  Rather than the Word of God being an anchor in a body of water, the Word of God is an anchor connected to Heaven.  In this verse, the phrase within the veil refers to Heaven.  There was a veil in the Tabernacle.  

When the Tabernacle was replaced by the First Temple, there was a veil in that Temple.  King Solomon, the third king of Israel, had had the First Temple built.  That Temple can also be called Solomonʼs Temple.  Many years later, in 586 B.C., the First Temple was destroyed by the soldiers of Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon.  

Later, the Second Temple was built.  It was eventually larger than the First Temple.  The Second Temple existed during the time of the First Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Second Temple can also be called Herodʼs Temple because King Herod, the ruler of Judea under the authority of the Romans, had construction work done in order to expand the Second Temple.  When the First Temple was replaced by the Second Temple, there was a veil in that Temple.  

Inside the Tabernacle were two sections:  the holy place and the Holy of Holies.  The veil separated the holy place from the Holy of Holies.  The same applied to each of the two Temples.  

The below link shows the cross-shaped layout of the items in the Tabernacle and in the associated courtyard with the eastward direction pointing downward.  The opening of the courtyard and the opening of the Tabernacle both faced eastward, which is the direction where the sun rises.  With the eastward direction pointing downward, the cross-like layout can be seen from the perspective of an upright cross.  

https://NETBible.org/media/images/constable/02Exo-5.jpg

Only the high priest of Israel could enter the Holy of Holies, and he could only do so on one day per year:  the Day of Atonement.  Because the Israelites lived a nomadic lifestyle at times, the Tabernacle and the contents thereof needed to be moved.  It is unspecified in the Bible how the Tabernacle was disassembled.  When it was disassembled, the Ark of the Covenant would be visible to the Israelites and any other onlookers.  Also, the Ark of the Covenant was carried into battle by the Israelites.  The Ark of the Covenant would be visible to the Israelites and any other onlookers on such occasions also.  

When the Tabernacle was assembled, if anyone other than the high priest of Israel entered the Holy of Holies, that person would die.  Likewise, if the high priest entered the Holy of Holies on any day other than the Day of Atonement, he would die.  In addition, when the high priest of Israel entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, he had to follow specific procedures; otherwise, he would die.  Leviticus 16 covers the matter of the high priest and entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement.  In that regard, Mosesʼs brother Aaron was the first high priest of Israel.  Also, in Leviticus 16, the Holy of Holies is referred to as the Holy Place inside the veil.  

Hebrews 6:20

where Jesus has entered as a Forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.  

Note:  Rather than the Lord Jesus Christ being a high priest according to the order of the Levitical priesthood, the Lord is the High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.  Melchizedek was both a king and a priest.  In contrast, none of the kings of Israel were priests, and none of the Levitical priests were kings.  The Lord Jesus Christ is both a King and a Priest.  In that regard, Melchizedek is a type of Christ because Melchizedek serves as a teaching illustration regarding the fact the Lord Jesus Christ is both a King and a Priest.  

The recipients of The Epistle to the Hebrews were Jewish believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Because they were Jewish, some if not all of them might have had strong impressions in their memories regarding the Levitical priesthood.  In that regard, it was important for them to be given detailed information related to the fact that the Levitical priesthood is non-operative in the Church Age.  Instead, during the Church Age, all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are priests.  That topic is covered in 1 Peter 2:9–10.  

Hebrews 7:1

Indeed, this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 

Note:  Salem was located where Jerusalem would later be located.  This verse references Abraham and the three hundred and eighteen men who worked for him rescuing Abrahamʼs nephew Lot from the evil kings who had taken Lot and others captive.  Abraham and the men who worked for him defeated those evil kings.  Then Melchizedek met Abraham and blessed him.  That topic is covered in Genesis 14.  

Hebrews 7:2

to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace.

Note:  Abraham rendered obeisance to Melchizedek—in other words, Abraham exhibited deferential respect for Melchizedek.  The name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness.”  Also, the name Salem means “peace.”  

Hebrews 7:3

Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.  

Note:  This verse involves metaphorical language to refer to an absence of historical records about the identity of Melchizedekʼs father, the identity of his mother, the date of Melchizedekʼs birth, and the date of his physical death.  Because information about Melchizedekʼs birth and physical death is absent from the Old Testament, the writer of The Epistle to the Hebrews could indicate that Melchizedek serves as a type that teaches about the eternality of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Also, because information about Melchizedekʼs physical death is absent from the Old Testament, the writer of The Epistle to the Hebrews could indicate that Melchizedek serves as a type that teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ remaining a priest forever.  

In contrast, for a man to be a priest in the Levitical priesthood, the genealogy of that man had to be known because only men who were of the tribe of Levi could be Levitical priests.  Also, Levitical priests experienced physical death.  When a Levitical priest experienced physical death, another man who was of the tribe of Levi was needed to serve as a Levitical priest as a replacement for the one that had died.  

Hebrews 7:4

Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils.

Hebrews 7:5

Also, those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priestʼs office have commandment according to the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from / have come out of the loins of Abraham.  

Note:  In this verse, the word Law refers to the Mosaic Law.  The term Mosaic Law refers to the laws communicated by Moses to the ancient Israelites.  Because Moses communicated those laws, they are known collectively as the Mosaic Law.  The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law by being judged on the cross for the sins of humanity.  Now that the Lord Jesus Christ has fulfilled the Mosaic Law, no believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are under the regulations of the Mosaic Law.  

This verse references tithing, which was a 10% tax collected from the people of the nation of Israel under the Mosaic Law.  In contrast, rather than believers in the Church Age being required to tithe, Church Age believers have the freedom to give according to the free-will choices of those believers.  That is covered in 2 Corinthians 9:7.  In that regard, below is content related to that verse.  

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly nor under compulsion, for God loves a gracious giver.

Note:  The heart refers to the mind.  

Just as the sustenance of Levitical priests needed to be provided for, so also the sustenance of Bible teachers in the Church Age needs to be provided for.  That topic is covered in 1 Timothy 5:17–18.  Below is content related to those verses.  

1 Timothy 5:17

The πρεσβύτεροι [pres-BOO-TEH-roy] / presbyteroi / elders [pastors] who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard / toil / labor to the point of exhaustion in word/doctrine and teaching, 

Note:  Regarding the verb lead in 1 Timothy 5:17, it is important to note that the authority of a pastor is within the scope of teaching rather than within the scope of trying to force people to make certain decisions.  Trying to force people to make certain decisions is spiritual bullying.  Rather than being a spiritual bully, a pastor needs to be grace-oriented.  With an attitude of grace orientation, a pastor must communicate the Word of God so that people can be well-informed when they use their volition (free will) to make the decisions that they make.  In that regard, a pastor must respect the free will of others to make their own decisions without any coercion whatsoever.  Making clear the truth and permitting others to make their own decisions about whether or not to make use of the truth is a manifestation of a grace-oriented ministry.  

The Koine Greek noun πρεσβύτεροι [pronounced pres-BOO-TEH-roy and transliterated as presbyteroi] is a plural inflected form of the root word πρεσβύτερος [pronounced pres-BOO-teh-rahs and transliterated as presbyteros].  The context of the content of 1 Timothy 5:17–18 is such that the word presbyteroi, which is translated as “elders” in 1 Timothy 5:17, refers to pastors of various congregations.  The noun presbyteros has a connotation of elder / old man from the standpoint of rank and authority rather than age.  The word presbyteros is the title of the pastor-teacher as the man in charge of the congregation.  In that regard, the word presbyteros emphasizes the rank of the pastor as the authority of the congregation.  Regarding elders, there is nothing in the New Testament indicating that Church Age believers should have a hierarchical structure other than a pastor having the authority to communicate to a congregation and to oversee the administration of the congregation.  In that regard, there is an absence of anything in the New Testament indicating that there should be a hierarchy of authority or rank in a congregation.  

In 1 Timothy 5:17, the Koine Greek noun that is translated as “word” or “doctrine” is λόγῳ [pronounced LAH-goh and transliterated as logō].  That noun is an inflected form of the root word λόγος [pronounced LAH-gahs and transliterated as logos].  In the context of the content of 1 Timothy 5:17–18, the apostle Paulʼs usage of logō refers to Bible doctrine—in other words, the Word of God.  In that regard, the reference to working hard in word/doctrine in 1 Timothy 5:17 refers to a pastor working hard in studying the Word of God.  

In 1 Timothy 5:17, following the reference to studying the Word of God is a reference to teaching.  In that regard, the role of a pastor is to study and teach, study and teach, study and teach.  Regarding a pastor working hard in fulfilling the role of studying and teaching, the Koine Greek verb that is translated as “work hard,” “toil,” or “labor to the point of exhaustion” in this verse is κοπιῶντες [pronounced kah-pee-OHN-tayss and transliterated as kopiōntēs].  That verb is an inflected form of the root word κοπιάω [pronounced kah-pee-AH-oh and transliterated as kopiaō].  

The Koine Greek noun that is translated as “teaching” in 1 Timothy 5:17 is διδασκαλίᾳ [pronounced dee-dah-skah-LEE-ah and transliterated as didaskalia].  That noun is an inflected form of the root word διδασκαλία [pronounced dee-dah-skah-LEE-ah and transliterated as didaskalia].  The noun didaskalia is derived from the Koine Greek noun διδάσκαλος [pronounced dee-DAH-skah-lahs and transliterated as didaskalos], which can be translated as “teacher.”  The noun didaskalos is another word that can be used to refer to a pastor.  

1 Timothy 5:18

for the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”  

Note:  The first quotation in 1 Timothy 5:18 references Deuteronomy 25:4.  The second quotation in 1 Timothy 5:18 references Luke 10:7.  In 1 Timothy 5:18, the reference to a threshing ox metaphorically refers to a pastor.  An ox that is muzzled is unable to eat.  In that regard, just as an ox that threshes grain so that people can eat should be fed, a pastor who does work such that other people can feed on the Word of God should be financially supported so that that pastor can continue to perform the function of studying and teaching.  The second quotation in 1 Timothy 5:18 indicates that a pastor is worthy of being paid for doing the work of studying and teaching.  

Each believer in the Lord Jesus Christ considering giving to a ministry should manifest a grace-oriented attitude.  A grace-oriented believer sees that the metaphorical feeding of the threshing ox of 1 Timothy 5:18 is to be done without any requirement of the ox doing what the feeder specifies.  In that regard, requiring that the metaphorical threshing ox—who the content of 1 Timothy 5:18 indicates labors in studying and teaching is worthy of his wages without any reference to him having to meet someoneʼs requirements to be worthy of wages—do what the potential feeder specifies involves metaphorically keeping the ox muzzled unless the ox submits to the plan of the potential feeder.  Peopleʼs plans are different than God the Fatherʼs plans.  

If a person has one or more conditions that that person wants a Bible teacher to meet, the potential giver is free to have those conditions in mind, but indicating to the Bible teacher that the potential giver is withholding helping the dissemination of the Word of God based on whether or not the Bible teacher meets that potential giverʼs criteria is a manifestation of coercion rather than a manifestation of grace-oriented giving.  Also, it is worthwhile for those such potential givers to consider the possibility that they have exhibited a pride-filled attitude, and if they conclude that they have indeed been guilty of the sin of having a mental attitude involving pride, it is worthwhile for those such people who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to confess/acknowledge that sin to God he Father, as per the content of 1 John 1:9:  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  In addition, apologizing to a person toward whom one has been condescending is gracious.  

Absent from the content of Hebrews 7:5 and the surrounding verses is anything involving metaphorical strings attached to the providing for the sustenance of the Levitical priests.  Likewise, the providing for the sustenance of Bible teachers in the Church Age must be done without strings attached.  Instead, that providing must be done with a grace-oriented attitude.  

A grace-oriented attitude is referenced in 2 Corinthians 8:1–15; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Philippians 4:14–19; 1 Timothy 5:17–18; Hebrews 13:16; and 1 John 3:17.  Regarding having a grace-oriented attitude, for those who want to help others in need but are unable to do so, it is the thought that counts, as per the content of 2 Corinthians 8:12 and the content of Philippians 4:10.  God the Father knows what is in the hearts of such people.  That usage of the word hearts is in the sense of minds.  

Regarding the foregoing, believers are free to support a Bible ministry by supporting a Bible teacherʼs sustenance in this life; however, attaching strings by trying to influence a Bible teacherʼs decision-making is inconsistent with a grace-oriented attitude.  What criteria a person uses as to whether or not that person gives is that personʼs prerogative.  Regardless of what criteria a person uses as to whether or not that person gives, a Bible teacher should make his decisions regarding his work of studying and teaching based upon his analysis of all of the facts that he has and that others might not have.  

In contrast with the way that the providing for the sustenance of Bible teachers in the Church Age is supposed to be done, the Levitical priests were supposed to be supported with a 10% tax that can be referred to as a tithe.  The Levitical priests were descended from Abraham.  In that regard, Abraham, the ancestor of the Levitical priests, paid a tithe to Melchizedek.  

Hebrews 7:6

However, the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and has blessed the one who had the promises.  

Note:  This verse refers to Melchizedek collecting a tithe from Abraham.  Melchizedek collected that tithe even though Melchizedek was not a Levitical priest.  Instead, Abraham, from whom the Levitical priests are descended, paid a tithe to Melchizedek.  In that regard, Abraham was of lower rank than Melchizedek, and the Levitical priests were of lower rank than Abraham.  Therefore, the Levitical priests were of lower rank than Melchizedek.  Because Melchizedek is a type of Christ in the sense of being a teaching illustration about the Lord Jesus Christ, the Levitical priests being of lower rank than Melchizedek indicates that the Levitical priests are of lower rank than the Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, the Levitical priesthood is inferior to the priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Hebrews 7:7

However, without any dispute, the lesser is blessed by the greater.

Note:  Abraham respected the authority of Melchizedek the king-priest, and Abraham was blessed as a result.  Regarding Melchizedek being a type of Christ, in this verse Melchizedek serves as a teaching illustration regarding the fact that the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who respect the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ will be blessed.  

Hebrews 7:8

In this case, mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on.  

Note:  In this verse, the phrase mortal men refers to Levitical priests.  The pronouns one and he refer to Melchizedek.  Regarding the living on that is referenced in this verse, the absence of a historical record of Melchizedek physically dying serves as a teaching illustration about the Lord Jesus Christʼs priesthood lasting forever.  The eternality of the Lord Jesus Christʼs priesthood is another way in which the Lord Jesus Christʼs priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood.  

Hebrews 7:9

Also, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes,

Hebrews 7:10

for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

Note:  The reference to Levi paying tithes to Melchizedek is a metaphorical reference.  That metaphorical reference calls attention to the fact that Levi was lower ranking than Melchizedek.  By analogy, Levi and all of the Levitical priests are lower ranking than the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Hebrews 7:11

Now if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood—for on the basis of it, the people received the Law—what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?

Note:  The only perfect human being is the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Levitical priesthood is unable to provide perfection.  

Hebrews 7:12

Indeed, when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.

Note:  Rather than Church Age believers being under the Mosaic Law, the Church Age believers instead must function in accordance with what is found in both the New Testament and the Old Testament, except for the regulations of the Mosaic Law.  

Hebrews 7:13

Indeed, the one concerning Whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.

Note:  The Lord Jesus Christ is from a tribe other than the tribe of Levi.  

Hebrews 7:14

Indeed, it is evident that our Lord has arisen from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.

Note:  The Lord Jesus Christ is from the tribe of Judah.  

Hebrews 7:15

Also, it is still much more evident:  that according to the similarity of Melchizedek, Another of a different type of priest arises,

Hebrews 7:16

Who has become such not on the basis of a law of fleshly command / physical requirement but according to the power of an indestructible life.

Note:  The Lord Jesus Christ is qualified to be a priest because He was resurrected and therefore has an indestructible body.  

Hebrews 7:17

Indeed, it is attested:  “YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.”

Note:  This is a reference to Psalm 110:4.  

Hebrews 7:18

Indeed, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness—

Hebrews 7:19

for the Law made nothing perfect—and on the other hand, there is a bringing in of a better hope / absolute confidence, through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7:20

Also, inasmuch as it was not without an oath—

Hebrews 7:21

for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One Who said to Him, “THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND, ‘YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER’”—

Note:  This is a reference to Psalm 110:4.  

Hebrews 7:22

so much the more also Jesus has become the Guarantee of a better covenant.

Note:  The Levitical priests are what the word priests references in Hebrews 7:23.  

Hebrews 7:23

The greater number have become priests because they were prevented by death from continuing, 

Hebrews 7:24

but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently.

Hebrews 7:25

Therefore, He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him—always living to make intercession for them.

Note:  In this verse, the pronouns He and Him refer to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Regarding the phrase through Him in this verse, absent from this verse is anything indicating that drawing near to God the Father involves any person except the Lord Jesus Christ.  Drawing near to God the Father refers to having a relationship with Him.  Only people who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior are able to have a relationship with God the Father.  When a person believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior, that person is saved.  In that regard, this verse calls attention to the fact that that person is saved forever, which means that a believer can never lose his or her salvation.  This can be referred to as eternal security.  

The Lord Jesus Christ is always living.  This refers to His physical life.  In that regard, now that He has been resurrected, He will never experience physical death again.  Also, the Lord Jesus Christ intercedes for believers.  In other words, He prays to God the Father on behalf of believers.  

Hebrews 7:26

Indeed, it was fitting for us to have such a High Priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens, 

Note:  Now that the Mosaic Law has been fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ being judged for the sins of humanity, the Levitical priesthood has been replaced by the Church Age priesthood in which every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is a priest.  During the Church Age, the Lord Jesus Christ is the High Priest of believer priests.  

Hebrews 7:27

Who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.

Note:  The high priests of the Levitical priesthood were sinners; therefore, the Mosaic Law involved requirements that those high priests offer up sacrifices for their own sins.  

Hebrews 7:28

Indeed, the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.  

Note:  In this verse, the word Law refers to the Mosaic Law.  The word Son in this verse refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.  God the Fatherʼs communication of His plan that the Lord Jesus Christ would be High Priest forever was in the form of an oath, and that oath was given by God the Father after the Mosaic Law had been given to the Israelites.  

Sincerely,

John