A Priest After the Order of Melchizedek
Psalm 110 promised an eternal Priest-King; Hebrews shows the office is Christ's.
Psalm 110:4 swore that the Messiah would be a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek — not Levitical, but royal and eternal. Hebrews unfolds the prophecy in detail, declaring that Christ alone bears this everlasting priesthood.
The Prophecy
"The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
The Fulfillment
"So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest...As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
"But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost..."
King and priest in one Person
Melchizedek united kingship and priesthood — a foreshadowing of Christ, who reigns from the throne while also interceding as our High Priest.
An unchangeable priesthood
Levitical priests died and were succeeded; Christ liveth ever, and so His priesthood — and the salvation it secures — can never fail.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why after the order of Melchizedek?
Because Christ's priesthood is royal and eternal, not Levitical and temporary.
Who was Melchizedek?
The king-priest of Salem who met Abraham in Genesis 14 — a type of Christ, without recorded genealogy, combining royal and priestly office.
Why can't Christ be a Levitical priest?
Because He came from Judah, not Levi (Hebrews 7:14). His priesthood is of a higher, eternal order sworn by God's oath in Psalm 110:4.
Related Bible Prophecies
The Eternal Throne of David
God's covenant with David fulfilled in Christ's everlasting reign.
Ascended to the Right Hand
Psalm 110:1 foretold the Messiah seated at the Father's right hand — fulfilled in the ascension.
The New Covenant
Jeremiah's promise of the law written on the heart — fulfilled in Christ's blood.
A Kingdom That Shall Never Be Destroyed
Daniel's stone becomes a mountain that fills the whole earth.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Genesis 14:18 Commentary
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Melchizedek Bible Quiz
The mysterious priest-king of Salem who blessed Abraham and foreshadowed Christ.
Isaiah 9:6 — Meaning & Devotional
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Micah 5:2 Commentary
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