9
Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,
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for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
11
Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?
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For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.
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For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
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For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
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And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest
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who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
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For He testifies: "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."
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For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,
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for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.