the Levitical priesthood (for
under it the people have received the law), what further need was
there that a different priest should arise, after the order of
Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? (12)For the
priesthood being changed, of necessity there comes also a change of
law. (13)For he of whom these things are spoken pertains to a
different tribe, of which no one has given attendance at the altar.
(14)For it is evident that our Lord has arisen out of Judah; of which
tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. (15)And it is yet more
abundantly manifest, if after the similitude of Melchizedek there
arises a different priest, (16)who has been made, not after the law of
a carnal commandment, but after the power of an indissoluble life.
(17)For it is testified of him:

Thou art a priest forever;
After the order of Melchizedek.

(18)For on the one hand, there is an annulling of the commandment that
went before, on account of its weakness and unprofitableness,--(19)for
the law perfected nothing,--and on the other the bringing in of a
better hope, by which we draw near to God.

(20)And inasmuch as it was not without an oath,--(21)for they indeed
were made priests without an oath, but he with an oath by him who said
to him: The Lord swore and will not repent, thou art a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek[7:21],--(22)by so much has Jesus become
a surety of a better covenant. (23)And they indeed have been many
priests, because they were hindered by death from continuing; (24)but
he, because he remains forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
(25)Whence also he is able to save to the utmost those who come to God
through him, since he ever lives to intercede for them.

(26)For such a high priest became us, holy, harmless, undefiled,
separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (27)who has
not necessity daily, as the high priests, to offer up sacrifices,
first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; for this he
did once for all, in offering up himself. (28)For the law makes men
high priests who have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was
since the law, makes the Son, who is perfected forever.

VIII.

NOW of the things which we are saying, this is the chief: We have such
a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the
Majesty of the heavens; (2)a minister of the holy places, and of the
true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched,