Need for a New Priesthood

11 fTherefore, 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? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has 2officiated at the altar.

14 For it is evident that gour Lord arose from hJudah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning 3priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For 4He testifies:

i“You are a priest forever

According to the order of Melchizedek.”

18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of jits weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for kthe law made nothing 5perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of la better hope, through which mwe draw near to God.

Greatness of the New Priest

20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath 21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him:

n“The Lord has sworn

And will not relent,

‘You are a priest 6forever

According to the order of Melchizedek’ ”),

22 by so much more Jesus has become a 7surety of a obetter covenant.