06/09/2026
HEBREWS 7:12
“For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.”
Simple Explanation
Hebrews 7:12 is talking about the change from the Levitical priesthood to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Under the Old Covenant, God established the descendants of Aaron and Levi as priests. Their ministry included offering animal sacrifices for the sins of the people and performing services in the earthly sanctuary.
However, Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. Therefore, His priesthood was not according to the Levitical order.
Hebrews 7:17 says:
«“Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”»
Because the priesthood changed, the laws governing that priesthood and its sacrifices also had to change.
The Old System
Under the Levitical priesthood:
- Priests came from the tribe of Levi.
- Animals were offered as sacrifices.
- Sacrifices were offered repeatedly.
- The earthly sanctuary was central to worship.
- The high priest entered the Most Holy Place with blood.
- These sacrifices pointed forward to the coming Messiah.
The New System in Christ
Jesus became our High Priest according to the order of Melchisedec.
Instead of repeatedly offering animals, Christ offered Himself once for all.
Hebrews 7:27 says:
«“This he did once, when he offered up himself.”»
Hebrews 9:12 adds that Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary:
«“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood...”»
And Hebrews 10:14 says:
«“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”»
What Changed?
The major change was the priesthood and the sacrificial system connected to it.
Old Covenant:
Levitical priesthood → earthly sanctuary → animal sacrifices → repeated offerings
New Covenant:
Christ's priesthood → heavenly sanctuary → Christ's own blood → one perfect sacrifice
The animal sacrifices were therefore no longer necessary because they were shadows pointing to Christ.
The Main Meaning of Hebrews 7:12
Hebrews 7:12 does not simply mean:
“God abolished all His laws.”
Rather, it means that when God established a new and superior priesthood in Christ, there necessarily had to be a change in the regulations connected with the former priesthood and its sacrificial ministry.
Christ is now our eternal High Priest, and His sacrifice is once for all.
Main Scriptures
Hebrews 7:11–12 — Change of priesthood and law
Hebrews 7:17 — Christ's priesthood after Melchisedec
Hebrews 7:27 — Christ offered Himself once
Hebrews 8:6–13 — New Covenant
Hebrews 9:11–15 — Christ's heavenly ministry
Hebrews 10:1–14 — Christ's once-for-all sacrifice
Key Thought
The Levitical priesthood was temporary, and its sacrifices pointed forward to Christ. When Christ came as the eternal High Priest and offered Himself once for all, the sacrificial system and priestly regulations associated with the old priesthood were superseded by His better ministry.
Blessed week ahead!
