If therefore perfection, &c.— But if, or now if perfection had been. The Levitical priesthood was appointed, when the law was given to the Jews. But could perfection have been had by the priesthood appointed under the law, or had that been the design of it, the scriptures would have had no occasion to mention another priest. And yet we find in David's time, 400 years after the giving of that law, which was received under the Levitical priesthood, mention is made of a priest after the order of Melchisedec, who was to continue for ever. Why should this new priest be mentioned at all? Or why be said to be after the order of Melchisedec? or why not after the order established, if that had been intended to bring men to perfection? The truth is, the priesthood of the law was designed for a particular purpose during the law, and not to give remission of all sins, or to bringmen to perfect happiness. See ch. Hebrews 9:9 Hebrews 10:1.
Related Commentaries of Hebrews 7:11
Hebrews 7:11
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?