And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Another proof that the law (economy) is changed; as Christ is appointed Priest, 'not according to the law of a carnal commandment;' one in which a carnal succession was required, as in the Levitical priesthood; but 'according to the power of an indissoluble х akatalutou (G179)] life.' The argument, and Melchisedek's priesthood "forever," in antithesis to the Levitical priesthood not continuing in one person, through the fleeting mortality of the flesh, require this view. Psalms 110:1-7: appoints Him "forever" (Hebrews 7:17). In contrast to the carnal succession through death stands "the power" of Christ to overcome death (Romans 1:4; 2 Corinthians 13:4). Not conformably to a statute is Christ appointed, but according to an inward living power: that derived from the Father, whose eternal Spirit dwelt in Him in all the fullness (Hebrews 9:14; John 3:34).
It - the change of the economy (Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 7:18).
Far more, х perissoteron (G4054)] - 'more abundantly.'
For that, х ei (G1487)] - 'since.'
After the similitude of Melchisedec - in that it is "forever:" "after the order of Melchisedec" (Hebrews 5:10). The "order" cannot mean a series of priests, for Melchisedek neither received his priesthood from, nor transmitted it to, any other mere man: it must mean 'answering to the office of Melchisedek.'
Another, х heteros (G2087)] - 'a different.'
Verse 16. Carnal ... endless - mutually contrasted. As "form," and "power," 2 Timothy 3:5; so here "the law" and "power," cf. Romans 8:3, "the law ... was weak through the flesh;" and Hebrews 7:18, "weakness." "The law" is here not the law in general (which in its moral essence is "spiritual" (Romans 7:14), but the ceremonial statute as to the priesthood. "Carnal," as being temporary, is contrasted with "endless:" "commandment," with "life." The law can give a commandment, but not life (Hebrews 7:19; Galatians 3:21). But our High Priest, by His inherent "power," has in Him 'life forever' (Hebrews 7:25; John 5:26). In the power of His resurrection life, not of His earthly life, Christ officiates as a Priest.