The Melchizedek Messiah
The Jews who lived near the Dead Sea over 2,000 years ago are today known as the Qumran community. It is from this community wherein the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. The Qumran community was led by Aaronic Zadok priests [1]. In this article, I am going to highlight three things which the Qumran community taught and believed. They are as follows:
They believed in a priestly Melchizedek Messiah [2]
They believed in a priestly Messiah associated with the Aaronic priesthood [3]
They saw their community as a spiritual Tabernacle or Temple [4]
The three major sects of Jews in the first century were the Sadducees, the Pharisees and the Qumran community who were led by Aaronic Zadok priests. Among these three groups, it was only the Jews who lived in Qumran who believed in a Melchizedek Messiah. The Melchizedek Messiah is a central topic of the book of Hebrews. The Jewish Qumran community believed in a Melchizedek Messiah based upon their interpretation of Psalm 110:4. In Psalm 110:4 it is written:
The LORD has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
In the book of Hebrews, this verse is quoted multiple times in reference to Yeshua being this Melchizedek Messiah (Hebrews 5:6, 6:20, 7:17, 21). It would seem that the writer of the book of Hebrews is influenced by the beliefs of the Jewish Qumran community, who were led by Aaronic Zadok priests, who believed in a Melchizedek Messiah. For this reason, the book of Hebrews compares and contrasts Yeshua’s Melchizedek priesthood with the function of the Levitical priesthood led by Aaronic priests. Furthermore, the book of Hebrews speaks of Yeshua being the high priest of the heavenly tabernacle (Hebrews 8:1–2, 9:11) and believers in Him being “spiritual Melchizedek priests” (by function under Yeshua’s Melchizedek high priestly office) through the new covenant (which is the Torah written upon our heart – Jeremiah 31:31, 33, Hebrews 8:10), who are able to enter into the “heavenly tabernacle” by the blood of Yeshua (Hebrews 10:19) and approach the “heavenly Holy of Holies” (Hebrews 4:16).
This is the meaning of Yeshua explaining that the Kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:20–21) (meaning every believer in Yeshua as the Messiah becomes a “spiritual Melchizedek priest” who is able to offer “spiritual sacrifices” - 1 Peter 2:5 - unto Yeshua because we are Yeshua’s “spiritual house” – 2 Corinthians 5:1, Hebrews 3:6, 1 Peter 2:5). The Kingdom of God operates in the believer in Yeshua as Messiah through the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17) to help us to become spiritually mature in Yeshua (Ephesians 4:13), as we are led by the Holy Spirit, so that we can be “faithful sons” (Romans 8:14, Galatians 4:6) in Yeshua’s “spiritual house” (Hebrews 3:6).
Meanwhile, the Levitical priesthood is an earthly priesthood. As a result, only priests descended from Aaron were permitted, according to Torah, to enter into the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle of Moses or the Holy of Holies in either the first Temple (Solomon’s) or the second (Herod’s) Temple. They could only do so once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 29,34, Hebrews 9:25).
On the other hand, the Melchizedek priesthood is an eternal heavenly priesthood. Yeshua is the high priest of this eternal heavenly priesthood. While the Melchizedek priesthood is an eternal heavenly priesthood, it also governs the earth. This is because the Melchizedek high priest of the eternal heavenly priesthood (Yeshua) also created the heavens and earth (Colossians 1:15–16, Hebrews 1:1–2). When Yeshua created the earth, the earth became the extended domain of the Kingdom of God, given that originally the Kingdom of God was just heavenly or spiritual (Hebrews 11:3). In the Kingdom of God, Yeshua sits on a heavenly throne (Hebrews 1:8) and the earth is Yeshua’s footstool (Isaiah 66:1). At the present time, the Kingdom of God is manifested by being within the hearts of believers in Yeshua as the Messiah (Romans 5:5, 2 Corinthians 4:6).
However, in the future, the Kingdom of God will be physically manifested upon the earth when Yeshua rules and reigns on the earth (Jeremiah 3:17, Isaiah 2:2–3, Ezekiel 43:7) during the 1,000-year Messianic Era (Revelation 20:6). Those faithful Melchizedek priests within the body of Messiah will rule and reign with Yeshua (Matthew 24:45–47, Revelation 5:10, 20:6), initially on the earth for 1,000 years, and then for all eternity in the New Jerusalem as Yeshua’s Bride (Revelation 21:9–10, 24). Those who overcome in Yeshua will both rule and reign with Him (Revelation 3:21) and inherit all things with Yeshua because they have been “faithful sons” (Revelation 21:7) in Yeshua’s “spiritual house” (Hebrews 3:6), which is the Kingdom of God.
Initially, Adam was given stewardship over the Kingdom of God on earth (Psalm 8:4–6) under the authority of Yeshua (1 Corinthians 15:28) who created it. When Adam sinned (Romans 5:12), Yeshua was obligated, according to Torah, to redeem mankind and the earth through the shedding of His blood upon the tree (Romans 8:22, Ephesians 1:3, 7) and, in doing so, restore the Kingdom of God upon the earth (Luke 22:18, Acts 1:6). This is why Yeshua is called the Redeemer of Jacob and Israel (Isaiah 41:14, 49:7), as well as the redeemer of the entire world (John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Titus 2:13–14). The purpose of God the Father through Yeshua creating the earth (Hebrews 1:1–2) is intended so that the Kingdom of God will be administered on the earth (Matthew 6:10) under the rule and authority of Yeshua’s eternal Melchizedek priesthood (Psalm 110:1, 1 Corinthians 15:24–28, Ephesians 1:20–22, Hebrews 1:13). This is why the Jewish Qumran community believed in the redemption work of a Melchizedek Messiah, as outlined in the Dead Sea Scroll fragment 11Q13.
The Melchizedek Messiah Fragment: 11Q13
In 11Q13 Col 2:2–25 from the Dead Sea Scrolls, it says:
And concerning what Scripture says, ‘In this year of jubilee you shall return every one of you to your property’ (Leviticus 25:13) … the interpretation is that it applies to … the captives, just as Isaiah said, ‘To proclaim the jubilee to the captives’ (Isaiah 61:1) … and they are the inheritance of Melchizedek (the Messiah) who will return them to what is rightfully theirs. He will proclaim to them the jubilee thereby releasing them from the debt of all their sins … when he shall atone for all the Sons of Light and the people who are predestined to Melchizedek (believe in the Messiah) … for this is the time decreed for the year of Melchizedek’s favor (Isaiah 61:2) … concerning him in the Songs of David, ‘Elohim stands in the congregation of the mighty, He judges among mighty ones’ (Psalm 82:1). Scripture also says about him, ‘Over it take your seat in the highest heaven. YHVH will judge the peoples’ (Psalm 7:7–8). Concerning what Scriptures says, ‘How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah’ (Psalm 82:2), the interpretation applies to Belial (haSatan) … Melchizedek (Messiah) will thoroughly prosecute the vengeance required by God’s statutes. In that day, he will deliver them from the power of Belial (haSatan) … This visitation is the Day of Salvation that He has decreed through Isaiah the prophet [concerning all the captives] as Scripture says, ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns’ (Isaiah 52:7). This Scripture’s interpretation … the ‘messenger’ is the Anointed of the Spirit (Holy Spirit) of whom Daniel spoke, ‘After sixty-two weeks, an Anointed One (Messiah) shall be cut off’ (Daniel 9:26). The messenger who brings good news, who announces salvation is the one of whom it is written, ‘to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor …’ (Isaiah 61:2). This Scripture’s interpretation … dominion that passes from Belial (haSatan) and returns to the Sons of Light … by the judgment of God, just as it is written, concerning him, ‘who says to Zion, your God reigns’ (Isaiah 52:7) ... ‘Your God’ is Melchizedek (Messiah) who will deliver them from the power of Belial (haSatan). [5]
So, in summary, what does this fragment tell us about the Qumran community’s expectation about the Melchizedek Messiah?
The Melchizedek Messiah is associated with the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:13, Isaiah 61:1). The Year of Jubilee is linked with the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 25:9–10) or Yom Kippur.
The Melchizedek Messiah is associated with the Year of Jubilee, with the interpretation being that the Melchizedek Messiah will release the debt of sin by forgiving sin.
The Melchizedek Messiah will execute judgment upon the wicked, and dominion on earth shall pass from Belial (haSatan) to the righteous ‘Sons of Light’
The Melchizedek Messiah is YHVH and Elohim (Psalm 82:1 and Isaiah 61:1).
The Melchizedek Messiah will proclaim the Jubilee. In 11Q13 Col 2:4–6, it says:
...just as Isaiah said, ‘To proclaim the jubilee to the captives’ (Isaiah 61:1) … and they are the inheritance of Melchizedek (the Messiah) who will return them to what is rightfully theirs … [6]
Yeshua affirmed that the Year of Jubilee and Isaiah 61:1–2 applies to Him. In Luke 4:16–21, it is written:
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up … And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (jubilee) … And he began to say unto them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
The Melchizedek Messiah will free us from the penalty of our sins by forgiving sin. In 11Q13 Col 2:6 it says:
… He will proclaim to them the jubilee thereby releasing them from the debt of all their sins. [7]
When we sin, we are in bondage to sin. In John 8:34, Yeshua taught:
Yeshua answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin.
The wages of sin is death. In James 1:15, it is written:
Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.
The Qumran community believed that the Melchizedek Messiah would die for our sins. In 11Q13 Col 2:17–18 it says:
This Scripture’s interpretation … the ‘messenger’ is the Anointed of the Spirit (Holy Spirit) of whom Daniel spoke, ‘After sixty-two weeks, an Anointed One (Messiah) shall be cut off’ (Daniel 9:26). [8]
In 1 Corinthians 15:3, it is written:
… how that Messiah died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
In Galatians 1:3–4, it is written:
Grace be to you… and from our Lord Yeshua Messiah. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world [the death curse of sins] …
Yeshua has the power to forgive sin. In Matthew 9:2, 6 it is written:
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Yeshua seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; your sins be forgiven you … But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, take up your bed, and go unto your house.
In forgiving sin, the Melchizedek Messiah will make atonement for our sin. In 11Q13 Col 2:8, it says:
when he shall atone for all the Sons of Light and the people who are predestined to Melchizedek (Messiah)… [9]
Our jubilee (the forgiveness of our sins) through the shed blood of Yeshua is thematically linked with the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur. The jubilee is proclaimed on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 25:9–10). In Hebrews 9:7, 12, it is written:
But into the second went the (Aaronic) high priest alone once every year (Yom Kippur) not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people … Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, (spiritual Temple of the Kingdom of God) having obtained eternal redemption for us.
In Hebrews 9:13–14, it is written:
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh (Yom Kippur). How much more shall the blood of Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God? (spiritual Temple of the Kingdom of God) …
In Romans 5:11, it is written:
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Yeshua Messiah, by whom we have now received the atonement.
The Melchizedek Messiah will judge Belial (haSatan) and give possession (a jubilee) to those who believe on Him. In 11Q13 Col 2:19–23, it says:
… it is written, ‘to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor …’ (Isaiah 61:2). This Scripture’s interpretation … dominion that passes from Belial (haSatan) and returns to the Sons of Light … by the judgment of God … [10]
In Ephesians 4:8, it is written:
Wherefore he says, When he ascended upon high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
In Colossians 2:15, it is written:
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
In 2 Corinthians 5:21, it is written:
For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
In 1 John 3:8, it is written:
… For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
In Revelation 11:18, it is written:
And the nations were angry …that they should be judged, and that you should give reward unto your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear your name, small and great …
The Qumran community believed that the Melchizedek Messiah would be YHVH and Elohim. In 11Q13 Col 2:9–11, 23–25, it says:
“… for this is the time decreed for the year of Melchizedek’s favor (Isaiah 61:2) …concerning him in the Songs of David, ‘Elohim stands in the congregation of the mighty, He judges among mighty ones’ (Psalm 82:1). Scripture also says about him, ‘Over it take your seat in the highest heaven. YHVH will judge the peoples (Psalm 7:7–8) … just as it is written, concerning him, “who says to Zion, your God reigns” (Isaiah 52:7) ... ‘Your God’ is Melchizedek (Messiah) who will deliver them from the power of Belial (haSatan). [11]
In Isaiah 61:2, it is written:
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD (YHVH) …
However, in 11Q13 Col 2:9, it says, ‘the year of Melchizedek’s favor’ substituting Melchizedek for YHVH in Isaiah 61:2. Furthermore, where it says, ‘your God [Elohim] reigns’, (Isaiah 62:7), in 11Q13 Col 2:23, it is interpreted to say ‘your God’ is Melchizedek’ (Messiah) declaring that the Melchizedek Messiah is Elohim. Thus, in 11Q13, the Melchizedek Messiah is seen to be both YHVH and Elohim.
The Melchizedek Messiah is Linked with the Aaronic Priesthood
The Qumran community believed that there would be a priestly Messiah from the line of Aaron and a kingly Messiah from the line of David. [12] Therefore, were these two Messiahs or one Messiah? Furthermore, how can the Melchizedek Messiah (an eternal heavenly priesthood) be linked with the Aaronic priesthood (an earthly priesthood)? In the genealogy of Yeshua, we can see that Yeshua descends from King David on His father’s side (Romans 1:3) and from the line of Aaron on His mother’s side, given that Mary is related to Elizabeth (Luke 1:34–36), whose husband Zacharias is descended from the line of Aaron (Luke 1:5). So, Yeshua, the Melchizedek Messiah, is the one Messiah, descended from the line of David (tribe of Judah) on His father’s side and from the line of Aaron (tribe of Levi) from His mother’s side. As a result, Yeshua can be both priest (Melchizedek) and King (from the tribe of Judah) (Zechariah 6:12–13).
The Community As a Spiritual Temple or Tabernacle
The members of the Qumran community who called themselves the Yahad saw themselves as a spiritual Temple. In 1QS 8:5–6, 9:5–6 it says:
When such men as these come to be in Israel then shall the party of the Yahad truly be established, an eternal planting, a temple for Israel and mystery, a Holy of Holies for Aaron … At that time, the men of the Yahad … the holy house of Aaron uniting as a Holy of Holies and the synagogue of Israel as those who walk blamelessly. [13]
Believers in Yeshua as Messiah are a spiritual Temple. In Ephesians 2:20–21, it is written:
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yeshua Messiah himself being the chief cornerstone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord
In 1 Corinthians 3:16–17, it is written:
Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
Our earthly bodies are also called a Tabernacle (2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 Peter 1:13–14). The Kingdom of God is spiritual, and it is within us (Luke 17:21). Yeshua is the Melchizedek high priest (Hebrews 5:6, 6:20, 7:17, 21) of this spiritual Temple or spiritual Tabernacle of the Kingdom of God.
After Yeshua created the heavens and earth (Hebrews 1:1–2), God the Father wanted to bring the heavenly Kingdom of God to earth (Matthew 6:9–10). Adam was the first earthly Melchizedek priest and thus a steward of the Kingdom of God on earth. [14] There were twelve Melchizedek priests of the Kingdom of God on earth from Adam to Jacob. They were: Adam, Seth, Enosh, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, then Methuselah. Noah was the eighth (2 Peter 2:5). It continued with Shem (Genesis 14:18–19), Eber, Isaac and Jacob.
The book of Hebrews highlights how Yeshua is a UNIQUE Melchizedek priest compared to these twelve Melchizedek priests from Adam to Jacob. How so? Here is a list of attributes. First, Yeshua created the heavens and earth (Hebrews 1:1–2, 10). Also, the angels of God worship Yeshua (Hebrews 1:6). Yeshua is Elohim (Hebrews 1:8). Yeshua sits at the right hand of the Father until His enemies become His footstool (Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 1:13, 2:8). Yeshua’s death on the tree made it possible for the sins of Israel and the world to be forgiven (Hebrews 2:17). Yeshua is faithful over His house (the house of Jacob) (Luke 1:32–33, Hebrews 3:6) through dying on the tree so that He could bring “many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:9–10).
At Mount Sinai, the entire nation of Israel was offered the earthly Melchizedek priestly office (Exodus 19:5–6) by Yeshua, the Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22, James 4:12). If they would be faithful in their earthly Melchizedek priestly office, they would be rewarded with an eternal heavenly Melchizedek priesthood office, to rule and reign with Yeshua in His government in the heavenly Kingdom of God forever and ever. At Mount Sinai, the entire nation of Israel accepted the offer to be an earthly Melchizedek priesthood nation (Exodus 19:8). As a result, at Mount Sinai, a marriage took place (Jeremiah 2:2) between Yeshua and the nation of Israel. This marriage was a betrothal, which is the first stage of a Biblical wedding (Matthew 1:18). However, the nation of Israel became an unfaithful Bride to Yeshua (which also means being unfaithful Melchizedek priests) by committing the sin of the golden calf (Exodus 32:7–8). The sin of the golden calf is mixed worship (Exodus 32:4–5) of the God of Israel.
As a result of the sin of the golden calf, only the tribe of Levi remained faithful to the Torah of the God of Israel (Exodus 32:26–28). Therefore, the tribe of Levi became the earthly priests over the nation of Israel (Deuteronomy 27:9). The office of the high priesthood was to be held by Aaron and his sons (Exodus 28:1). This office of high priesthood was given by decree to Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:9) by the Lawgiver at Mount Sinai who was Yeshua. This priesthood is known as the Levitical priesthood. The Levitical priesthood was the earthly priesthood over the nation of Israel when they were in the wilderness (Numbers 1:50), as well as being the earthly priesthood who ruled in both the 1st and 2nd Temples in Jerusalem (Ezra 3:10).
After the sin of the golden calf, the Levitical priesthood would become the ruling priesthood over the nation of Israel until Yeshua would come and die on the tree (Galatians 3:19) and usher in the (re)NEW(ed) Covenant (Matthew 26:28). In bringing about the New Covenant, Yeshua would restore the earthly Melchizedek priesthood that had been offered to the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:5–6) and offer it to all believers in Him as the Messiah (Romans 5:17, 1 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 12:23). In doing so, the earthly Levitical priesthood would be under the authority of Yeshua’s spiritual Melchizedek priesthood in the New Covenant. Furthermore, Yeshua is the head over His congregation (Ephesians 1:22, 5:23).
The legitimate high priest in the days of Yeshua was John the Baptist, whose father, Zacharias, was a Zadok priest from the course of Abia (Luke 1:5). When Yeshua was immersed of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13–17), the earthly Aaronic high priest office was transferred to become Yeshua’s restored eternal Melchizedek priesthood over the Kingdom of God. Immersion (mikvah) symbolizes a change of status (Colossians 1:13, 2:12, Ephesians 4:5). When Yeshua ushered in the New Covenant by dying on the tree (Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 12:24), Yeshua’s Melchizedek high priesthood became the premier priesthood which governed the New Covenant (Hebrews 7:21–22, 24). In this way, the office of the Aaronic high priesthood of Israel got transferred or exchanged into Yeshua’s Melchizedek priesthood in the New Covenant. In Hebrews 7:12, it is written:
For the priesthood being changed [G3346] (transferred or exchanged from the Aaronic priesthood to the Melchizedek priesthood), there is made of necessity a change [G3331] (transfer or exchange) also of the Torah (from the Torah written upon a heart of stone to the Torah written upon a heart of flesh through the New Covenant: Jeremiah 31:31, 33, Ezekiel 36:26–27, Hebrews 8:8, 10). A stony heart does not follow the Torah (Zechariah 7:11–12).
The Greek word translated as “changed” is metatíthēmi. It is the Strong’s Greek number G3346. The Strong’s Greek Dictionary defines this word as follows: “to transfer, exchange.” [15] The Greek word translated as “change” [G3331] is metathesis which comes from the Greek word metatíthēmi [G3346].
Paul explained the same thing in Galatians 3:19, as it is written:
Wherefore then serves the Torah [in context the Aaronic priesthood]? It was added [Aaronic priesthood] because of transgressions [the sin of the golden calf], till the seed should come to whom the promise was made [the Melchizedek Messiah who would restore the original Melchizedek priesthood given to Adam through the new covenant] …
When Yeshua died on the tree (Acts 13:29, 1 Peter 2:24), the office of the Aaronic high priesthood had become corrupted. Initially, it became corrupted from the influence of the Greek Seleucid kingdom who removed the Aaronic Zadok priests who had served in the office from the days of Solomon (Jewish Encyclopedia Article: Zadok). [16] It was replaced by the Maccabean or Hasmonaean dynasty who were Levites, but not from the family of the Zadok priests. When this happened, the faithful Zadok priests established a community near the Dead Sea. [17] After the corruption of the office of the Aaronic high priesthood by the Greek Seleucid kingdom, the office of the Aaronic high priesthood got further corrupted by the Romans. As a result, the God of Israel found fault with the corrupted office of the Aaronic high priesthood. In doing so, the God of Israel established the new covenant through Yeshua the Melchizedek Messiah in order to restore the eternal heavenly Melchizedek priesthood in the earth over the new covenant. In Hebrews 8:8, it is written:
For finding fault with them [the corrupted office of the Aaronic high priesthood], he says, Behold, the days come, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah (and thus restore Yeshua’s eternal Melchizedek priesthood to be the priesthood that governs the new covenant).
The Torah of the New Covenant is associated with Mount Zion (Hebrews 8:10, 12:22). The New Covenant Torah is BETTER than the Torah given at Mount Sinai (Hebrews 8:6). It is because the Torah given at Mount Sinai was written on a stony heart (symbolized by the Torah written upon stone tablets – Exodus 31:18) by the finger of God. However, the Torah of the New Covenant (Mount Zion) is written upon our heart by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:4, 14, 2 Corinthians 3:3, Galatians 4:6, Hebrews 8:10).
Accepting Yeshua as Messiah (Romans 10:9–10) in the New Covenant is a betrothal (2 Corinthians 11:2). This is the first stage of a Biblical wedding. Yeshua is going to marry a spiritually MATURE bride (Ephesians 5:27). A spiritually mature bride is the dwelling bride of Yeshua. This is the second stage of a Biblical wedding. Yeshua doesn’t want to marry an immature bride who has a stony heart toward His Torah. A stony heart doesn’t follow the Torah (Zechariah 7:11–12). In fact, Yeshua rebukes those who believe in Him but won’t follow His Torah by telling them that He doesn’t know (intimately) them (Matthew 7:23).
The corrupted office of the Aaronic high priesthood (whose duty is to teach the Torah to the people of the God of Israel – Malachi 2:1, 7) was not able to prepare for Yeshua a MATURE bride. However, Yeshua’s Melchizedek priesthood through the Holy Spirit is able to bring believers in Yeshua as Messiah to spiritual maturity (1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 8:4, 14, Hebrews 10:14). An immature believer in Yeshua as Messiah (one that doesn’t follow His Torah) is called a “babe in Messiah” and carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1). Someone who is “carnally minded” doesn’t follow the Torah (Romans 8:7). A mature believer in Yeshua as Messiah who follows Torah by the Holy Spirit is called a “son of God” (Romans 8:14).
The Greek word for spiritual maturity is the Strong’s number G5046 and is the Greek word, “Telios.” The corresponding Hebrew word is the Strong’s number H8549 which is the Hebrew word, “Tamim.” Those who are “Tamim” follow the Torah (Psalm 119:1). Related words to the Strong’s number G5046 are the Strong’s numbers G5047 and G5048, which are the Greek words, “Teliotace” and “Tel-i-o'-o.” So, the Strong’s numbers G5046, G5047 and G5048 Biblically mean “spiritual maturity.” [18]
In Hebrews 5:12, 14 it is written:
For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk (spiritually immature) … But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age [G5046] (spiritually mature) …
Believers in Yeshua are called to grow from being babes who drink milk (1 Peter 2:2) to being spiritually mature. In Ephesians 4:13, it is written:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man [G5046] (spiritually mature) unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Messiah.
Paul desired to be spiritually mature. Paul called spiritual maturity, the ‘high prize’ in Yeshua. In Philippians 3:12, 14–15, it is written:
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect [G5048] … I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Messiah Yeshua (spiritual maturity). Let us therefore, as many as be perfect [G5046], be thus minded …
In Matthew 5:48, Yeshua taught:
Be ye therefore perfect [G5046] (spiritually mature) …
In Hebrews 6:1, it is written:
Therefore leaving the (basic) principles of the doctrine of Messiah [the milk], let us go on unto perfection [G5047] (which is spiritual maturity) …
In Hebrews 7:11, it is written:
If therefore perfection [G5047] (spiritual maturity] were by the Levitical priesthood (because it had become corrupted and was not the original priesthood because it came about from the sin of the golden calf) … what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec (the Melchizedek Messiah who through the new covenant and the Torah written upon a heart of flesh through the help of the Holy Spirit can bring believers into spiritual maturity)…
Through Yeshua’s Melchizedek priesthood, He is able to bring many “sons to glory” (meaning spiritual maturity). In Hebrews 2:10, it is written:
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things (this is Yeshua), in bringing many sons unto glory, to make [G5048] ...
The Strong’s number [G5048] is the Greek word, “tel-i-o'-o” which comes from the Strong’s Greek number [G5046] which means, “spiritual maturity”.
Therefore, the book of Hebrews explains that Yeshua’s Melchizedek priesthood is able to bring believers in Yeshua into spiritual maturity (thus being able to be Yeshua’s dwelling Bride) wherein the corrupted Aaronic priesthood could not bring a believer in Yeshua into spiritual maturity. As a result, it is through Yeshua’s Melchizedek priesthood, which is restored unto the nation of Israel through the new covenant where the Torah is written upon our hearts (Hebrews 8:10), and we follow His Torah by His Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4, 14) to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), that Yeshua is able to have a betrothed Bride (2 Corinthians 11:2), who becomes a faithful dwelling Bride (Matthew 24:45–47) who will dwell with Him for all eternity in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9–10).
At Mount Sinai, Yeshua’s betrothed Bride (Jeremiah 2:2) became corrupted by worshipping the golden calf (which is mixed worship). After the Levitical priesthood got established from the worship of the golden calf, the Aaronic priesthood eventually got corrupted by the Greek Seleucid and Roman governments. When the faithful Zadok priests established a Jewish community near the Dead Sea, they prepared themselves for the coming of a Melchizedek Messiah who would bring a New Covenant, forgive sin and restore the Kingdom of God on earth. This is the understanding regarding the significance of the Dead Sea Scroll fragment 11Q13 which refers to the coming of a Melchizedek Messiah.
The Qumran community gave us the Jewish roots of our faith in Yeshua as Messiah, and we need to embrace it. They gave us the understanding regarding the role of the Melchizedek Messiah, which is fulfilled in Yeshua as detailed in the Book of Hebrews. The message of the Qumran community is restored through the ministry and message of Elijah who is a ‘voice crying in the wilderness’ (Isaiah 40:3), which is directly linked to the Qumran community who was established based upon Isaiah 40:3 (1QS 8:12–14). Moses (the Torah) and Elijah (coming out of mixed worship and the ministry of restoration) are the two witnesses of the Biblical wedding which escorts the Bride of Yeshua to meet her Bridegroom under the chuppah (wedding canopy) for her wedding day. May the betrothed Bride of Yeshua listen to the ministry and message of Elijah and make herself ready for His coming. Let us celebrate that Yeshua is our Melchizedek Messiah! Amen. ■
Article written by Eddie Chumney.
Eddie Chumney is the founder of Hebraic Heritage Ministries Int’l.
* Scripture references from the KJV
Footnotes
Dead Sea Scrolls. 1QS 5:7–9
Dead Sea Scrolls. 11Q13
Dead Sea Scrolls. 1QS 9:11
Dead Sea Scrolls. 1QS 8:5–6, 9:5–6
Dead Sea Scrolls. 1QS 8:5–6, 9:5–6
Dead Sea Scrolls. 11Q13 Col 2:4–6
Dead Sea Scrolls. 11Q13 Col 2:6
Dead Sea Scrolls. 11Q13 Col 2:17–18
Dead Sea Scrolls. 11Q13 Col 2:8
Dead Sea Scrolls. 11Q13 Col 2:19–23
Dead Sea Scrolls. 11Q13 Col 2:9–11, 23–25
Dead Sea Scrolls. 1QS 9:11
Dead Sea Scrolls. 1QS 8:5–6, 9:5–6
Midrash Rabbah (a Rabbinical Jewish Commentary) Numbers 4:8
James Strong, “metatíthēmi G3346,” in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville: T. Nelson, 1990), 607.
Gottheil, Richard, Samuel Krauss, Joseph Jacobs, Shulim Ochser. "Zadok." The Jewish Encyclopedia, edited by Isidore Singer et al. 1901–1906. https://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/15147-zadok Accessed August 2025.
Damascus Document - CD Cairo Genizah A Col 1:5–11
James Strong, “telios G5046,” “tamim H8549,” “teliotace G5047,” and “telio’oin Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville: T. Nelson, 1990), 924.
