The Old Testament high priests had an important role but they were flawed and sinful, needing to offer sacrifices for themselves before doing so for others (v1-3). But Jesus has been appointed as a different high priest of the order of Melchizedek (v4-6).

Melchizedek was a mysterious character (Genesis 14 v17-24), who seems to appears out of nowhere and as quickly disappears in the story of Abraham. The writers point here is that he was a priest from a different source than the priests established under Moses. Likewise, Jesus is a priest of a different order than the priests Moses instigated.

Jesus was a priest who knew about real suffering (v7). He uttered cries of anguish and cries calling for mercy. Jesus as a priest was perfect in His obedience (v8), different from the Old Testament priests. It is because of His perfection and suffering Jesus as high priest is the only source of eternal salvation (v9). Being of the order of Melchizedek (v10) speaks of Jesus being of a different source and being a priest who is eternal, no beginning or end.

This is truth that the hearers should be rejoicing in but the writer is exasperated as they seem to be slow to learn and to be to share (v11-14).