What is the context?
These questions begin the explanation of why Christ’s priesthood goes beyond Levi’s. The writer reasons from Scripture’s promise of another priest: the earlier arrangement was not the final completion.
The priesthood and the law governing it belong together. The following verses explain that Jesus comes from Judah and holds His priesthood through an indestructible life, rather than an Aaronic family qualification.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Calvin and Wesley take the promised new priesthood as evidence that the earlier arrangement gives way to Christ. The USCCB note likewise connects the change of priesthood with a change in the law it serves. This is the passage’s reasoning about priestly access to God.
Calvin expressly retains the truth Moses taught about faith and a godly life. The change described here is not a reason to treat every earlier word from God as false or to disregard moral obedience.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Hebrews 8:6–13 carries the comparison into the promise of a better covenant, with God’s laws written in hearts and sins forgiven. That purpose explains why the priesthood change matters to the people coming to God.
Hebrews 10:19–22 describes the resulting freedom to draw near through Jesus. The argument leads from the earlier priestly arrangement toward the access God provides through His Son.
What is our position?
Our study Who Shepherds the Church? understands Christ’s priesthood as permanent, with no successor needed because He lives forever. Believers approach God through Him. The study therefore rejects a clergy class acting as a necessary spiritual mediator between believers and God, while retaining elders who teach, correct and care for the church.