Charles Ellicott Commentary Hebrews 7:16

"who hath been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life:" — Hebrews 7:16 (ASV)

A carnal commandment.—Literally (according to the true reading of the Greek), a commandment of flesh: one that is limited to the sphere of man’s nature of flesh. As such, it is bound up with distinctions of race and tribe and family; it is limited by human infirmity and the changes brought about by sickness and death; what it accomplishes is the purifying of the flesh; in its own nature it is temporary, and may be set aside. (Hebrews 9:13.) In contrast to the enactment is placed an essential right, possessed by Him of whom Melchizedek was the type: in contrast to all that is temporary and limited is placed an indissoluble life. Because He lives—in virtue of what He is—He is Priest: in virtue of an endless life He is priest for ever.