Topical Bible: Tithes: Paid by Abraham to Melchizedek

◄ Tithes: Paid by Abraham to Melchizedek ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in Genesis 14:18-20. This event is foundational in understanding the practice of tithing and its theological implications within the biblical narrative.

Biblical Account

The narrative unfolds after Abraham's victorious return from defeating the coalition of kings who had captured his nephew Lot. Upon his return, Abraham is met by Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. Genesis 14:18-20 states: "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying: 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything."

Theological Significance

1. Melchizedek's Role: Melchizedek is a mysterious figure, both a king and a priest, who blesses Abraham. His dual role prefigures the later priesthood of Christ, as elaborated in the New Testament book of Hebrews. Hebrews 7:1-2 refers to this event, emphasizing Melchizedek's greatness and his unique priesthood, which is without genealogy, beginning, or end, symbolizing an eternal priesthood.

2. Abraham's Response: Abraham's act of giving a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek is the first recorded instance of tithing in the Bible. This act is voluntary and reflects Abraham's recognition of Melchizedek's authority and his acknowledgment of God's providence in his victory. It sets a precedent for the practice of tithing as an act of worship and gratitude to God.

3. Covenantal Context: The giving of tithes by Abraham occurs within the broader context of God's covenantal relationship with him. Abraham's tithe is an expression of faith and submission to God's sovereignty, acknowledging that all blessings and victories come from God Most High.

4. Typology and Christology: The New Testament book of Hebrews draws a typological connection between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ. Hebrews 7:3 describes Melchizedek as "without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever." This typology underscores the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood, as Christ, like Melchizedek, is a priest forever.

Implications for Tithing

The account of Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek serves as a foundational example of tithing as an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's provision. It illustrates the principle of giving back to God a portion of what He has blessed us with, a practice that is later codified in the Mosaic Law and continues to be a significant aspect of Christian stewardship and worship.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 14:20
And blessed be the most high God, which has delivered your enemies into your hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 7:2-6
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Man Christ Jesus
... for as the apostle saith, "Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham,
for he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him." So ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the man christ jesus.htm

The Allegory of Melchizedek.
... And, so to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, hath paid tithes;
for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter vii the allegory of.htm

Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times.
... The priesthood of Melchizedek was before that of Aaron. Aaron was a Levite,
and Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek in Abraham, his ancestor. ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iii entire sanctification in.htm

part 2
... the loins of Abraham, therefore the Melchizedek priesthood of Christ is greater
than that of Aaron because Abraham himself paid tithes to Melchizedek, who is a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 2.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... tithes, paid tithes to Melchizedek in the person of their great progenitor; because
Levi was as yet in the loins of his father Abraham when Melchizedek met him ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

part 1
... of Christ and our blessings from our relations to it and our obligation to it are
set forth, the fact that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek as mentioned there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 1.htm

Scriptural Types.
... Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek." (2.) In ... than any of
Abraham's descendants by natural generation; for Abraham paid tithes to him ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... others. He was also superior to those priests, because Levi, in the person
of his father Abraham, paid tithes to Melchizedek. Since ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xviii the epistle to.htm