Bible Study Significance of Tithing to Melchizedek

[Andrew Mason]

18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said:

“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
20 And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

And he gave him a tithe of all. - Genesis 14:18-20

Random thought: Did Abram tithe to Melchizedek because he was king or because he was priest? Why? What's the significance? If your answer is both, why?

 

[farouk]

Random thought: Did Abram tithe to Melchizedek because he was king or because he was priest? Why? What's the significance? If your answer is both, why?

It shows that Abraham acknowledged a greater than he.

It's not proof that New Testament preachers should extract tithes from congregants (as opposed to freewill offerings).

Blessings, f

 

[iLOVE]

There are two systems of tithing:
1. Tithing under the Abrahamic covenant.
2. Tithing under the law.
a. Abraham gave his tithe because he loved and appreciated God, not because of any law (Genesis 14:11-23).
b. This took place 500 years before there was a tithing law.

The covenant between God and Abraham is an everlasting covenant (Genesis 17:1, 7).
1. God made a covenant with Abraham and his seed, Jesus (Galatians 3:16-29).
a. We are heirs according to the promise because we believe in Jesus.
b. The law carried with it a curse; if the commandments were broken, a curse followed (Leviticus 27:30-34, Numbers 18:24, 26, Deuteronomy 12:6, Malachi 3:6-9).
c. Because of Jesus’ blood sacrifice, we are now redeemed from the curse of the law.
d. Jesus became our High Priest, who receives our tithes out of love.
e. We can do what Abraham did.
a. For every victory God gave him, Abraham gave his tithe out of love, honor, and appreciation (Hebrews 6:20).
f. Jesus is our Melchizedek, our High Priest, of today. When we bring our tithes to the Church, we bring our tithes to Him (Hebrews 7:1-17).

God promised Abraham that He would bless him (Genesis 12:1-3).

1. Abraham had to make the choice to obey God; likewise, we have the right to choose (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20).
   1. When we choose to obey Him, we choose blessings; when we choose to disobey, we choose curses.
2. Abraham became entrenched in the blessing after he brought his tithe to his high priest.
   1. Abraham gave the tenth of all of his income.
   2. Melchizedek pronounced the blessing on Abraham (Genesis 14:19, 20).
3. This also happens today when we bring our tithe to our high priest.
   1. Jesus has the rank of Melchizedek; we bring our tithe to Him as our high priest (Hebrews 6:20).
   2. Jesus releases the blessing on us.
   3. There was once a commandment to tithe, but today, we bring our tithes because we love God (Hebrews 7:1-15).
4. When you bring your tithe to your church, you are bringing the tithe to Jesus; therefore, you receive the blessing of Abraham (Galatians 3:13, 14).

 

[agua.]

Random thought: Did Abram tithe to Melchizedek because he was king or because he was priest? Why? What's the significance? If your answer is both, why?

Nice Farouk ! Abraham knew Melchizedek was a representative of Yahweh.

Also Melchizedek was before Levi which makes it seem strange why the tenth was applied. I'm guessing Melchizedek was someone more significant than a mere human King and Priest.

Heb 7:17 For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."

It's also cool to see Abraham reject the mammon from the King of Salem right after receiving the blessing from King Melchizedek. It's better to receive God's blessing,

 

[Andrew Mason]

Okay, I appreciate the feedback so far, but we've already gotten a little sideways on this and nobody has answered the specific questions I laid out. For now, let's set aside the NT Tithing debate. Here's the question again...

Do you think Abram tithed to Melchizedek because he was a king or because he was a priest? Why? What's the significance? If your answer is both, why?

I have a couple rough ideas, but I'd like to hear some others if people have them...

 

[TOG]

Okay, I appreciate the feedback so far, but we've already gotten a little sideways on this and nobody has answered the specific questions I laid out. For now, let's set aside the NT Tithing debate. Here's the question again...

Do you think Abram tithed to Melchizedek because he was a king or because he was a priest? Why? What's the significance? If your answer is both, why?

I have a couple rough ideas, but I'd like to hear some others if people have them...

I think it must have been because he was a priest. Tithes that are payed to the king are called taxes. Tithes were paid to the priesthood and to the poor.

The TOG​

 

[Andrew Mason]

I think it must have been because he was a priest. Tithes that are payed to the king are called taxes. Tithes were paid to the priesthood and to the poor.

Thanks TOG! Great answer...

Anybody have any other ideas?

 

[gr8grace3]

I believe He gave because Melchizedek brought Abram Spiritual Blessing. Not because of who or what He was. Melchizedek was Spiritually more mature than Abram and Brought Spiritual awareness to Abram for His" fight" with King of Sodom. Abram was going to be tempted with millions of dollars and He needed a spiritually mature believer to help keep his focus on Jesus.

I think it is more interesting of what Melchizedek brought to the table than the tithe by Abram.

Melchizedek brought Wine and bread and blessing. A Church age Grace principle or the Lords supper. And we do not see it again until the last supper in the NT.

Bread - analogous to the humanity of Jesus Christ
Wine - analogous to the priestly function at the altar - speaking of
the blood of Christ
(these are signs of the Royal Priesthood and are not used again
until the Church Age)
Blessings here are analogous to the communication of bible
doctrine.

 

[jasoncran]

I believe He gave because Melchizedek brought Abram Spiritual Blessing. Not because of who or what He was. Melchizedek was Spiritually more mature than Abram and Brought Spiritual awareness to Abram for His" fight" with King of Sodom. Abram was going to be tempted with millions of dollars and He needed a spiritually mature believer to help keep his focus on Jesus.

I think it is more interesting of what Melchizedek brought to the table than the tithe by Abram.

Melchizedek brought Wine and bread and blessing. A Church age Grace principle or the Lords supper. And we do not see it again until the last supper in the NT.

Bread - analogous to the humanity of Jesus Christ
Wine - analogous to the priestly function at the altar - speaking of
the blood of Christ
(these are signs of the Royal Priesthood and are not used again
until the Church Age)
Blessings here are analogous to the communication of bible
doctrine.

what is the showbread then? and also manna?

 

[JLB]

Random thought: Did Abram tithe to Melchizedek because he was king or because he was priest? Why? What's the significance? If your answer is both, why?

It shows that Abraham acknowledged a greater than he.

I agree with Farouk!

However, I believe he walked with God and was able to discern that Melchizedek was greater as a result of this.

In other words he was lead by The Spirit.


JLB

 

[gr8grace3]

what is the showbread then? and also manna?

Yes the shewbread is interesting!

we see it in Romans 8:28~~And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose

prothesis: a setting forth, i.e. fig. proposal, spec. the showbread, sacred (bread)
Original Word: πρόθεσις, εως, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: prothesis
Phonetic Spelling: (proth'-es-is)
Short Definition: the show-bread, predetermination
Definition: a setting forth, the show-bread; predetermination, purpose.

Christ is the shewbread and Gods predetermined plan.

John 6:48~~"I am the bread of life.

 

[RevSRE]

He gave an offering to A Priest!
Abraham recognized the man of God and honored both God and priest by giving an offering that was required by God, to God the way all such offerings are given, at the hand of the priest. Abraham did not give Melchizedek an offering he gave God a tithe to honor both.
WHY?
And so we meet this figure from the Old Testament. A king, a Priest, an equal to Abraham, A Patriarch, first born in a time when the first-born was Sanctified to be the spiritual leaders of men. The only way he could have been a Priest was by birthright. King and priest by birth just as Christ was to be which is why Melchizedek is a type of Christ.

 

[Deborah13]

Okay, I appreciate the feedback so far, but we've already gotten a little sideways on this and nobody has answered the specific questions I laid out. For now, let's set aside the NT Tithing debate. Here's the question again...

Do you think Abram tithed to Melchizedek because he was a king or because he was a priest? Why? What's the significance? If your answer is both, why?

I have a couple rough ideas, but I'd like to hear some others if people have them...

Melchizedek was the King of Salem (peace). He also brought bread and wine. Representing Christ.
I believe he was a type of Christ, both king and priest.

 

[farouk]

Melchizedek was the King of Salem (peace). He also brought bread and wine. Representing Christ.
I believe he was a type of Christ, both king and priest.

Sounds right.

Blessings.

 

[About the Son of God]

Random thought: Did Abram tithe to Melchizedek because he was king or because he was priest? Why? What's the significance? If your answer is both, why?

Both....

The numbers, 7, and 10 and 12 are special in biblical accounts; For example, 7 is the number of "oath", and whenever the Jews speak of "swearing", they literally say something like "seven one's self."; The number 10 is more curious; for when the Hebrews entered Egypt, they either imparted or picked up (I think the latter) the idea that 10 means God or divinity or perfection.

Consider one of the most prominent ideas where 10 is used; for If one counts the actual sentences in the 10 commandments, there are more than 10; and there are different ways to group the commands so that there are 10 groups of words, but no way to make it exactly 10 words. Yet the bible says there are 10 words Deka-Logue (10-words / commands);

It's important to grasp that they are called 10 most strongly on account of the commands being directly from God; not on account of the physical number of words that Moses wrote down on a scroll at a later time.

Basically the number 10 became a Hebrew idiom for the idea divinity, magnification, and perfection; so that when Moses later wrote down the story's of Abraham, the numbers 7 and 10 are signs representing oath and God respectively.

Just so, when the biblical account says "tithe"; that word literally means to take a "tenth" part, and therefore, as an idea -- means to give something to God.
That's what Abraham did with Melchizadech -- he gave him a "tenth".

So, when I look at Melchizadech -- I'm thinking, Abrham must have seen him as God's representative on earth; that is, as God's anointed. And I know that two kinds of anointing that come from God are priest and king.

Even foreign kings are called "God's anointed" when they represent the will of God; not just priests of God.

Isaiah 45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

And so Paul also recognizes that Kings, by being authorities who uphold law, are to be directed by God:

1Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1Timothy 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

And I am sure that inasmuch as a king represents God, by virtue of a law or contract; a king is entitled to tribute.
Even wicked kings deserve as much.

Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
Matthew 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Matthew 22:19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
Matthew 22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

With that in mind, when I look at the passage in Genesis that you speak of, My attention is drawn to how clearly the scriptures set out to compare and contrast a King with a Priest-King;

The number ten in the form of a "tithe" is used only of what Abraham gave to Melchizadek of everything (off the top) before he gives anything to the king of Sodom. And it seems that he may have given some of the wealth of Sodom to Melchizadech, too, as a "thank you" to God for a blessing which saved the Sodomites through Abraham hand.

Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Genesis 14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Genesis 14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
Genesis 14:22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
Genesis 14:23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
Genesis 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

In terms of quantity, though; Abraham gives close to 90% of the remaining wealth to the king of Sodom -- but with the caveat that he now owes the king of Sodom *nothing*. The king of Sodom can not call upon Abraham to fight in a future war as a pre-paid mercenary.

I think, then, that there is more than one probable reason Abraham gave Melchizedech wealth:

1) The king of Salem as a priest can be the witness to Abraham's oath (Genesis 14:22-23) who knows the amount since he had 1/10th of it.
2) Abraham evidently crossed the king of Salem's land during the battle and return from it; and it's unclear if Melchizadech was in the battle -- but even if he wasn't -- it's not improper to pay him as king, either, for the use of his roadway (eg: tax, or money to reassure him they intend him and his people no harm.).
3) Abraham recognizes the blessing of God in protecting him during battle so that he gives an amount which recognizes that it is "God" to whom the wealth belongs; and he does so to a priest as a "Thank you" to God.

So, it is definitely because he is a Priest but I think it is also because he is God's anointed king.

 

[TOG]

Bread - analogous to the humanity of Jesus Christ
Wine - analogous to the priestly function at the altar - speaking of
the blood of Christ
(these are signs of the Royal Priesthood and are not used again
until the Church Age)

(Emphasis by TOG)

And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” (Ruth 2:14 ESV)
​

Bread and wine were part of pretty much every meal for people back then.

The TOG​

 

[Eugene]

Excerpt from the study of Gdnesis by M. Bodie
http://www.gracegod.com/Study Books/Genesis - Book of Beginnings.pdf

He (Abraham) acknowledged the High Priest and His superior place by giving Him tithes of all he possessed. We read in Hebrews of this circumstance - "the lesser is blessed of the greater, and that levi paid tithes in Abram." Here, God is surely calling the things that be not as though they were; for Levi was not yet born. In fact he was the grandson of Abram, Jacob's son; yet Jehovah counted him as giving a tenth of the spoils of conquest to Melchisedek. Later, Israel were bidden to pay tithes to the Levites.

We are thus taught that the priesthood of Melchisedek, figure of Christ, is greater than the priesthood of Aaron. And Salem ("peace") the city over which he was also king, is later named Jerusalem ("founded in peace"), the city over which Christ will have His throne. Wondrous typical views of future realities into which we are privileged to gaze. And now Abram is ready for the king of Sodom. He is protected against temptation, for he has heard from Jehovah, and has been strengthened by Him. And though he is given the choice of keeping all the goods which he has taken from the enemy, he refuses the offer. He is not afraid to tell the reason either, but boldly declares his faith. "I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet, nor aught that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich." Ah, this is victory indeed! He will owe the flesh nothing. God is his Backer and he desires that no man may be able to take credit for making Abram rich. The Mighty God fills his vision, so the greatest of kings has no influence over him. We admire his stand. He has courage and faith. He is learning from God and going on from strength to strength. May we imitate him. He had the victory of Christ, "the Author and Finisher of faith." He refused the kingdoms of this world from the hands of Satan. He will take no honor except from His Father's hand.

 

[gr8grace3]

And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” (Ruth 2:14 ESV)
​

Bread and wine were part of pretty much every meal for people back then.

The TOG​

You could look at it like a meal if you want. I believe one is missing the deeper meaning though.
And in the verse you use that would be vinegar. Melchizedek(A priest) brought wine,bread and blessing. He was a King and a priest. A foreshadow of Christ and of believers today......the royal priesthood.

 

[hhh]

I belive Abraham tithed a priest. I believe it is significant because Melchizedec was a Gentile. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. Acts 15:14-15
I also believe it is significant that Melchizedec brought Abraham bread and wine; because bread and wine are symbolic of the goslel in John 6: and, the scripture preached the gospel unto Abraham, 430 years before Moses was given the law. And the scripture, forseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached rhe gospel before unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Ga. 3:8 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was 430 years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Ga.3:17

 

[hhh]

I believe Abraham tithed a priest. I believe it is significant because Melchizedec was a Gentile. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. Acts 15:14-15
I also believe it is significant that Melchizedec brought Abraham bread and wine; because bread and wine are symbolic of the goslel in John 6: and, the scripture preached the gospel unto Abraham, 430 years before Moses was given the law. And the scripture, forseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached rhe gospel before unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Ga. 3:8 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was 430 years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Ga.3:17