“And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.”
This verse is part of the account of Abram (later known as Abraham) after he successfully rescues his nephew Lot and his possessions from captivity by several kings who had raided Sodom and Gomorrah.
After his victory, Abram encounters Melchizedek, who is described as the king of Salem and a priest of God. Melchizedek blesses Abram and Abram responds by giving him a tithe, a tenth of all the spoils of war.
Here are a few key points to consider in a Bible study of Genesis 14:20:
Acknowledgment of God’s deliverance:In this verse, Abram acknowledges that it is God, the Most High, who has delivered his enemies into his hand. It highlights Abram’s recognition that his victory was not achieved solely by his own strength or military prowess but was a result of God’s intervention and assistance.
Blessing from the Most High God:Abram blesses and acknowledges God, giving credit and honour to Him for the victory. This response shows Abram’s faith in God’s sovereignty and His role as the source of blessing and provision.
Giving a tithe:Abram gives a tenth of all the spoils of war to Melchizedek. The act of tithing was a practice of giving a portion of one’s income or possessions as an offering to God or to religious leaders. In this case, Abram’s tithe is a gesture of gratitude and recognition of Melchizedek’s spiritual authority and connection to God.
Significance of Melchizedek:Melchizedek is an intriguing figure in the Bible. He is described as both a king and a priest, which is a unique combination. His name means “king of righteousness,” and he is the king of Salem, which means “peace.” Melchizedek is seen as a type or foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate King and High Priest. The New Testament book of Hebrews draws upon Melchizedek’s example to illustrate the superiority of Christ’s priesthood.
Overall, Genesis 14:20 emphasises Abram’s acknowledgment of God’s role in his victory, his act of giving a tithe in response to God’s blessing, and the appearance of Melchizedek as a significant figure in Abram’s life. It invites us to reflect on the themes of gratitude, acknowledging God’s provision, and the significance of Christ’s priesthood.
