Hebrews 7:4
“Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.”
Context:The book of Hebrews is a New Testament book written to Jewish believers, emphasizing the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Testament system of priests and sacrifices. The author of Hebrews demonstrates Jesus’ superiority by comparing Him to various figures in the Old Testament, including Melchizedek, a mysterious figure mentioned in Genesis 14:18-20.
Melchizedek:In Hebrews 7, the author presents Melchizedek as a unique figure who was both a priest and a king, unlike the Levitical priests who descended from Aaron. The author highlights Melchizedek’s greatness and superiority over Abraham by pointing out that Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, gave a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek.
Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek:The reference to Abraham and the tenth of the spoils can be found in Genesis 14:18-20. After Abraham’s victory in battle, Melchizedek, identified as the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, blessed Abraham and received a tithe (a tenth) of all the spoils.
Significance of the tenth:The act of giving a tenth, or a tithe, was a common practice in the Old Testament. It was a way of acknowledging God’s provision and authority. Abraham, recognizing Melchizedek’s greatness, voluntarily gave him a tenth of the spoils as an act of honour and worship.
Melchizedek as a type of Christ:The author of Hebrews uses Melchizedek as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Both Melchizedek and Jesus are portrayed as both kings and priests, and their priesthood is seen as superior to the Levitical priesthood. The author argues that if Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, acknowledged Melchizedek’s greatness by giving him a tithe, it shows that Melchizedek’s priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood.
Jesus as the ultimate high priest:The main point the author of Hebrews is making is that Jesus is the ultimate high priest who has an eternal and unchangeable priesthood. He is greater than any earthly priest or religious system because He is both the sacrifice and the high priest who offered Himself for the forgiveness of sins once for all.
