Hebrews 7:4

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

Hebrews 7:4 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers, emphasizing the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Testament system of priests and sacrifices. The author demonstrates this by comparing Jesus to various Old Testament figures, including Melchizedek, a mysterious priest-king.

Meaning

The verse opens with a direct call: “Now consider how great this man was.” The author urges readers to weigh the significance of Melchizedek, a man so honoured that Abraham, the revered patriarch of the Jewish nation, gave him a tenth of the spoils of war. The term “patriarch” underscores Abraham’s high status as the father of God’s chosen people, making Melchizedek’s superiority even more striking. Abraham’s tithe was not a small gift; he had just defeated a coalition of kings and taken their possessions, so the tenth represented substantial wealth offered voluntarily as an act of honour and worship.

Biblical connections

The reference to Abraham and the tenth of the spoils is found in Genesis 14:18-20. After Abraham’s victory in battle, Melchizedek, identified as king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blessed Abraham and received a tithe of all the spoils. Giving a tenth was a common Old Testament practice acknowledging God’s provision and authority. In Hebrews 7, the author presents Melchizedek as a unique figure who was both priest and king, unlike the Levitical priests who descended from Aaron. The author argues that if Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, acknowledged Melchizedek’s greatness by giving him a tithe, then Melchizedek’s priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood. This point is reinforced in Hebrews 7:5-10, where the author notes that Levi, the ancestor of the Levitical priests, also paid tithes to Melchizedek, since he was “in the loins of his father” Abraham when Melchizedek met him. The one who blesses is superior to the one who receives the blessing.

Application

The author 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 superior to the Levitical order. The main point is that Jesus is the ultimate high priest with 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. Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek points forward to the greater honour due to Christ, who deserves our full reverence, worship, and trust.

Reflection

If Abraham, the father of the faithful, recognised Melchizedek’s greatness through a costly tithe, how much more should believers honour Jesus Christ, whose priesthood surpasses Melchizedek’s? The verse invites readers to consider the greatness of Christ and respond with humble worship and wholehearted devotion.