July 22, 2021 – A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham.This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.” Hebrews 7:1-10

“The author uses Melchizedek as a model of Christ’s priesthood, several times in this epistle saying that Christ is a priest “according to the order of Melchizedek.” Well, what was special about Melchizedek? And why was his priesthood superior? In this chapter the author compares Christ’s/Melchizedek’s priesthood with that of the Levites to further demonstrate Jesus’ superiority in all ways. Abraham gave one tenth of all his spoils. See also verse 4 where it shows he gave of the choicest. This is one basis in the Bible for the so called 10% tithe. What does this show us about Melchizedek? What does this show us about Abraham? Should we also give ten percent? Should we give just if we have some extra or something leftover? Can you afford to give? (Mark 12:41-44) What should be the motivation? What kind of things should we give to? What if we don’t know where to give?” (from StudyHebrews.com: Hebrews 7:1-10 Inductive Bible Study Notes)

Melchizedek’s name is interpreted as “King of Righteousness” and “King of Peace”. Even though he appears just briefly in the Old Testament, his presence is one that continues into our own discussion about Christ. There was something about him that rendered a profound response from Abraham – Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave him a tenth of his plunder. There was no need for Abraham to do this – it was his response to the “King of Righteousness”.

Jesus is our “King of Righteousness”, and he is the one we are called to give a tenth – of our time, talents and resources. Of course, just like Melchizedek, there is something about Jesus that should render a profound response from us – oh yes, it was the fact that he took on our sins by dying on the cross, and, through the cross event, has borne the sins of all people.

And yet, often we hesitate in our response – we look to whether we have the time, the talent or the treasure to spare on this “King”. Is that how we are to show a profound response to Jesus – to give what we have left – rather than what is due?

Pastor Dave