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"The lesser is blessed by the better..."

Text: Hebrews 7:7

AN IMPORTANT OBSERVATION

The author of Hebrews made an important statement about tithing.

“Now beyond all contradiction the lesser
is blessed by the better. Here mortal man receives tithes,
but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed
that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes
through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins
of his father when Melchizedek met him.”
Hebrews 7:7-10

1. The principle established

a) The lesser is blessed by the better.

b) Melchizedek is therefore greater than Abraham (Cf. Genesis 14:19-20).

i) He received a tithe from Abraham.

ii) He blessed Abraham.

2. The giving of the tithe by Abraham

a) This was a personal act on Abraham’s part.

i) It was an expression of his grateful worship of God for His protection and for His provision.

ii) It was an acknowledgment of the unique priestly ministry of Melchizedek.

iii) It was humble submission on Abraham’s part to Melchizedek and all he represented.

b) But there was a greater symbolic meaning. The argument is enumerated for easier comprehension.

i) From Abraham came all the tribes that made up Israel.

ii) The Levitical priestly tribe was not excluded; it came from Abraham’s loins.

iii) In that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, Levi paid tithes (through Abraham). Hence the Melchizedek priesthood was greater and higher than that of the Levites