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"Consider how great this man was..."

Text: Hebrews 7:4

THE GREATNESS OF MELCHIZEDEK

The author was intent on making out a strong case for the greatness of Melchizedek. He had already established that his greatness lay in three things:-

1. He was “king of righteousness”.

2. He was “king of peace”.

3. He was “priest of the Most High God”.

FURTHER PROOF OF GREATNESS

He went on to establish the greatness of Melchizedek in another way.

“Now consider how great this man was,
to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave
a tenth of the spoils”
Hebrews 7:4

1) The greatness of Abraham was hinted at:-

a) Though this was not stated this was nevertheless an underlying fact.

i) This is how all Jews regarded Abraham.

ii) His greatness is never in question (historically and theologically).

b) His greatness may be found in the expression “the patriarch Abraham”.

i) The term “patriarch” suggests the idea of being a “father”.

ii) He is correctly called “the father of the Jews”.

2. The greatness of Melchizedek

This was further established when Abraham gave to Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils of war.

a) Abraham accepted his humbler position.

b) He acknowledged that Melchizedek was “great”.

c) He did not even attempt to make a comparison with Melchizedek in terms of personal greatness.

The giving of a tithe established beyond any doubt the greatness of Melchizedek!