1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.7Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.8Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak.
Hebrews 7:1-9
Q & A:
- Discuss who Melchizedek is and how he resembles as a type of Christ with his superior identities and the different order of priesthood. Explain the original intentions of tithing as instituted in the Mosaic law with regards to the practical and spiritual purposes. (Heb 7:1-9; Heb 7:17)
- Compare how Abraham walked by faith and put trust in God to be his sole provider while Lot walked by sight and was eventually tempted towards Sodom (corrupted world). Discuss how we should honor God with our tithes and the first fruits of our increase as Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek before the Mosaic law. (Gen 14:20-23; 1 John 2:15; Prob 3:9-10)
- Discuss where our tithes should go correctly and how tithing makes God our source of supply with the 90%. Are you afraid to tithe due to fear of lack? Do you believe or have you experienced that God will open the windows of heaven to pour out blessings for you? (Heb 7:8-9; Mal 3:10-11)