In furtherance of our study on tithing, we will be looking at its relevance and at the same time continue to answer questions raised by readers. Hebrews 7:4 says Consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils”.
To consider means to fix one’s eye or mind on. Paul admonishes us to put our focus on the greatness of Melchizedek.
You see, in theology, Melchizedek is referred to as a theophany — that is, when deity appears to humanity. Melchizedek is a type of Christ. His name means the King of Righteousness and he held the office of King of Salem.
Salem means peace, from where we get Jerusalem; and Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” and the revelation of righteousness.
Jesus is a high priest after the order of or rank of Melchizedek, which infers he has equal status with Melchizedek (Hebrews7:17).
Melchizedek showed up with bread and wine, which are emblems of the new covenant…. of the bread, Jesus said… this is my body which is broken for you or this is a symbol of my body — and as this bread is broken, so my body will be marred and stripped for you.
Of the wine he said… This cup is the new covenant in my blood or this is the symbol of my blood, which is shed for many for remission of sin.
Melchizedek was the priest of the Most high God, which infers he was the official mediator between God and Abram. He blessed Abram, and said Blessed be Abram of El’Elyon, possessor of heaven and earth: and blessed be El Elyon, who has delivered your enemies into your hand (Genesis 14:18-20).
Note Melchidezek called Abram “possessor of heaven and earth”, saying Blessed be Abram of El `Elyon, possessor of heaven and earth.
Abram, in response to the King of Sodom’s request (“Give me the people, and take the goods to yourself, Genesis 14:21) called God possessor of heaven and earth, saying I have lifted up my hand to the LORD, El `Elyon, possessor of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:22).
Abram and God are labelled possessors of heaven and earth, which infers that they are covenant partners, meaning that what belongs to God belongs to Abram. Melchizedek, a priest of God who showed up with Bread and Wine, (emblems of the new covenant) cut a covenant with Abram, and Abram said, I have lifted up my hand to the LORD, El’Elyon, meaning with raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High and He gave him tenth of all (Genesis 14:20).
Hebrews 7:9-10, says… And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham.10: For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
Living Bible Rendering, says One might even say that Levi himself (the ancestor of all Jewish priests, of all who receive tithes), paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham. 10: For although Levi wasn’t born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham when Abraham paid the tithes to Melchizedek.
Paul informs us that believers are the children of Abraham, saying, Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham (Galatian 3:7).
Thus, if Levi, the natural descendant and one of the 12 sons of Jacob and his descendants, who were authorized to receive tithes paid tithe through Abraham, we who are of faith — “the children of Abraham” — also paid tithe through Abraham.
So if we paid tithe through Abraham who had the promise and lived 430 years before the law was given to Moses, whose father Amram was one of the four grandsons of Levi, the fulfilment of the Law doesn’t annul tithing.
Thus, tithing is still relevant and Jesus encouraged it, saying You should practise tithing, without neglecting righteousness, love and faith.
Hear him:
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices — mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice (righteousness), mercy (love) and faithfulness (faith). You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. (Mathew 23:23).
By Emmanuel Emeke Asiwe(Ps)
