Hebrews 7:5

Hebrews 7:5

A tenth for the priesthood

It’s time to have a look at exactly what the law does say about tithing. In Deuteronomy 14 we read that the Israelites were commanded to set aside a tenth of all that their fields produced, this tithe was to be taken to the cities and towns where it could be distributed to the Levites. At the end of every 3 years the tithes that were stored would be distributed amongst Levites, foreigners, the fatherless and widows. How this was all logistically arranged is not clear but there was no excuse for not taking part, your neighbours would all know how well you had done anyway! The Lord had instructed Moses, “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”  In other words, the tithes were the wages of the priesthood. 

The point being made by the author of Hebrews is that this obligation to tithe fell on all Israelites. Whilst the members of the priesthood were set apart for their sacred duties, they were not elevated above their contemporaries for they also were descendants of Abraham. In giving a tithe to Melchizedek, Abraham was not donating to his fellow men, he was giving to a priest who was higher than himself, to a man who prefigured the Levitical priesthood and who was not related to Abraham or His family. Abraham must have known this and still gave his offering out of respect and reverence, and because he knew this priest was a true servant of the Lord God. In other words, Melchizedek was superior to the Levitical priests. In the same way of course, the priesthood of Jesus Christ is far superior to any human religious leader be it a pope, a cardinal, a bishop or other minister. What a privilege it is to have our High Priest serve us and also allow us to come directly to Him with our offerings and our thanksgiving. No human intermediary can be substituted for Him. Hallelujah! 

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