In this pericope, the author repeatedly quotes certain Scriptures in order to make clear what he intends to explain. These intellectual hang-ups kept them from continuing on to maturity in Jesus. What a fun thing to look into the words of the Old Testament and then see how they point to the Person and work of Jesus. Observe Abraham's great dignity and happiness; that he had the promises. Hebrews 4:8 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. I grew up in the church of the Nazarene where tithing was compulsory if you were a member of this church. It revolves around the rest promised by God and the danger of disobedience to God and of … Having studied this with the Superior Word I feel like a heavy millstone has been removed from my neck and I am now free to give as the under the New Covenant. Hebrews 7:11 (NKJV) Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? Abraham, the father of the Hebrew faith, gave a tithe to Melchizedek. Gave the tenth of the spoils - see the notes, Hebrews 7:2. “ιησους (Iesous),” or “Jesus,” is the Greek form of “Joshua.” Critics claim that the KJV, by merely transliterating the name, misleads readers into thinking that these verses about Joshua the son of Nun are about Jesus Christ. The reason for this is because he will then show how the greatness of Melchizedek’s priesthood exceeded that of Aaron’s. Only here in Hebrews and oP. To begin this, he relies on what has been stated so far in verses 1 through 3 and says, “Now consider how great this man, .” It should rather say, “Now consider how great this man. The common people tithed to the Levites and the Levites to the priests – in ascending order. Hebrews 7:4-10 elucidates and substantiates the Superiority of the Melchizedekian compared with the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 5:11 to 6:19, was both critical and encouraging, he wanted his Jewish audience to know they should be further along in their understanding of spiritual issues. Amen Sister. This tithe was then further divided (as is mentioned in Leviticus 27) and a 10th of that was given to the priests who ministered at the temple. (iii) We must follow carefully the ‘flow of thought1, for our writer is logically and carefully working out what he wants to say. ]For if Joshua had given them rest, He [God] would not speak afterward about another day. Outline: Hebrews 7:1-10. ii. From there, he now returns to the thought of verse 7:2 for explanation by saying, “to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.” In 7:2, he repeated the information given in Genesis 14 which stated this fact. Commentary on Hebrews 7:4-10 (Read Hebrews 7:4-10) That High Priest who should afterward appear, of whom Melchizedec was a type, must be much superior to the Levitical priests. The author now begins to explain the level of greatness of Melchizedek, something he will do for the next seven verses. Ἀποδεκατοῖν to exact tithes, Hebrews 7:5. If Abraham was the greatest of the family of the Hebrews, and if he can be shown to be in a lesser position than Melchizedek, then it will imply a surpassing greatness in Melchizedek. and Jesus, Jesus should be the only “Is” in the sentence, who always Is! From there, and because of the parallel between Melchizedek and Jesus, he will make the obvious conclusion that the priesthood of Jesus exceeds that of Aaron. Hebrews 7 is the seventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" (Hebrews 13:23) causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. When you applied for membership this is one of the things you had to promise to do. He paid "tithes of ALL," and those tithes were taken out of the topmost and best portion of the whole spoils. .” The reason is because of what it said in the previous verse, that he “…like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” It is a state which continues. The argument here is, that Abraham acknowledged the superiority of Melchizedek by thus devoting the usual part of the spoils of war, or of what was possessed, to God by his hands, as the priest of the Most High. God bless my friends. That is something many of us are not able to experience with the church down the street from our house. Hebrews 7:4 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Hebrews 7:4, NIV: "Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!" Abraham, the father of the Hebrew faith, gave a tithe to Melchizedek. That proves that Melchizedek was superior to Abraham. Your email address will not be published. The "if" is a second class condition meaning: "If and it's not." If that can be established, then Jesus – who is the One being set in comparison to Melchizedek – will then be shown to also be in surpassing greatness to the patriarch Abraham – even though He descends from him in His humanity. I’m okay with a teacher who tells us that this view differs from that view, etc, but when they fail to give any credence to pre trib, I don’t go for that. The superior worth and dignity of Christ above Moses is shown. From there, and because of the parallel between Melchizedek and Jesus, he will make the obvious conclusion that the priesthood of Jesus exceeds that of Aaron. Thank you John! 7, 5, 35; Herod. In understanding these types and patterns, we can more fully understand the surpassing greatness of the work of the Lord. However, we also learned that some of the more complex nuggets of his life shine light on some of the greatest truths in Jesus’ priesthood. From there, he now returns to the thought of verse 7:2 for explanation by saying, “to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.” In 7:2, he repeated the information given in Genesis 14 which stated this fact. Hebrews 7:4. It has that sense here, and denotes the spoils or plunder which Abraham had taken of the discomfited kings. It is for this reason that the author now brings in tithing. Roger Hahn. Without can not be used by it self, meaning that it has to be minimum one more condition included (all/at least one,etc) all: "fish", without: "bread", will search for verses that contains "fish" but NOT "bread" start: Hebrews 7:4 “Now consider how great this man [was], unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.” In antiquity, it was common for people to give a tithe to a god or his representative. Thank You that redemptive history is so carefully recorded for us to know – with all certainty – that we are following the proper path in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews Chapter 7: After the order of Melchizedek The writer of Hebrews continues his discussion of Melchizedek started in chapter 5 (Hebrews 5:1-10). b. Read Hebrews 7:4 Using Other Translations. He notes the amazing picture, recorded in Genesis, of patriarch Abraham tithing to this mysterious priest-king. (7-13) And of necessity of faith in Christ, and of stedfastly following him. Give as you are blessed, and that can be with a simple smile to the frustrated checkout clerk at the store. While I watch other very good pastors preach and learn much from them the Superior word is my home my base of operations for learning the word of God. This section is the longest single expository passage in the epistle, which indicates it's importance. How patient will we be to learn the word? What is the significance that … even—"to whom (as his superior) Abraham even paid tithe (went so far as to pay tithe) of (consisting of, literally, 'from') the best of the spoils (literally, 'the top of the heap"; whether of corn, the first-fruits of which, taken from the top, used to be consecrated to God; or of spoils, from the top of which the general used to take some portion for consecration to God, or for his own use)." How willing are you to be patient and slowly learn the word of God? We can infer it also applies to Isaac and Jacob. Keep looking up. the patriarch—in the Greek emphatically standing at the end of the whole sentence: And this payer of tithe being no less a personage than "the patriarch," the first forefather and head of our Jewish race and nation See on [2555]Heb 7:3, on Melchisedec's superiority as specially consecrated king-priest, above the other patriarch-priests. Thank you S.W. Here, he calls Abraham, “the patriarch.” It is a term meaning, “first father.” He is the “head” or “founder” of a family, and is thus considered the greatest of that family. The second major argument of the book of Hebrews is that Jesus is superior to Moses. Such a one indeed is Christ, on whom depends even Abraham's sanctification and all the believers, and whom all men should worship and reverence as the author of all. I truly feel blessed to be here with you all the free exchange of comments and ideas and the fact we are all learning about Jesus together. Use this table to get a word-for-word translation of the original Greek Scripture. The noun N.T.o , from ἅρκον topmost point, and θίς a heap. Hebrews 3:7-4:11. Hebrews 7:4. We ARE another day closer to home….thinker we can reserve a table at the wedding feast for the Superior Word Family. Charlie has created an oasis for like minded believers in Christ in the middle of the gathering storm of the tribulation. The top of the pile: the "pick" of the spoil. In like manner it was customary to place the harvest in a heap, and as the first thing to take off a portion from the top to consecrate as a thank-offering to God. The author stated that case in Hebrews 3:1-6, specifically in verse 3. Hebrews 7:4-10 Delivered 03/25/2001. 86, 90; 8:121, 122; Dion. That proves that Melchizedek was superior to Abraham. But the most manifest proof of it was, that Abraham gave him tithes as a priest of God, and a superior; though he was himself a patriarch, greater than a king, and a progenitor of many kings. Cyro. I am no longer in bondage. (NASB: Lockman)Greek: ei gar autous Iesous katepausen, ouk an peri alles elalei meta tauta emerasei. Unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils: predicate: to whom Abraham gave even the tenth, the choicest, most valuable articles thereof, ἐκ τῶν λαφύρων τῶν κρειττόνων καὶ τιμιωτέρων, θίνες δὲ εἰσιν οἱ σωροὶ τῶν πυρῶν ἢ κριθῶν, Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, even gave a tenth of the spoils, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. “Jesus” or “Joshua” in Acts 7:45 & Hebrews 4:8? It occurs only in Acts 2:29; Acts 7:8-9, and in this place. Hebrews 3:7-19 and Hebrews 4:1-11. Leave a Comment / Hebrews / By JD Stewart. His blessing was more than mere praise for paying tithes; it was an expression of approval from God. Grace mercy and peace on you and yours In the Bible, this title is given to him, the 12 sons of Israel, and to David. Now consider how great this man was Melchizedek, of whom so many great and wonderful things are said in the preceding verses: and as follows, unto whom the … The use of the word patriarch here is purposeful. See on Luke 10:18; see on John 1:18. i. Here the thought is, Melchizedek received tithes even from Abraham the patriarch; there, He has been thus honoured, though no enactment of law invested him with superior rights. Hebrews 7:8, ESV: "In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives." Hal. Giving Glory to God from Sarasota, Florida, Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. I’m all for lively debate but it would do much for our testimony to the unbelieving world if we would agree to disagree, agreeably, on those non-salvific issues like the timing of the rapture. Melchizedek was a priest long before Abraham’s great-grandson Levi was born –and that was long before Levi’s great-grandson Aaron was born. In antiquity, it was common for people to give a tithe to a god or his representative. It was a concept u, This tithe was then further divided (as is mentioned in Leviticus 27) and a 10. Hebrews 7:4. The Greek word for “blessed” in Hebrews 7:6 is in the perfect tense, indicating the result of Melchizedek’s historical action has lasting significance. and how much greater must Christ, the antitype of Melchizedek, be? Be sure not to run ahead of sound doctrine, but keep things in their intended context! Instead of making a direct consecration by himself, he brought them to him as a minister of religion, and recognized in him one who had a higher official standing in the matter of religion than himself. Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42. What ever pace the lord sets for us is the right pace Amen, We ARE another day closer to home AMEN The term comes from pater meaning father and arche meaning first or greater. Properly an adjective, but used as a noun for tithe. 29 And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.” Deuteronomy 14:28, 29. For the first two years, they were to enjoy that tenth themselves in the Lord’s presence – eating, drinking, and rejoicing in His provision. Hebrews 7:4, ESV: "See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!" The purpose of arguing the greatness of Melchizedek was not magnify Melchizedek: it was to magnify Christ. In the verses ahead, we will see a most fascinating reason why the author proclaims the greatness of Melchizedek. Life application: Tithes and all offerings of the Old Testament were, like praise, from the lesser to the greater. (14-19) Commentary on Hebrews 3:1-6 (Read Hebrews 3:1-6) I am so very glad to read this. Amen. Hebrews 7:4 Context. Is it appropriate to mandate this Old Testament precept? The word then came to denote the "first-fruits" which were offered to God, and then the best of the spoils of battle. Amen Ruth it’s so awesome when the lights come on and the millstone is removed from around your neck! Hebrews 7:11-25 turn the argument to that goal. a. It is like a yoke over them. The people were to set aside one-tenth of everything they accumulated each year. Even though we are seperated by miles and oceans I feel connected to all my Superior Word family in a personal way. unto whom the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils; of Abraham's giving tithes to him; see Gill on Hebrews 7:2 and Melchizedek's greatness is aggravated, not only from this act of Abraham's, but from Abraham's being a "patriarch", who did it; he was the patriarch of patriarchs, as the sons of Jacob are called, Acts 7:8 he is the patriarch of the whole Jewish nation, and of many nations, and of all believers, the friend of God, and heir of the world; how great then must Melchizedek be, to whom he paid tithes? Abraham had just rescued Lot and the other inhabitants of Sodom who had been taken captive by a coalition of local kings. Hebrews 7:4 "Now consider how great this man [was], unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils." Sad to say, it can also happen to Christians. For Hebrews 6:4-8 repeats and follows up Hebrews 2:1-4 and Hebrews 3:7 - 4:13. Reading these comments really blesses me. Hebrews 7:4, KJV: "Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils." (ii) We must pay special attention to verse 3, before we look at verses 4-6. The Meaning of Melchizedek As Priest - Hebrews 7:11-25. The term comes from, It is for this reason that the author now brings in tithing. Thank each of you. “At the end of every third year you shall bring out the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. Freedom from bondage is A+++ Christ has freed us from the burden of the law. Yes Lord! The reason for this is because he will then show how the greatness of Melchizedek’s priesthood exceeded that of Aaron’s. Here, he calls Abraham, “the patriarch.” It is a term meaning, “first father.” He is the “head” or “founder” of a family, and is thus considered the greatest of that family. (Hebrews 7:4-10) Please allow me to belabor the obvious. ‘If the Son therefore shall make you free, you are free indeed.” To begin this, he relies on what has been stated so far in verses 1 through 3 and says, “Now consider how great this man was.” It should rather say, “Now consider how great this man is.” The reason is because of what it said in the previous verse, that he “…like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” It is a state which continues. Sometimes I feel like I have left my emergency break on trying to understand the word when I really want to fire up the jet packs and take it in as fast as I can. Amen to Charlie and Amen to all the precious commentators thus far! Hebrews 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. Now consider how great this man was, — How great he,—this person, was. This was the sacred portion for the Lord’s service and the best of all that was gathered. Consider how great this man was — The greatness of Melchisedec is described in all the preceding and following particulars. Gordon, I enjoy your comments and your personality where Jesus shines through! Hebrews 3:7 - Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible. What does this verse really mean? Even the patriarch Abraham - One so great as he is acknowledged to have been. I too find mid or post trib rapturists arrogant, though I gave them a chance to state their case before rejecting their teachings. It was just a year ago (August 1, 2007) that the bridge which spanned the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed, resulting in the death of 13 and injuring 145. I still like that it says; consider how great this man “was” instead of “is” from what you’ve taught all along, that he wasn’t Jesus, he was just a shadow of Jesus, because of the contrast between Mel. Hebrews 7:4 Translation & Meaning. The next verse deals with the same subject, but under a new aspect. Discussion Questions. We can infer it also applies to Isaac and Jacob. In the Bible, this title is given to him, the 12 sons of Israel, and to David. Hebrews 7:4-7. thank you – beautiful picture of lake , looks like flathead . In fact you were treated differently if you did not tithe To this day members of my family tithe out of compulsion. In the same way, many Christians are hung up on intellectual issues that couldbe resolved, allowing them to move o… (3) Another figure: Melchizedek in his priesthood was above Abraham for he took tithes from him, and blessed him as a priest. I truly thank you for that Charlie. Except this passage, confined to the Synoptic Gospels, Acts, and Johannine writings. The Greek word rendered here "spoils" - ἀκροθίνιον akrothinion - means literally, "the top of the heap," from ἄκρον akron, "top," and θίν thin, "heap." The basic argument of the writer is to explain that Melchizedek was greater than the great patriarch Abraham, who himself was the "rich root of the olive tree" (the "fountainhead" as it were of the Hebrew nation - see note Romans 11:17). Required fields are marked *, The author now begins to explain the level of greatness of Melchizedek, something he will do for the next seven verses. The Danger of apostasy and the rest of GOD. Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. KJV Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. It was a 40-year-old bridge, and quite obviously there were hidden weaknesses that went undetected until it was too late. Amplified: [This mention of a rest was not a reference to their entering into Canaan. The author now begins to explain the level of greatness of Melchizedek, something he will do for the next seven verses. On the word "patriarch," see the notes on Acts 2:29. The author urges his readers to ″just think how great [Melchizedek] was″ (Hebrews 7:4). Too often, people hear about a concept, such as tithing, and they run with it as a precept for the church. The only way to know is to learn the word first, and then apply its precepts in context. This section runs from 7:1 thru 10:18 and deals with the Melchizedekian priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 3:7-4:13. ( : Your email address will not be published. Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, Today, if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, Like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness, Where your fathers tried me by proving me, And saw my works forty years. The specific guidelines, as were practiced by the people, are explained fully in Deuteronomy 14:22-29, with many other references scattered throughout the Books of Moses and elsewhere. Melchizedek is greater than Abraham (4-10) I. Verses 1-3. ’s background (1-3) II. Thank you. The reason for this is because he will then show how the greatness of Melchizedek’s priesthood exceeded that of Aaron’s. (1-6) The Hebrews are warned of the sin and danger of unbelief. Heylin. So, of course, Melchizedek was God’s priest before the Levitical Priesthood came into being. This shows the English words related to the source biblical texts along with brief definitions. Melchizedek Superior to Abraham - Hebrews 7:4-10 We learned in the last section that Melchizedek’s priesthood is as complicated as his name. Verses 5-6 made the case that since Moses was a servant in the house of God and Jesus was a son, Jesus was worthy of more honor. I am so thankful for this teaching especially the concept of tithing. Of the third year, it says –. But slow and steady is the way so we don’t miss a thing. The Greeks were accustomed, after a battle, to collect the spoils together, and throw them into a pile, and then, before they were distributed, to take off a portion from the top, and devote it to the gods; Xen. Hebrews 7:4. Yes, Abraham gave a tenth to him, but this signifies something even more interesting. It was a concept understood by every person in Israel. I. What grieves my heart, John, is the vitriol in which some of those who do not hold to the pre-trib rapture spew onto those who do. Only in Hebrews, as is the kindred verb δεκατοῦν to impose or take tithes. Hebrews 7 New King James Version (NKJV) The King of Righteousness. The writer to the Hebrews wanted to remove these intellectual problems the Jewish Christians had with the gospel. We began a new section last week in our study of Hebrews. However, the law is a completely different dispensation than the church age. Hebrews 7:8 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Hebrews 7:8, NIV: "In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living." ESV See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! "He was superior to Abraham, for he blessed him; and he was superior to Levi, or any son of his, since (if I may be allowed so to say) they paid tithes in Abraham;" Hebrews 7:9. unto whom Abraham gave a tenth out of the chief spoils, The sons of Levi take tithes of their brethren, But he whose descent is not counted from them, To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. Comp. Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And without all contradiction.