The Voice of the Lord

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Avram gave him a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:20).

Why does Abram give a tithe to Melchizedek? The laws of tithing would not be written for another four hundred years, but Abram is already familiar with the practice of dedicating the best to God as a way of honoring him. Centuries before, Abel brought the "firstborn of his sheep, including their fat" (Genesis 4:4), and God accepted this offering. Years later, Abram's grandson Jacob promised to honor the Lord with the tithe to signify that the Lord is God (Genesis 28:20-22).

The tithe, then, honors God; but why give it to Melchizedek? This mysterious figure is a priest of El Ely on (God Most High). Abram recognizes El Elyon as the one true God and gives the tithe to Melchizedek, God's representative. As a worshiper of God, Abram is eager to express honor to him. He does not view the tithe as a tax or an obligation, but as a way to dedicate all that he has to the Lord. Thus he fulfills the command that will be given four hundred years later—to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your substance (me'odekha). Me'odekha can also refer to one's possessions or wealth. By giving the tenth to God, we dedicate all we have to him.

...give the Lord the first and best of my increase, thereby dedicating all I have to him.

RR