Meaning of Genesis 14:20

This verse marks a pivotal moment in Abram's life, occurring shortly after he rescued his nephew Lot and other captives from the coalition of kings led by Chedorlaomer. Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of El Elyon (God Most High), meets Abram with provisions and a blessing. Abram's subsequent act of giving Melchizedek a tenth of everything is not merely a charitable gesture but a profound affirmation of faith and recognition of divine sovereignty. It establishes a precedent for tithing as an act of worship and gratitude, acknowledging that all possessions and victories ultimately come from God. This encounter highlights the spiritual authority of Melchizedek and foreshadows a deeper theological significance concerning the priesthood and kingship that transcends the immediate narrative.

Context and Background

The narrative unfolds in Genesis 14, detailing a significant conflict among ancient Near Eastern kings. Chedorlaomer, a powerful king from Elam, had been in revolt against his overlords. After a period of subjugation, he and his allies waged war against the kings of the Jordan Valley, including those of Sodom and Gomorrah, whom they defeated and took captive, including Abram's nephew Lot. Abram, upon hearing of Lot's capture, mustered his trained men and pursued the victorious kings, striking them down in a swift and decisive victory. It is in the immediate aftermath of this rescue, as Abram returns, that he encounters Melchizedek.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance: The verse emphasizes that the victory was not solely due to Abram's military prowess but was an act of God's deliverance. Melchizedek explicitly attributes the victory to "God Most High," acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of power and salvation.
• Recognition of God's Authority: Abram's tithe is an act of recognition and submission to the authority of God Most High. It signifies that he understands his success and possessions are blessings from God and that a portion is due back to Him.
• The Priesthood of Melchizedek: Melchizedek is presented as a unique figure, a king and priest who blesses Abram. His title, "priest of God Most High," and his interaction with Abram hold significant theological weight, pointing to a divine appointment and a spiritual order.
• Faith and Obedience: Abram's willingness to give a tenth demonstrates his faith in God and his obedience to His implied will. This act is a tangible expression of his devotion.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of this event lies in its demonstration of how believers are to respond to God's blessings and victories. It teaches that:

• Gratitude: All successes and provisions should be met with gratitude directed towards God.
• Acknowledgement of Source: We must consistently acknowledge that our abilities, resources, and triumphs originate from God.
• Worship through Giving: Tithing, as exemplified by Abram, is a form of worship and a tangible expression of our commitment to God. It is a recognition of His ownership over all things.
• Spiritual Authority: It highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring those who minister in spiritual capacities, as Melchizedek’s priestly role is acknowledged.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Genesis 14:20 is foundational for the concept of tithing within the Old Testament. While the Mosaic Law later formalizes tithing for the Levites and the support of the sanctuary, Abram's pre-Mosaic tithe establishes its divine origin and its practice as an act of faith. Furthermore, Melchizedek's unique portrayal as a king-priest who blesses the patriarch of Israel is a significant foreshadowing. The New Testament, particularly in the Book of Hebrews, extensively discusses Melchizedek as a type or prefigurement of Jesus Christ's eternal priesthood, a priesthood that is superior to the Levitical order. Jesus is described as a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:6, 10; 7:11, 15-17), connecting this ancient encounter directly to Christ's redemptive work.

Analogies

One analogy for Abram's tithe is a farmer dedicating the first and best fruits of their harvest to the landowner who provided the soil, rain, and sun. It's a recognition that the bounty is a gift and a sign of respect for the source of provision. Another analogy is a child giving a portion of their allowance to their parents as a way of saying "thank you" for providing for them and acknowledging their authority.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 27:30-32: This passage in the Law explicitly states, "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." This demonstrates the formalization of the principle Abram initiated.
• Deuteronomy 14:22-29: This passage details the use of tithes for feasts and for the poor, reinforcing the communal and religious purpose of this practice.
• Malachi 3:8-10: The prophet Malachi rebukes Israel for robbing God by withholding tithes and offerings, urging them to "bring the whole tithe into the storehouse" so that God may bless them abundantly, echoing the principle of divine blessing tied to faithful giving.
• Hebrews 7:1-10: This New Testament passage extensively analyzes the significance of Melchizedek, highlighting his superiority over Abraham (and thus the Levitical priesthood through him) and establishing him as a crucial foreshadowing of Christ's priestly ministry. It notes that Abraham gave him a tenth, indicating Melchizedek's higher spiritual standing.
• 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: This verse instructs believers to set aside money on the first day of the week for the needs of the church, demonstrating the principle of systematic and sacrificial giving as a New Testament practice of supporting God's work.