⁴ Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. ⁵ And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham.

Premise: Abraham was great and he gave a tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek. Conclusion: Melchizedek must be really great! So the writer tells us to “observe.” Pay close attention, there is meaning here that has been missed up until now. The mystery continues to unfold.

There was no strategic reason for Abraham to do this, nor was an explanation given in the record of Genesis for why he did it. Melchizedek was not part of the battle from which Abraham was returning. We do know, however, that this king of Salem went out of his way to celebrate with Abraham, bringing food and drink, and a blessing, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand…” (Gen 14:19–20).

The Old Testament writer made a clear contrast with Abraham’s interaction with another king, the King of Sodom, whose people Abraham rescued. That king wanted Abraham to keep all the possessions of Sodom that he had recovered, but Abraham refused. Abraham wanted nothing from Sodom. He did not want the King of Sodom to hold his generosity over Abraham’s head. Yet, with the King of Salem, Melchizedek, Abraham gave ten percent of all the spoils of war.

In all this, we see that Abraham was beginning to see the fulfillment of God’s promise to bless the world through him. The King of Sodom was blessed in that he received back his people and possessions (certainly a very gracious act considering Abraham’s suspicions and also from what we know of the ensuing history of the destruction of Sodom along with Gomorrah). But now the King of Salem was also blessed with ten percent of the spoils of a war in which he was not involved.

In comparison, the people of Israel were to give ten percent to the Levitical priests. But the point is made that they were all, both the priests who were supported by the tithe and the people who gave it , equally descendants of Abraham, and therefore, brethren. And Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek. When we “observe,” that is, think deeply about this, the conclusion is clear: Melchizedek is greater than Abraham and the Levitical priests!

Lord, there is no end to Your greatness as You reveal the glory of Your Son.