I. We need to look at the Priestly ministry of Melchizedek. V4-5
A. The writer is building understanding of the importance of this person.
1. The writer tells us to “consider” how great this man was:
a. This word consider is very important for us to get. (GK means to discern,
but the RT word means to look closely at something, Melchizedek)
b. One of the other RT words is important. (GK means to gaze at, and gives
us the understanding of maybe to study or take a hard look at)
c. He is talking about something other than a glance. (This gives us the idea
the writer wants to see something important in the life of this man)
d. What he wants us to see is “how great” this man is. (GK for “great” is the
dignity of the man Melchizedek)
e. This word “dignity” is important to me. (The Dictionary says, “High
rank, office or position, a title of nobility or honor)
f. So the writer is wanting us to understand. (The high rank and office of
this Melchizedek)
2. The High rank of this person is shown by Abraham’s response to Him:
a. Abraham, the “Patriarch”. (GK means “progenitor” and this word means
direct ancestor, and originator or founder)
b. Look at Gen. 17:5. (The Father of many nations, the word “father”
means Chief or fore-father)
c. So the Fore-father of us in the faith is the example. (He did this showing
another’s Superior rank or Office)
1). Look at John 8:39. (They were claiming Abraham as their Fore-father,
Whom they considered great among them)
a). Look at John 8:34-40 in context. (If they were in fact Abraham’s
children you would do what Abraham did)
b). This goes to Gal. 3:6-9. (There is faith required to be true
descendants of Abraham and this goes back to Gen 15:6
Abraham believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness)
c). And our faith is seen and blessed through obedience. (Look at Gen.
22:15-18 but look at verse 16 “Because you have done this”)
d). Look at James 2:14-24. (Faith and works are intimately tied together
and can’t be separated, and is seen in this tithing portion)
2). The writer is establishing a Superior person. (One that even Abraham
Deferred to in what he did)
d. What Abraham did was to give a tenth of the plunder. (Look at Gen. 14:18-
20 this is as Abraham met Melchizedek)
1). Notice, Melchizedek brings Bread and wine. (Look at Luke 22:20 This
Is known as the “Lord’s Supper” and the “New Covenant” He took
the cup)
2). This goes back to Ex 24:1-8. (When Yashua was doing this He was
Referring to this moment, this is the “Covenant Ceremony” look
Specifically at verse 8)
3). Now look at Jere. 31;31-34. (This is the New Covenant made with
Israel and Judah and is direct link to Luke 22:20 and Ex. 24:1-8)
a). Look at Heb. 8:10. (This is the New Covenant that was spoken of
here in this chap.)
4). Look at Zech. 9:9-11. (Once again this is about the New Covenant
In Yashua’s blood, and is about restoration)
5). Now the bread is the unleavened bread of Passover. (Luke 22:19, “This
Is My Body” goes back to Ex. 12:8)
a). We can see in 1 Cor. 5:7-8. (Unleavened represents sincerity and
truth, but also life, look at John 6:31 but is a reference to Ex.
16:4 “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you”)
b). Look at John 6:30-40. (The Father sent Yashua “the bread of life” to
us from heaven)
c). Also look at John 6:51-59. (Not like the manna but living bread
brings life)
6). All of this to establish that Melchizedek. (Was the Superior Priest and
That Abraham was being ministered to by the Superior, if you well)
3. Now look, Abraham gave a tenth of the plunder. (This was an act that have
Been recognized as Tithing to the one ministering)
a. Look at Num. 18:21. (The tithe was given to the priest for their portion
or inheritance, and for their service)
*Look at 2 Chron. 31:4-5 Hez. Reestablishing the priesthood.
1). The word service. (Heb. means for the work done, and is in reference
To ministering to the congregation)
2). And if you look at Num. 18:26. (The Levites were to give to the Lord a
Tenth of the Tithe they received)
3). This is where Paul got 1 Cor. 9:14. (Look also at Matt. 10:8-10 those
Sent out were to make their living from what they were called to)
4). Look at Num. 18:26. Heb. word for offering is “sacrifice” so it
Becomes part of our worship to Him)
a). Look at Deut. 12:11-12. (Chap. 12 is title a place to worship, so look
at all that is involved in worship, one of those is your tenth, so
Abraham was in fact worshipping by giving that tenth)