Why Melchizedek is Greater Than Abraham

Dr. Kluane Spake

The book of Hebrews says that Melchizedek was Greater than Abraham (Hebrews 7:7)

And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater.

Why was Melchizedek Greater than Abraham? First, we need to look at the first mention of Melchizedek in Genesis 14.

After Abraham defeated Chedorlaomer and all the wicked kings who fought with him, Melchizedek appeared with bread and wine and gave it to Abraham.

Abraham tithed to Melchizedek the spoil of that war. He tithed out of victory and before the Law.

Then, Melchizedek blessed Abraham. This blessing is an amazing statement. It is not something that one person would or could say to another. These words were the words given by Melchizedek as a person authorized to declare God's intention to bestow a phenomenal blessing upon Abraham."

Melchizedek blessed Abraham by saying, “Blessed (favored with blessings, made blissful, joyful) be Abram by God Most High, Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth, and blessed, praised, and glorified be God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand!” (Gen. 14, Amp.)

The first reason Melchizedek is considered greater than Abraham is because he was authorized by God to bestow this good upon Abraham.

Melchizedek was the priest of the Most High God (Hebrews 7:1, 3, 11-12, 15, 17, 21). Abraham was not a priest. He was called “a friend of God.” But, Abraham was not a priest of God. The Levitical system had not yet been established. This priest Melchizedek was able to mediate between God and Abraham.

Jesus ushered in the New Covenant, and with this Newness, the priesthood had to be changed BACK to the Melchizedek.

2. Hebrews tells us that the Levitical (Aaronic) priesthood was “weak and unprofitable” (Heb. 7:18-19). It could only make temporary sacrifice (Heb. 7:19, 22). A Levitical (Aaronic) priest only ministered from age 25-50. But the Melchizedek ministers as a “priest forever” (Hebrews 7:23-24).

3. The principle of tithing is given us before the Law. Tithing was a giving out of victory and not compulsion. It was a giving out of desire and not obligation.

This action presents us with the intention of God – it was an UPWARD giving. “The lesser gives to the greater.” This seems to be a very debatable subject right now. But, it seems that this verse strongly indicates that we should give to those to whom the Lord has selected to have the right and authority to give us blessing.

Verse four tells us to consider how great this Melchizedk was since Abraham gave him a tithe. People did not TITHE to Abraham. Why would receiving a tithe make one great? Abraham is the father of our faith. Melchizedek was a priest – he gave blessing and received tithes.

But Melchizedek was not a Levitical priest - he is STILL abiding. The Levitical priesthood was temporary to point the way to Jesus. Now, Jesus is The High Priest who "abides continually."

Finally, vs. 8 says "In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on" (NASB). The point is: those who receive tithes should be those who have inherited the Melchizedek priesthood and have the witness that Jesus lives eternally.

Jesus gave us of His righteousness, His eternal life, and His eternal priesthood (II Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:22-28).

Whoever you think Melchizedek may have been, we must carefully study to find the purpose of this Melchizedek Priesthood – and to discover how Jesus' priesthood is superior to Aaron's.

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