Topic(s): Bible Authority, Bible Study

Bob Prichard

One of the great themes of the book of Hebrews is the superiority of Christ and the new covenant over the old covenant. Chapter 7 expands on the concept introduced earlier, that Christ is our great high priest, Who, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec” (Hebrews 5:8-10). Chapter 7 demonstrated the superiority of Christ’s priesthood.

When Abraham returned from rescuing his nephew Lot from capture by the King of Elam, Melchisedec, the King of Salem, who was also “the priest of the most high God,” blessed Abraham and gave him bread and wine. In return, Abraham “gave him tithes of all” (Genesis 14: 18-20). The writer of Hebrews used this incident to argue that since Abraham paid tithes to Melchisedec, then Levi, the priestly tribe of Israel also, in principle, paid tithes to Melchisedec. “And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him” (Hebrews 7:9-10). Even though the Levites received the tithes of Israel, Christ is superior, because His priesthood after the order of Melchisedec is superior to the Levitical priesthood.

The next verses explain that it was necessary for Christ to give His new and better covenant. “If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law” (Hebrews 7:11-12). The New Testament reveals this new covenant.

Under the former covenant, God required all Israelites to give a tenth, or tithe, of all that they had, to the Lord. This tithe was exactly ten per cent, and was required of even the poorest of the Jews. Under the new covenant, however, there is no percentage of giving specified. The New Testament does not command Christians to give ten per cent (a tithe), and there is no biblical example of Christians giving a tithe.

Giving under the new covenant is to be heart felt and sacrificial. Paul told the Corinthian Christians, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The Christians at Corinth were to set aside funds for the collection, according to how God had “prospered” them. This planned giving might very well exceed a tithe of ten per cent. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).