Genesis 14:20b-24 NLT
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.” Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.”
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.” Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.”
This is not the same Abram we encountered in Genesis 12. Back then, Abram asked Sarai to tell the Egyptians she was his sister so his life would be spared and he would be treated well because of her. Abram learned not to take advantage of others for riches.
In fact, this verse in 20b precedes with this statement from Melchizedek, “And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you .” God fulfilled what He had promised. Covenant was the only reason his enemies were defeated and his family was returned to him. In agreement and recognition of this fact, Abram tithed from the goods he had recovered.
And that is the primary reason for the tithe. It is a public acknowledgement to everyone that God is the One Who defeats our enemies and returns our loved ones back to us.
Second, it keeps us from taking advantage of others. Bera, King of Sodom, evidently had respect for both Abram and Melchizedek. It also appears that he was in awe of the God who fought for Abram, otherwise, he wouldn’t have offered for Abram to keep all the spoils.
Third, it is a public statement that we do not become rich by our own hand or by taking advantage of others. True wealth and riches come from the God.
Proverbs 10:22 NLT, "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it."
Fourth, tithing teaches us to give to others what is due to them, especially when they were such a blessing in our time of need (give a fair share of the goods to my allies vs. 24).
The tithe is a covenant act. We give to God the portion of what represents our very living. This act of faith opens the windows of Heaven to pour out immeasurable blessings on us and our love ones.
Let's Pray:
Father,
I acknowledge our covenant. You fight against my enemies and for my loved ones when I tithe. As I tithe, I will remember not to take advantage of others vulnerability, and I will give to others what is due to them. Wealth and riches do not come by my hand, or the hands of others, but only through You. You are the source of my life and I will praise You forever. In Jesus Name, Amen.
In fact, this verse in 20b precedes with this statement from Melchizedek, “And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you .” God fulfilled what He had promised. Covenant was the only reason his enemies were defeated and his family was returned to him. In agreement and recognition of this fact, Abram tithed from the goods he had recovered.
And that is the primary reason for the tithe. It is a public acknowledgement to everyone that God is the One Who defeats our enemies and returns our loved ones back to us.
Second, it keeps us from taking advantage of others. Bera, King of Sodom, evidently had respect for both Abram and Melchizedek. It also appears that he was in awe of the God who fought for Abram, otherwise, he wouldn’t have offered for Abram to keep all the spoils.
Third, it is a public statement that we do not become rich by our own hand or by taking advantage of others. True wealth and riches come from the God.
Proverbs 10:22 NLT, "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it."
Fourth, tithing teaches us to give to others what is due to them, especially when they were such a blessing in our time of need (give a fair share of the goods to my allies vs. 24).
The tithe is a covenant act. We give to God the portion of what represents our very living. This act of faith opens the windows of Heaven to pour out immeasurable blessings on us and our love ones.
Let's Pray:
Father,
I acknowledge our covenant. You fight against my enemies and for my loved ones when I tithe. As I tithe, I will remember not to take advantage of others vulnerability, and I will give to others what is due to them. Wealth and riches do not come by my hand, or the hands of others, but only through You. You are the source of my life and I will praise You forever. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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