Why Did Abram Tithe to Melchizedek?

The question of why Abram offered a tithe to Melchizedek has The question of why Abram offered a tithe to Melchizedek has sparked a lively debate within the church. Many regard it as one of the Bible’s most misunderstood principles.

The issue, however, is more than a matter of historical curiosity. It continues to divide believers. Some view the tithe as an outdated Old Testament practice, while others argue that it remains relevant in today’s church.

Some Christians argue that tithe money could be used more effectively for charity or personal needs. However, this debate is about more than financial management.

Instead, it can deepen our understanding of faith. Moreover, it raises an important question: Why was Abraham so committed to tithing?

How can we reconcile these differing perspectives on such an essential aspect of faith? Your perspective, as a believer, is crucial in this exploration of the tithe and the spiritual principles behind it in biblical times and in today’s church.

Questions This Study Will Answer

To correctly answer the question of tithing, we must first answer these questions:

• Who is Melchizedek?
• Why did Abram give a tithe to Melchizedek?
• Is God teaching us a principle through the practice of tithing?

Let’s examine the story of Abram and Melchizedek as recorded in the Bible. You can read the story in Genesis 14:17-24.

Genesis 14 and the Biblical Story of Abraham’s Tithe

To begin, Chedorlaomer and his armies raided Sodom and Gomorrah. They took food and clothing, then departed. Because Abram’s nephew Lot lived in Sodom, the invaders also captured Lot and his family.

When Abram learned what had happened, he responded immediately by assembling 318 trained soldiers. Then they pursued the enemy to the town of Dan. That night, Abram and his men launched a surprise attack and defeated them.

As a result, Abram recovered everything the enemy had stolen. He brought back the women and servants, his nephew Lot, and all of Lot’s possessions.

As Abram returned from battle, he entered the Valley of Shaveh and encountered two kings: Bera, king of Sodom, and Melchizedek, king of righteousness. Their contrasting offers frame the choice at the heart of this account and help explain why Abram gave his tithe to Melchizedek.

Bera, King of Sodom and the Worldly Alternative

Bera represents this world system, which appeals to the flesh (Ephesians 2:1-3). The name Bera means “gift” or “sons of evil.” Sodom means “burning.” The meaning of the names Bera (gift) and Sodom (burning) suggests that the world bargains for our allegiance. We must be careful to make wise choices. If we bow to Bera, everything we hold dear will be consumed. That’s what happened to Lot.

Melchizedek, King of Salem and the Godly Alternative

In contrast to Bera, Melchizedek was the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. He met Abram as Abram returned from defeating the kings.

Furthermore, Melchizedek is one of the Bible’s most mysterious figures. He is described as being without father, mother, genealogy, beginning of days, or end of life. He is like the Son of God and remains a priest forever.

Significantly, Melchizedek means “king of righteousness,” while Salem means “peace.” Accordingly, Hebrews 7:1-28 and Psalm 110:4 connect Melchizedek with Jesus Christ, the “King of peace” and the “King of righteousness.”Bread and Wine in Abraham and Melchizedek’s Meeting. For a detailed explanation of how the New Testament interprets Melchizedek’s priesthood, see this commentary on Hebrews 7.

Melchizedek blessed Abram, and he sealed that blessing with a meal. By rejecting Bera’s offer and receiving Melchizedek’s blessing, Abram made a declaration of faith. In other words, he was saying, “Take the world, but give me Jesus.”

The Meaning of Bread and Wine

In Old Testament times in the Middle East, sharing a meal could seal a covenant agreement. Bread and wine were staples of these meals.

Bread is the substance of life. Wine symbolizes joy and blessing. Bread and wine also symbolize the body and blood of Jesus.

When we read the story of Abram and Melchizedek, we often overlook these elements. Yet they are essential to understanding why Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe.

Abram’s Choice Between Two Kings

Bera offered Abram all the spoils in return for the people. Melchizedek offered him bread and wine. Abram had to choose between two kings who represented opposite ways of life.

Sodom was a wicked city, and Bera represented a worldly system that appealed to the flesh. Melchizedek, King of Salem, represented peace and righteousness.

Abram refused Bera’s offer. He received bread and wine from Melchizedek and gave him a tithe of the spoils.

Why Did Abraham Tithe to Melchizedek?

In Malachi 3:6-12, the Bible teaches that tithing brings abundant blessing. Malachi 3:9 also states that withholding the tithe brings a curse.

Did Abram give a tithe to receive a blessing? No. Abram was already rich in goods, so he did not tithe for monetary gain.

Did he tithe because he feared a curse? No. Abram gave a tithe to the priest of the Most High because he recognized that his blessings came from God, not Bera.

Abraham Recognized God as the Source of His Blessing

Abram understood that it was God who had enabled him to overtake his enemies and recover the goods they had stolen. He understood that it was God who had blessed him with his worldly riches and not the corrupt system of government represented by Bera. Abram tithed to honor God, and by honoring God, he rejected all the things that the world had to offer him.

Biblical Tithing: God Desires Our Hearts, Not Our Money

We often read Scripture without considering its deeper meaning. We may combine isolated verses and make the word of God appear to say something it does not.

For example, Psalm 50:14 says, “Pay your vows to the Lord.” Malachi 3:8 reads, “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.”

Some combine these verses and assert that tithing is an obligation. Yet Psalm 50:14 says to pay your “vows,” not your “tithes.” Many churches teach that we should “pay” the tithe. However, God wants us to “give” it. The tithe is an offering, not an obligation.

Giving Willingly, Not Under Pressure

In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul teaches believers to give willingly, generously, and without pressure. Don’t give because you feel pressured, guilty, or forced. God delights in generosity that comes from a joyful and sincere heart.

What Does the Bible Teach About the Principle of Tithing?

God does not need or want our money. He is God! Everything belongs to Him.

In this passage, God is basically saying, “I’m not criticizing you because you haven’t brought enough sacrifices. I don’t need your animals, because every creature in the forest, every cow on the hills, every bird in the mountains, and everything else in the world already belongs to Me. If I were hungry, I wouldn’t need to ask you for anything. What I really want is your gratitude and your faithfulness to the promises you have made to Me” (Psalm 50:8–14).

Should Christians Tithe Today?

Ultimately, the decision to tithe is yours. Tithing is not a command; it is a choice. For a detailed scholarly examination of whether the tithe remains mandatory under the new covenant, see “Will a Man Rob God?”

Consider this example: “Wash your clothes and bathe so that you may smell fresh.” This statement presents a principle rather than a command. The choice to wash and bathe is yours. If you do, you will smell fresh.

In the same way, tithing is presented here as a principle, not a command. For a broader biblical-theological treatment of Malachi within the Old and New Covenants, see “The Book of Malachi in Biblical-Theological Context.”

Tithing as a Principle Rather Than a Command

When God says, “Bring the tithe into My house, that there may be food in My house,” He is revealing a principle rather than issuing a command. He is saying, “If you love Me, you will honor Me with your substance.”

When you honor God with your substance, He will bless you, as He blessed Abram.

Conclusion: Why Abraham Gave a Tithe

Abraham’s tithe was not a payment for blessing, nor was it an attempt to earn God’s favor. It was an act of worship—a grateful acknowledgment that the Most High God had given him the victory, the possessions, and the promise. By giving a tenth to Melchizedek while refusing Bera’s wealth, Abram publicly declared that his security and success came from God, not from the world’s power or rewards.

That is the enduring meaning of Abraham’s tithe: genuine giving begins in the heart. Whether believers give a tenth or another amount, the deeper question is whom they trust and honor. Like Abram, we are called to reject the illusion that the world is the source of our provision and to respond to God’s grace with gratitude, generosity, and faith.