Genesis 14:20 - and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
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What does "Genesis 14:20" mean?
This verse, Genesis 14:20, is part of the story where Abram (later known as Abraham) rescues his nephew Lot and defeats a coalition of kings. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"and blessed be God Most High": This is a declaration of praise and gratitude to God. "God Most High" (El Elyon in Hebrew) is a specific title used by Melchizedek (the priest-king who speaks the verse). It emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. Abram is acknowledging that his victory is due to God's intervention.
"who has delivered your enemies into your hand": This states that God was the active agent in Abram's victory. The phrase "delivered your enemies into your hand" signifies that God granted Abram the power and success to defeat his adversaries. It wasn't merely Abram's strength or skill; it was divine assistance.
"Abram gave him a tenth of all": This describes Abram's response to Melchizedek and his blessing. Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe (a tenth) of the spoils of war. This act of tithing is significant because:
It's an act of worship and recognition of God's sovereignty: By giving a portion of his possessions, Abram acknowledges that everything he has comes from God.
It's an acknowledgement of Melchizedek's priestly authority: Giving the tithe to Melchizedek, who is a priest of God Most High, shows respect for Melchizedek's position and for the God he serves.
It is an early example of tithing: This is one of the earliest examples in the Bible of tithing as an expression of faith and gratitude.
In summary, the verse means:
Abram recognized that his victory was a direct result of God's power and intervention. He expressed his gratitude by praising God using Melchizedek's title for him, "God Most High". Then, as a tangible demonstration of his faith and submission to God, Abram gave a tenth of everything he had acquired to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High.
Significance:
Divine Sovereignty: Emphasizes God's control over events and his power to deliver those who trust in him.
Gratitude and Worship: Shows that gratitude to God should be expressed through worship and tangible acts.
Priestly Authority: Introduces Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who foreshadows the priestly role of Jesus Christ in the New Testament (see Hebrews 7).
Tithing: Establishes the principle of tithing as a way to honor God and support religious leaders.
Genesis 14:20 - and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
What does "Genesis 14:20" mean?
This verse, Genesis 14:20, is part of the story where Abram (later known as Abraham) rescues his nephew Lot and defeats a coalition of kings. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"and blessed be God Most High": This is a declaration of praise and gratitude to God. "God Most High" (El Elyon in Hebrew) is a specific title used by Melchizedek (the priest-king who speaks the verse). It emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. Abram is acknowledging that his victory is due to God's intervention.
"who has delivered your enemies into your hand": This states that God was the active agent in Abram's victory. The phrase "delivered your enemies into your hand" signifies that God granted Abram the power and success to defeat his adversaries. It wasn't merely Abram's strength or skill; it was divine assistance.
"Abram gave him a tenth of all": This describes Abram's response to Melchizedek and his blessing. Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe (a tenth) of the spoils of war. This act of tithing is significant because:
It's an act of worship and recognition of God's sovereignty: By giving a portion of his possessions, Abram acknowledges that everything he has comes from God.
It's an acknowledgement of Melchizedek's priestly authority: Giving the tithe to Melchizedek, who is a priest of God Most High, shows respect for Melchizedek's position and for the God he serves.
It is an early example of tithing: This is one of the earliest examples in the Bible of tithing as an expression of faith and gratitude.
In summary, the verse means:
Abram recognized that his victory was a direct result of God's power and intervention. He expressed his gratitude by praising God using Melchizedek's title for him, "God Most High". Then, as a tangible demonstration of his faith and submission to God, Abram gave a tenth of everything he had acquired to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High.
Significance:
Divine Sovereignty: Emphasizes God's control over events and his power to deliver those who trust in him.
Gratitude and Worship: Shows that gratitude to God should be expressed through worship and tangible acts.
Priestly Authority: Introduces Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who foreshadows the priestly role of Jesus Christ in the New Testament (see Hebrews 7).
Tithing: Establishes the principle of tithing as a way to honor God and support religious leaders.