and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Melchizedek blesses God for Abram's victory, the more significant action here is Abram's response. He immediately gives a tenth of all the spoils, not just as a payment to Melchizedek, but as a profound acknowledgment that this victory belonged to God Most High, the ultimate Possessor of all.
and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abram has just achieved an astonishing military victory, rescuing his nephew Lot and recovering vast amounts of goods after a surprise night attack. As he returns, the king of Sodom meets him, but Abram has already declared his allegiance and thanks to God, refusing any spoils from Sodom. It is in this moment of triumphant return and recognition of divine favor that Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram and receives a tenth of the spoils.
Abram just won a massive victory, rescuing his nephew and recovering stolen goods. What's the very first thing he does? It's not boasting or celebrating with the king of Sodom. It's an act of worship.
The verse shows Abram's immediate response to God's intervention:
Who is this mysterious king-priest who appears out of nowhere, blesses Abram, and receives tithes? His appearance here is more than just a historical encounter.
Melchizedek's appearance is significant for several reasons:
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Understand the original words
magan · Hebrew Verb
To rescue, hand over, or give victory to someone in the context of conflict. It acknowledges God as the true source of military or spiritual success.
ma'aser · Hebrew Noun
A tenth part of one's increase or income given to God as an act of worship, gratitude, and acknowledgment of His lordship. It signifies that all one possesses belongs ultimately to Him.
This event highlights Abram's immediate recognition of God's sovereignty and power in delivering him from danger, solidifying his faith amidst the complex political landscape of early Canaan.
c. 2000 BC
Abram settles in Canaan
Abram, later renamed Abraham, arrives in Canaan and establishes his family and flocks in the land promised to his descendants.
c. 2000 BC
Amraphel's Coalition Dominates Region
A coalition of four kings, led by Amraphel of Babylon, subjugates several Canaanite city-states, including Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 2000 BC
War in the Valley of Siddim
The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah rebel against Amraphel's rule but are defeated in the Valley of Siddim, with Lot captured in the battle.
c. 2000 BC— this verse
Abram Rescues Lot
Abram, alerted to Lot's capture, mobilizes his household warriors and pursues the victorious kings, rescuing Lot and recovering all the goods.
c. 2000 BC
Melchizedek Blesses Abram
Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, meets Abram after his victory, blesses him, and receives a tithe of the spoils.
c. 2000 BC
Abram Refuses Spoils
Abram, after receiving blessings and giving tithes, refuses any spoils from the king of Sodom, ensuring no one can claim to have made him rich.
This passage directly references the event in Genesis 14, explaining that Abram gave a tenth to Melchizedek, highlighting Melchizedek's superior status as a priest of God Most High.
Psalm 110:4This psalm, which is quoted in Hebrews, refers to a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, connecting the Genesis event to a future royal priesthood that foreshadows Christ.
Deuteronomy 14:22This passage from the Law shows the continuation of the tithe practice within Israel, demonstrating that Abram's act set a precedent for giving a tenth to God's service and priesthood.
Malachi 3:10This verse calls the people of Israel to bring their tithes into the storehouse, showing the ongoing importance of tithing as an act of faithfulness and an offering to God.
1 Corinthians 10:31This verse speaks to doing all things for God's glory, which is a fitting principle for Abram's blessing of God and his act of tithing as an act of worship and gratitude.
gillGenesis 14:20: "And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all."
And blessed be the most high God,.... Let his name be praised, and thanks be given to him for all mercies temporal and spiritual, since all flow from him, and particularly for the mercies Abram and others through him were now made partakers of; for whoever were the instruments, God was the efficient cause, and to him all the glory was to be given: which hath delive…
calvinGenesis 14:1-24: "And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;"
And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;
Et egressus est rex Sedom, et rex Hamorah, et rex Admah, et rex Seboim, et rex Belah, ipsa est Sohar, et ordinaverunt cum eis…
While Melchizedek blesses God for Abram's victory, the more significant action here is Abram's response. He immediately gives a tenth of all the spoils, not just as a payment to Melchizedek, but as a profound acknowledgment that this victory belonged to God Most High, the ultimate Possessor of all.
Abram has just achieved an astonishing military victory, rescuing his nephew Lot and recovering vast amounts of goods after a surprise night attack. As he returns, the king of Sodom meets him, but Abram has already declared his allegiance and thanks to God, refusing any spoils from Sodom. It is in this moment of triumphant return and recognition of divine favor that Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram and receives a tenth of the spoils.
Abram has just achieved an astonishing military victory, rescuing his nephew Lot and recovering vast amounts of goods after a surprise night attack. As he returns, the king of Sodom meets him, but Abram has already declared his allegiance and thanks to God, refusing any spoils from Sodom. It is in this moment of triumphant return and recognition of divine favor that Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram and receives a tenth of the spoils.
"and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
And Abram gave him a tenth of everything." — While Melchizedek blesses God for Abram's victory, the more significant action here is Abram's *response*. He immediately gives a tenth of *all* the spoils, not just as a payment to Melchizedek, but…
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Last reviewed October 2026