and he blessed Abram and said: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and he blessed AbramThe act of blessing in the Hebrew context, "barak," signifies a powerful invocation of divine favor. Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, bestows this blessing upon Abram, acknowledging his role in God's unfolding plan. This blessing is not merely a wish for prosperity but a recognition of Abram's covenant relationship with God. It underscores the importance of divine approval and support in the life of a believer, reminding us that true success and favor come from God alone. and said 'Blessed be Abram
The repetition of "blessed" emphasizes the significance of the blessing. It is a public declaration of God's favor upon Abram, setting him apart as a recipient of divine grace. This phrase highlights the importance of spoken blessings in the biblical narrative, where words carry the power to shape destinies. It serves as a reminder of the authority and impact of our words, encouraging believers to speak life and blessings over others. by God Most High
The title "God Most High," or "El Elyon" in Hebrew, denotes God's supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. It is a recognition of God's ultimate power and position above all other gods and rulers. This acknowledgment by Melchizedek reinforces the monotheistic belief central to the faith of Abram and his descendants. It serves as a reminder of God's unparalleled greatness and the assurance that He is in control of all circumstances. Creator of heaven and earth
This phrase affirms God's role as the ultimate Creator, the one who brought the universe into existence. It is a declaration of God's omnipotence and His intimate involvement in the world He created. By acknowledging God as the Creator, Melchizedek aligns with the foundational truth of the biblical worldview: that everything originates from and is sustained by God. This recognition calls believers to worship and trust in God's providence, knowing that He who created all things is also able to sustain and bless His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abram (Abraham)The central figure in this passage, Abram is later known as Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. He is blessed by Melchizedek, indicating his favored status with God. 2. MelchizedekThe king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He is a mysterious figure who blesses Abram, signifying a divine endorsement of Abram's mission and life. 3. God Most High (El Elyon)This title for God emphasizes His supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. It is a recognition of God's ultimate power and dominion. 4. SalemOften identified with Jerusalem, Salem is the city over which Melchizedek reigns as king. It represents peace and righteousness. 5. The BlessingThe act of blessing Abram by Melchizedek is significant, as it acknowledges Abram's role in God's plan and the divine favor upon him. Teaching Points Recognition of God's SovereigntyUnderstand that God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and His authority is supreme. This recognition should lead to a life of worship and submission to His will. The Role of BlessingsBlessings in the Bible often signify God's favor and purpose. Seek to live a life that aligns with God's will to receive His blessings. The Importance of Righteous LeadershipMelchizedek, as a king and priest, exemplifies righteous leadership. In our lives, we should strive to lead with integrity and righteousness, reflecting God's character. Connection to ChristSee the foreshadowing of Christ in Melchizedek's priesthood. Recognize Jesus as our eternal High Priest who intercedes for us. Faith and ObedienceAbram's life is marked by faith and obedience to God. Emulate Abram's faith by trusting in God's promises and obeying His commands. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the title "God Most High" (El Elyon) influence your understanding of God's nature and His relationship with creation? 2. In what ways can you seek and recognize God's blessings in your own life, similar to how Abram was blessed by Melchizedek? 3. How does the connection between Melchizedek and Jesus in Hebrews 7 enhance your understanding of Christ's role as our High Priest? 4. What lessons can you learn from Abram's faith and obedience that can be applied to your current life circumstances? 5. How can you incorporate the principles of righteous leadership exemplified by Melchizedek into your personal or professional life? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 7This chapter in the New Testament draws a parallel between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ, highlighting the eternal priesthood and the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. Psalm 110:4This verse prophesies about the Messiah being a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, linking the Old Testament figure to the coming of Christ. Genesis 12:1-3God's initial promise to Abram, where He promises to make Abram a great nation and bless him, setting the stage for the blessings seen in Genesis 14:19. People Abram, Amalekites, Amorites, Amraphel, Aner, Arioch, Bela, Bera, Birsha, Chedorlaomer, Dan, Elam, Emites, Eshcol, Ham, Horites, Lot, Mamre, Melchisedec, Melchizedek, Rephaites, Seir, Shemeber, Shinab, Tamar, Tidal, Zoar, Zuzims, ZuzitesPlaces Admah, Ashteroth-karnaim, Bela, Damascus, Dan, Elam, Ellasar, El-paran, En-mishpat, Gomorrah, Ham, Hazazon-tamar, Kadesh-barnea, King's Valley, Oaks of Mamre, Salem, Salt Sea, Seir, Shaveh-kiriathaim, Shinar, Sodom, Valley of Shaveh, Valley of Siddim, Zeboiim, ZoarTopics Abram, Blessed, Blesseth, Blessing, Creator, Heaven, Heavens, Maker, Possessing, Possessor, SayingDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 14:19 4287 universe Genesis 14:1-24 4224 cities of the plain Genesis 14:13-21 5077 Abraham, character Genesis 14:17-20 1680 types
5328 greeting Genesis 14:18-20 1205 God, titles of
5042 name of God, significance
8488 tithing Genesis 14:18-23 4055 heaven and earth Library An Example of Faith
'Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureJerusalem
The first name of this city was Shalem, Genesis 14:18, Psalm 76:2, and it is still retained in the writing, however it is read Jerushalaim. "The name of that place is Jehovah-jireh. Abraham called the place Jireh; Shem called it Shalem. Saith God, If I shall call it Jireh, it will displease Shem the Just; if I shall call it Shalem, it will displease Abraham the Just. I will therefore put that name upon it which was put upon it by both, Jireh, Shalem,--Jerusalem."--"We do not, therefore, put Jod between …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Tithing
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Mal. 3:10). Down deep in the heart of every Christian there is undoubtedly the conviction that he ought to tithe. There is an uneasy feeling that this is a duty which has been neglected, or, if you prefer it, a privilege that has not been …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing Bethphage
There is very frequent mention of this place in the Talmudists: and, certainly, a more careful comparison of the maps with those things which are said by them of the situation of this place is worthy to be made; when they place it in mount Olivet, these make it contiguous to the buildings of Jerusalem. I. In the place cited in the margin, the case "of a stubborn judge" (or elder) is handling. For when, by the prescript of the law, difficult matters, and such things as concerning which the lower councils …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
SYRIA AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EGYPTIAN CONQUEST NINEVEH AND THE FIRST COSSAEAN KINGS-THE PEOPLES OF SYRIA, THEIR TOWNS, THEIR CIVILIZATION, THEIR RELIGION-PHOENICIA. The dynasty of Uruazagga-The Cossseans: their country, their gods, their conquest of Chaldaea-The first sovereigns of Assyria, and the first Cossaean Icings: Agumhakrime. The Egyptian names for Syria: Khara, Zahi, Lotanu, Kefatiu-The military highway from the Nile to the Euphrates: first section from Zalu to Gaza-The Canaanites: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
ABRAHAM, THE TRADITIONAL FATHER OF HIS RACE.--Gen. 12:1-8; 13:1-13; 16; 18, 19; 21:7; 22:1-19. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible I, 73-94. Prin of Pol., 160-175. Jehovah said to Abraham, Go forth from thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, to the land that I will show thee, that I may make of thee a great nation; and I will surely bless thee, and make thy name great, so that thou shalt be a blessing, I will also bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665 …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 14:19 NIVGenesis 14:19 NLTGenesis 14:19 ESVGenesis 14:19 NASBGenesis 14:19 KJV
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