“And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.”
One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, — the argument uses the principle of representation: since Abraham was already in the loins of his ancestor Levi when he paid the tithe to Melchizedek, Levi himself virtually paid the tithe. This genealogical logic establishes that the Levitical priesthood was subordinate to Melchizedek even before it existed.
Church Fathers on Hebrews 7:9
Hebrews 7:8 “And here men that die receive tithes: but there he of whom it is testified that he lives.” But lest we should say, Tell us, why are you going so far back? He says, Hebrews 7:9 “And as I may so say” (and he did well in softening it) “Levi also who receives tithes payed tithes in Abraham.” How? Hebrews 7:10 “For he was yet in his loins when Melchisedec met him,” i.e. Levi was in him, although he was not yet born. And he said not the Levites but Levi. Have you seen…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!