Hebrews 7:10

"We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes,"

Key Reflection

This verse highlights that even though Levi is a descendant of Abraham and part of the priestly line, he still had to pay tithes to Melchizedek, illustrating that no one, not even those in positions of religious authority, are exempt from giving to God. This underscores the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood over the Levitical system.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 10. For he was yet in the loins of his father. Abraham is here called the father of Levi, by a common use of the word, referring to a more remote ancestor than the literal father. The meaning of the apostle is that he was even then, in a certain sense, in the loins of Abraham, when Melchizedek met him; or it was all the same as if he were there, and had then an existence. The relation which subsisted between him and Abraham, in the circumstances of the case, implied the same thing as if he had then been born, and had acted for himself by paying tithes. Instances of this occur constantly.

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