Gen 14:18-19

"And Melchizedek, who was king of Salem and also

a priest of the most high God, brought bread and

wine to Abram, blessed him, and said, "May the

most high God, who made heaven and earth, bless

Abram! May the most high God, who gave you victory

over your enemies, be praised!" And Abram gave

Melchizedek a tenth of all the loot he had recovered.

Matthew Henry Commentary

What he said, v. 19, 20. Two things were said by him:--

1. He blessed Abram from God: Blessed be Abram, blessed of the

most high God, v. 19. Observe the titles he here gives to God,

which are very glorious.

(a.) the most high God, which bespeaks His absolute perfections in

Himself and His sovereign dominion over all the creatures; He is

King of kings. Note, It will greatly help both our faith and our

reverence in prayer to eye God as the most high God, and to call

Him so.

(b.) Possessor of heaven and earth, that is, rightful owner,

and sovereign Lord, of all the creatures, because He made them.

This bespeaks Him a great God, and greatly to be praised (Ps. 24:1),

and those a happy people who have an interest in His favour and love.

2. He blessed God for Abram (v. 20): and blessed be the most high

God. Note,

(a.) In all our prayers, we must praise God, and join hallelujahs

with all our hosannahs. These are the spiritual sacrifices we must

offer up daily, and upon particular occasions.

(b.) God, as the most high God, must have the glory of all our

victories, (Exo. 17:15; 1 Sam. 7:10,12; Judg. 5:1-2; 2 Chr. 20:21).

In them He shows himself higher than our enemies (Exo. 18:11),

and higher than we; for without Him we could do nothing.

(c.) we ought to give thanks for others' mercies as for our own,

triumphing with those that triumph.

(d.) Jesus Christ, our great high priest, is the Mediator both

of our prayers and praises, and not only offers up ours, but

His own for us. See (Lu. 10:21).

3. What was done to him: Abram gave him tithes of all, that

is, of the spoils, . This may be looked upon,

4. As a gratuity presented to Melchizedek, by way of return

for his tokens of respect.

Note, Those that receive kindness should show kindness.

Gratitude is one of nature's laws.

5. As an offering vowed and dedicated to the most high God,

and therefore put into the hands of Melchizedek his priest.

Note,

(a.) When we have received some signal mercy from God, it is

very fit that we should express our thankfulness by some

special act of pious charity. God must always have His dues

out of our substance, especially when, by any particular

providence, He has either preserved or increased it to us.

(b.) that the tenth of our increase is a very fit proportion

to be set apart for the honour of God and the service of

His sanctuary.

(c.) that Jesus Christ, our great Melchizedek, is to have

homage done Him, and to be humbly acknowledged by every

one of us as our king and priest; and not only the tithe

of all, but all we have, must be surrendered and given

up to Him.