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Misconstruing the Logical Argumentation in Hebrews 7: Implications for the Tithing Debate

Feature Article Misconstruing the Logical Argumentation in Hebrews 7: Implications for the Tithing Debate
MAY 22, 2023 LISTEN

The connection between Hebrews 7 and the concept of tithing is often made by some ministers and individuals due to the mention of Abraham giving a tithe to Melchizedek in Genesis 14:17-20. However, it is essential to note that the writer of Hebrews does not intend to discuss tithing in Hebrews 7. The primary focus of the passage is to establish the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical priesthood through the comparison with Melchizedek using logical argumentation.

Interpreting the Bible requires a diligent effort to understand the writer's intents. We can gain a more accurate understanding of sacred texts by exploring the historical context, respecting authorial intent, analyzing literary techniques, and ensuring scriptural consistency. This approach not only enhances our comprehension of the Bible's message but also allows us to apply its timeless wisdom to our lives in a meaningful and relevant way. Emphasizing the writers' intents is vital for unlocking the profound truths in the scriptures and nurturing a deeper appreciation for their timeless relevance.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews displays a remarkable ability to reason, argue, and exhort. The book's structure and content indicate a sophisticated theological understanding and a profound engagement with philosophical concepts. Deep theological insights and profound reflections on the person and work of Jesus Christ characterize the writing. The writer undoubtedly exhibits a high level of erudition. One, therefore, needs the knowledge of both the Old Testament and logical argumentation to exegete the book correctly.

The mention of Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:4-10 serves a specific purpose within the writer's argument. It highlights the greatness and superiority of Melchizedek, who blessed Abraham, the patriarch and an ancestor of the Levitical priests. The writer uses this incident to show that Melchizedek, as a figure greater than Abraham, is also superior to the Levitical priesthood. He does not explicitly address tithing as a commandment or requirement for believers. The primary emphasis is on the superiority of Jesus' priesthood, his role as the ultimate high priest, and the fulfillment of the Old Covenant through the New Covenant in Christ.

In the Epistle to the Hebrews, the writer employs various rhetorical and argumentative strategies to present Jesus Christ as superior to Moses and Aaron. One of the techniques utilized is the principle of transitivity, which involves establishing a chain of logical reasoning to demonstrate the superiority of one person or thing over another. In Hebrews 7, this principle is employed to show how Jesus, as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, surpasses Moses and Aaron in his priesthood. So mentioning Abraham's payment of tithe to Melchizedek was just a counter-example to prove his claim of Melchizedek's superiority to Abraham.

The transitivity principle asserts that if A is greater than B, and B is greater than C, then A must also be greater than C. The writer of Hebrews employs this principle to compare the roles of Moses, Aaron, and Jesus, establishing a hierarchy of importance and demonstrating how Jesus' priesthood surpasses that of Moses and Aaron.

The argument unfolds as follows: Moses was a significant figure in Jewish tradition, revered as the great lawgiver and the leader who liberated the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Aaron was Moses's brother and was appointed the first high priest under the Mosaic Law. The writer of Hebrews acknowledges the importance of Moses and Aaron but then proceeds to show how Jesus' priesthood surpasses theirs. In Hebrews 7:11-28, the writer introduces the concept of the priesthood of Melchizedek, drawing from Genesis 14:17-20, where Melchizedek is described as both a king and a priest. The writer underlines the unique nature of Melchizedek's priesthood, which predates and supersedes the Levitical priesthood of Aaron.

The argument based on transitivity can be outlined as follows: The Levitical priesthood, represented by Aaron, was established by the Mosaic Law. However, Psalm 110:4, referenced in Hebrews 7:17, introduces the idea of a different kind of priesthood, in the order of Melchizedek, which is distinct from the Levitical priesthood. Jesus, being from the tribe of Judah, not the tribe of Levi to which the priests belonged, represents a new priesthood in the order of Melchizedek.

The writer of Hebrews establishes that Melchizedek, as seen in Genesis, was greater than Abraham because Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek and received a blessing from him. Since Levi, the ancestor of Aaron and the Levitical priesthood, was still in the loins of Abraham, this suggests that Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood, including that of Aaron. Therefore, if Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to Aaron's, and Jesus is a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, then Jesus' priesthood is greater than Aaron's.

By employing the principle of transitivity, the writer of Hebrews establishes a logical progression of thought, demonstrating how Jesus' priesthood, based on the order of Melchizedek, surpasses the priesthood of Aaron. This argument allows the writer to present Jesus as the ultimate and eternal high priest, offering superior and everlasting salvation compared to the temporary and limited system under the Mosaic Law.

In Hebrews 7, the writer's primary intent is not to address the issue of Christians paying tithes but rather to establish the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. The writer employs the principle of transitivity to support this argument. The writer compares Melchizedek to Jesus, emphasizing their similarities and highlighting the significance of Melchizedek's priesthood.

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