FURTHER TWISTING OF HEBREWS 7:8
There are claims coming from false and deceptive tithing teachers that Hebrews 7:8 says that Melchisedec (on behalf of Jesus) continues to receive tithes in heaven. Hebrews 7:8 reads...
"And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."
This claim is not only false and deceptive, not to mention obvious twisting of scripture, it's utterly ridiculous and foolish. Here are the reasons such a claim is false and misleading;
1. What does Jesus or Melchisedec need with your tithes in heaven? Do they need to be supported by tithes in heaven? Obviously not. What would be the purpose? Tithes that God commanded were established to support the Tribe of Levi, the poor, the needy, widows, orphans, the festival attender, the stranger in the land, etc. Is Jesus and Melchisedec poor, a widow, an orphan, a Levite priest, the needy, in need of support at a Jewish festival? Are they strangers in heaven? Most definitely not. They do not need your tithe, are not asking for your tithe and are not receiving tithes in heaven or anywhere else. (ref. Deuteronomy 14:27-29, Numbers 18:20-24)
2. How does your tithe get to Jesus or Melchisedec who need your tithes in heaven? Apparently it gets there via the church's bank account, and ultimately through the pastor's bank account. That doesn't sound like "in heaven."
3. Nowhere in the Bible is it stated that Jesus or Melchisedec receives your tithes in heaven...NOT A SINGLE VERSE CONFIRMING SUCH A FOOLISH CLAIM.
4. Proper context; The word "THERE' in Hebrews 7:8 clearly refers to the tithing that was recorded by Abraham to Melchisedec, and is pointed out in these verses just above Hebrews 7:8...
Hebrews 7:2 - "To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;"
Hebrews 7:4 - "Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils."
Hebrews 7:6 - "But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises."
The "THERE" in Hebrews 7:8 is clearly referring to scripture just above Hebrews 7:8, that of Hebrews 7:2, Hebrews 7:4 and Hebrews 7:6 recording Abraham's tithe to Melchisedec.
It can be stated this way...
THERE in Hebrews 7:2, THERE in Hebrews 7:4, THERE in Hebrews 7:6 it is recorded that "he [Melchisedec] receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."
5. And what of the "HERE" in Hebrews 7:8? Who are the "men that die" being referred to and the subject of attention, who are these men?...answer; the Levites; Hebrews 7:9 - "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham." ...and; Hebrews 7:10 - "For he [Levi] was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him." The HE in Hebrews 7:10 is a reference to the Levites yet to be born present by way of being in the loins of Abraham. (Consider studying the Biblical subject of Federal Headship). The concept; "HERE, present tense, in Abraham's loins..."
Both HERE and THERE (Hebrews 7:8) refer to the Levites in the Loins of Abraham recorded paying tithes to Melchisedec in Genesis 14:18-20;
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all."
"HERE" and "THERE" do not refer to any current ongoing heavenly event.
>> CONCLUSION; "THERE" in Hebrews 7:8 does not refer to Jesus or Melchisedec in heaven collecting money tithes or any tithes from anyone.
Ref;
HERE (Greek)
Original: ὧδε
Transliteration: hōde
Phonetic: ho'-deh
Definition: From an adverb form of G3592; in this same spot, that is, here or hither: - here, hither, (in) this place, there.
THERE (Greek)
Original: ἐκεῖ
Transliteration: ekei
Phonetic: ek-i'
Definition: Of uncertain affinity; there ; by extension thither: - there, thither (-ward), (to) yonder (place), here.
If you will notice, both the Greek words ὧδε (hōde) and ἐκεῖ (ekei) can be translated as "HERE" or "THERE." They mean the same basic thing. If you were looking for something, I could say to you, pointing to what you are looking for "It's over here," or I could say "It's over there."
Those two Greek terms can also be used as "one thing is here, the other thing is over there" indicating two different things or events. HERE; Levites in the loins of Abraham. THERE; Abraham and Levites paying tithes to Melchisedec.
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