Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 14:17-20

"And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King`s Vale). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth: and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all." — Genesis 14:17-20 (ASV)

Melchizedek is spoken of as a king of Salem, supposed to be the place afterwards called Jerusalem, and it is generally thought that he was only a man. The words of the apostle, Hebrews 7:3, state only that the sacred history has said nothing of his ancestors. The silence of the Scriptures on this is to raise our thoughts to Him, whose generation cannot be declared.

Bread and wine were suitable refreshment for the weary followers of Abram; and it is remarkable that Christ appointed the same as the memorials of His body and blood, which are meat and drink indeed to the soul. Melchizedek blessed Abram from God. He blessed God from Abram.

We ought to give thanks for others' mercies as for our own. 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. Abram gave him the tenth of the spoils (Hebrews 7:4). When we have received some great mercy from God, it is very fitting that we should express our thankfulness by some special act of pious charity.

Jesus Christ, our great Melchizedek, is to be paid homage and to be humbly acknowledged as our King and Priest; not only the tithe of all, but all we have must be given up to Him.