unto whom] By two circumstances the Apostles gathers the preheminence of Melchisedec above Abraham: first, because Abraham paid tythes unto him, vers. 4, 5. Secondly, because Melchisedec blessed Abraham, vers. 6. 7. Patriarch] That is, chief of Fathers. Numbers 18:19. Deuteronomy 18:1. Joshua 14:4. spoils] Or, of the best things: not that Abraham made choice of the best things, and of them gave the tenth part onely; for it is said vers. 2. that he gave a tenth of all; but that he made choice of the best things to pay the tenth part of the whole, as it was afterward ordained. Numbers 18:12.