Abraham is one of the most famous religious figures in history. On the other hand, Melchizedek is known to few outside the Mormon Church. Yet the fact that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek indicates that in their day, Melchizedek held a higher position than Abraham did. Joseph Smith explained that Melchizedek was the high priest, and the keeper of the storehouse of God; Him whom God had appointed to receive tithes for the poor (JST Gen 14:37-38) Paul expressed this as follows, Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils… [Melchizedek] blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less (Abraham) is blessed of the better (Melchizedek). (Heb 7:4-7). The D&C tells us that Abraham was ordained to the priesthood under the hand of Melchizedek (DC 84:14).]