Melchizedek is an important character figure mentioned in the Bible. He appears briefly in the Old Testament book of Genesis and the New Testament book of Hebrews.
In Genesis 14:18-20, we read about Melchizedek’s encounter with Abraham. Abraham, who was still called Abram at that time, had just returned from a battle where he rescued his nephew Lot from captivity. Melchizedek, who was identified as the king of Salem, brought out bread and wine to Abraham and blessed him. Abraham, in turn, gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had.
The significance of Melchizedek’s appearance lies in the fact that he was both a king and a priest. This was unusual, as in the Old Testament, the roles of king and priest were separate. In addition, Melchizedek’s priesthood was not inherited, as was the case with the priesthood of the Levites, but rather was based on his own unique calling from God. Melchizedek’s priesthood was also a priesthood of blessing, as he blessed Abraham in the name of God.
Just like Jesus Christ, Melchizedek priesthood is not tied to any particular lineage or law. Jesus Christ priesthood is not based on a physical lineage since we know that He was from the lineage of Judah, not Levites from which tribe the earthly priesthood was established. This means that Jesus is not only a descendant of Abraham, but also a priest in the order of Melchizedek.
The significance of Melchizedek and his relationship with Jesus is very unique and theologians have provided several explanations. Melchizedek’s name and meaning is also significant. His name means the king of righteousness and king of peace. He was a king who ruled over Salem (which means peace). Jesus Christ is the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Melchizedek’s priesthood was seen as a precursor to the priesthood of Christ. In Psalm 110:4, King David wrote, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'” This verse was later quoted in the New Testament in Hebrews 5:6 and 7:17, where the writer of Hebrews explained that Jesus’ priesthood was based on the order of Melchizedek, rather than the order of the Levites.
The writer of Hebrews went on to explain that Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior to the priesthood of the Levites, as he was a priest of the Most High God and blessed Abraham, who was the father of the Levites. Hebrews 7:3 says, “Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.”
Melchizedek brought bread and wine and blessed Abraham. Jesus Christ broke bread and shared wine with His disciples at the last supper. (Mark 14:22-23). Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils from the war to Melchizedek. The children of Israel were later instructed to tithe (Leviticus 27:30) and give a tenth of all their produce. This came several hundred years later after Abraham. Abraham was the one to whom God made a covenant and through whom all the nations of the earth will be blessed. It’s amazing how Melchizedek appeared in history to the same man to whom the covenant was made.
Melchizedek was an important biblical figure because of his unique role as a king and priest, and his priesthood of blessing. His appearance in the book of Genesis paved the way for the understanding of Christ’s priesthood as being based on the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek is also seen as a model of faith and obedience to God, as he faithfully fulfilled the calling that God had given him.
References:
- Genesis 14:18-20
- Psalm 110:4
- Hebrews 5-7
Enjoy this fun quiz on Melchizedek. Challenge yourself and perhaps learn a few things.
