Who was Melchizedek?

(Also see: Is there any historical record of Melchizedek?)

Genesis: A Brief Encounter (Genesis 14:18-20)

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the 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 has delivered your enemies into your hand.’ And he gave him a tithe of all.” (Genesis 14:18-20, NKJV)

Here, he appears suddenly, almost out of nowhere, as a king and priest of Salem. His encounter with Abram, later known as Abraham, raises questions about his identity, priesthood, and the theological implications of his blessing.

Hebrews: A Higher Priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-3)

“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated ‘king of righteousness,’ and then also king of Salem, meaning ‘king of peace,’ without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” (Hebrews 7:1-3, NKJV)

In these verses, Melchizedek is described in seemingly paradoxical terms—a king of righteousness and peace, without genealogy or recorded beginning or end. The author of Hebrews draws parallels between Melchizedek and the eternal nature of Christ, paving the way for a deeper understanding of Melchizedek’s role in the grand narrative of salvation.

Theological Significance: Melchizedek and Christ

Melchizedek’s mysterious characteristics in Hebrews prompt theological reflections on his typology. The absence of genealogy and the eternal nature attributed to Melchizedek invite parallels with the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. As Hebrews 7:24-25 states:

“But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:24-25, NKJV)

This comparison underscores the unique and enduring priesthood of Christ, hinted at through the enigmatic portrayal of Melchizedek in the Old Testament.

Melchizedek and the Levitical Priesthood (Hebrews 7:4-10)

“Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.” (Hebrews 7:4-7, NKJV).

The above verses establish Melchizedek’s superiority over the Levitical priests. Melchizedek’s precedence over Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, challenges the conventional understanding of priesthood tied to lineage. This sets the stage for a paradigm shift in the understanding of Jesus Christ as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Conclusion

In unraveling the mystery of Melchizedek in the Bible, we discover a figure whose brief appearance echoes through the pages of Scripture, leaving an indelible mark on the theological landscape. From the unexpected encounter with Abraham to the profound typological significance in Hebrews, this person serves as a precursor, pointing towards the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ.

His identity, shrouded in mystery, challenges traditional notions of priesthood and lineage, inviting believers to contemplate the divine wisdom woven into the biblical narrative. As we reflect on his timeless legacy, we find a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, a foreshadowing of Christ’s eternal priesthood, and a testament to the depth of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.