Who is Melchizedek?

September 2, 2020 (Wednesday)

 

In chapter 14, Abram has two significant tests. After Sodom and its allies fall to the kings of the Mesopotamian valley (today’s Iraq) Abram must rescue his nephew Lot. He gathers his men and allies and after the winning kings. Abram must fight for the land, it is his. Abram must fight for his family.

 

The next test involves a mysterious character. After his success, Abram meets Melchizedek. “Now Melchizedek the king of Salem and the priest of El Elyon had brought bread and wine.” [Genesis 14:18 CEB] Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness.” He is both a priest and a king. He serves “El Elyon” which is usually translated “God Most High.” He greets Abram with bread and wine (shades of  “communion”). He is king of Salem (meaning “peace”), believed to be Jerusalem.

 

Melchizedek blesses Abram. In the ancient world, blessing someone was the right of the one who is superior (see Hebrews 7:7). His blessing is from El Elyon the “creator of heaven and earth.” Abram’s response is to tithe to King Melchizedek, “…Abram gave Melchizedek one-tenth of everything.” [Genesis 14:21c CEB] Abram then connects “YHWH” (the LORD) to “El Elyon” in Genesis 14:22.

 

So, who is Melchizedek? I am so glad you asked! There are three answers that make sense. First, he may have been a historical figure who was king and priest of the one true God. Abram recognized this in verse 22.

 

Second, he may have been a “type.” A “type” is someone or something that represents someone or something in the New Testament. For instance, Jesus said the sign He would give to the people was the “sign of Jonah.” (See Matthew 12:39 – 40) Jonah's three days in the great fish become a "type" of Jesus' three days in the grave.

 

Finally, this may have been a “Christophany.” This was an appearance of Christ Jesus in the Old Testament. I think, Jesus is still appearing to people, especially in dreams. The “angel of the LORD” has been thought of as an appearance of Jesus. Some think Melchizedek may have been an appearance of Jesus. (Also see Matthew 25:31 - 46) 

 

Fast forward to Hebrews 7. Paul (whom I think wrote Hebrews), describes Melchizedek in Hebrews 11:3, “He is without father or mother or any family. He has no beginning or end of life, but he’s like God’s Son and remains a priest for all time.” [CEB] Verse 4 states Abraham gave him a tenth (“tithe”) of the spoils. Thus honoring Melchizedek as the rightful king. In Hebrews 7 Melchizedek is the priest-king, which no king or priest has the right to claim. Yet, Jesus claims the priest-king roles.

 

Melchizedek is of a different order than those from Levi (see Hebrews 7:11, 15). Thus, opening the possibility of a priest outside Levi’s line. Quoting Psalm 110:4, we read, “This is confirmed: You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” [Hebrews 7:17 CEB] Paul uses the meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek to point to Jesus being superior to the Levitical code and priests in the line of Levi.

 

“As a result, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.” [Hebrews 7:22 CEB] Continuing the line of reasoning we read, “It’s appropriate for us to have this kind of high priest: holy, innocent, incorrupt, separate from sinners, and raised high above the heavens.” [Hebrews 7:26 CEB] As followers of Jesus, our hope is based on a “better covenant” than the Old Testament law. It is based on someone above and beyond the grind, grime, and garbage of sin.

 

Our faith is based on someone who is not prone to the weakness, flaws, and sin of humanity. One who is “perfect,” as in flawless.