Melchizedek: Who is This Mysterious Figure?
This mysterious figure, named Melchizedek, is first introduced in the Book of Genesis 14:18 as the King of Salem and the priest of God Most High. Melchizedek blessed Abram (later known as Abraham) and gave him bread and wine while Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
In Psalm 110, David gives a reference to the future messiah by explaining how Jesus Christ will sit on the right hand of God and will be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. This reference is also repeated by the author of Hebrews 5:6, 5:10, and 6:20.
Hebrews 7 gives a fuller description of Melchizedek and again refers to him as the King of Salem and the priest of God Most High. The reference to the blessing of Abram in Genesis is mentioned here. In addition, the name Melchizedek is described as meaning "king of righteousness" and king of Salem is described as meaning king of peace. An interesting note is that Jerusalem contains the name "Salem," further giving a messianic reference.
Hebrews 7 also states that Melchizedek was:
3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. Hebrews 7:3.
Hebrews also compares the priesthood of Levi to Melchizedek, saying that while the Levites collected a tenth from the people, Melchizedek did not descend through Levi and that Melchizedek was greater. In addition, the Levitical priesthood was temporary and for earthly matters, but that a greater priesthood was needed under the new covenant of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the priesthood of Levi represented the temporary, earthly priesthood while the order of Melchizedek represented the eternal priesthood in association with the new covenant of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 7:11-17)
In Psalm 110, David gives a reference to the future messiah by explaining how Jesus Christ will sit on the right hand of God and will be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. This reference is also repeated by the author of Hebrews 5:6, 5:10, and 6:20.
Hebrews 7 gives a fuller description of Melchizedek and again refers to him as the King of Salem and the priest of God Most High. The reference to the blessing of Abram in Genesis is mentioned here. In addition, the name Melchizedek is described as meaning "king of righteousness" and king of Salem is described as meaning king of peace. An interesting note is that Jerusalem contains the name "Salem," further giving a messianic reference.
Hebrews 7 also states that Melchizedek was:
3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. Hebrews 7:3.
Hebrews also compares the priesthood of Levi to Melchizedek, saying that while the Levites collected a tenth from the people, Melchizedek did not descend through Levi and that Melchizedek was greater. In addition, the Levitical priesthood was temporary and for earthly matters, but that a greater priesthood was needed under the new covenant of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the priesthood of Levi represented the temporary, earthly priesthood while the order of Melchizedek represented the eternal priesthood in association with the new covenant of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 7:11-17)
