Melchizedek is a mysterious and significant figure in the Bible, who appears in the book of Genesis and is referenced in Psalms and the New Testament. He is described as both a king and a priest, which was a unique combination in ancient Israel, where kings and priests typically came from different tribes. Melchizedek’s role is pivotal because he is a type or foreshadowing of Christ, who is described as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Biblical References and Significance of Melchizedek:
Melchizedek in Genesis:
- Genesis 14:18-20: “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
- Genesis 14:18 introduces Melchizedek as the king of Salem (which is later identified as Jerusalem) and a priest of God Most High. His encounter with Abram (later named Abraham) occurs after Abram’s victory over a coalition of kings. Melchizedek blesses Abram, and in return, Abram gives him a tithe (a tenth) of the spoils of war, acknowledging Melchizedek’s spiritual authority. This act of giving a tithe establishes Melchizedek’s role as a significant figure.
Melchizedek in Psalm:
- Psalm 110:4: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'”
- This Psalm is a messianic prophecy, and in verse 4, God makes a covenant with the Messiah, declaring that He will be a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. This alludes to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who, like Melchizedek, transcends the Levitical priesthood and serves as a priest of a new, eternal covenant.
Melchizedek in Hebrews:
- Hebrews 5:5-6: “In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’ And he says in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'”
- Hebrews 7:1-3: “This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him. And Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, ‘king of Salem’ means ‘king of peace.’ 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 7:11-17: “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? … For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.”
- In Hebrews 7, the author explains that Melchizedek’s priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood. The description of Melchizedek as “without father or mother, without genealogy” symbolizes his mysterious and eternal nature, not that he literally lacked parents, but that his priesthood is not dependent on family lineage, unlike the Levitical priesthood. This serves as a type for the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is also a priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Key Themes and Significance of Melchizedek:
A Type of Christ:
- Melchizedek is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Just as Melchizedek was both king and priest, Jesus holds these same roles (Revelation 19:16 refers to Jesus as the “King of Kings”). Both figures offer blessings and bring peace, and both represent an eternal priesthood.
- Hebrews 7:15-17 compares Jesus to Melchizedek, noting that like Melchizedek, Jesus’ priesthood is not based on earthly ancestry but on His divine appointment. Jesus’ priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is eternal, unlike the Levitical priests, whose service was temporary and based on genealogy.
King and Priest:
- Melchizedek is unique because he is both a king (of Salem) and a priest of God Most High. This combination is not seen in the Old Testament priesthood, which separated the roles of priest and king. Jesus, as the King of Kings and High Priest, fulfills both roles, as prophesied in Psalm 110:4.
Melchizedek’s Eternal Priesthood:
- The Bible presents Melchizedek as having an eternal priesthood. While the Levitical priests served temporarily, Melchizedek’s priesthood is described as perpetual. This makes him a fitting foreshadow of Jesus Christ, who serves as a priest “forever” and offers a better covenant than the Old Covenant.
- Hebrews 7:24-25:
> “But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” - The eternal nature of Melchizedek’s priesthood points to the eternal and unchanging nature of Christ’s priesthood, making Him the perfect mediator between God and humanity.
Summary
Melchizedek is a mysterious figure in the Bible who serves as both king and priest, and whose encounter with Abraham in Genesis highlights his significance. He is a type of Christ, foreshadowing Jesus’ eternal priesthood, which is not based on genealogy but on divine appointment. Melchizedek’s priesthood, as described in Hebrews, points to the superiority of Christ’s eternal priesthood, which provides believers with perfect and complete salvation.
Key Scriptures
- Genesis 14:18-20 (Melchizedek blesses Abram)
- Psalm 110:4 (The Messiah as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek)
- Hebrews 5:5-6, 7:1-3, 7:11-17 (Melchizedek as a type of Christ and his eternal priesthood)
- Hebrews 7:24-25 (Christ’s eternal priesthood)
Melchizedek stands as an important biblical figure, foreshadowing the ultimate priest-king, Jesus Christ, whose eternal priesthood offers salvation to all who believe.