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 7:1-3
The story of Melchizedek and Abraham is found in Genesis 14:17-20, and he isn’t mentioned again, except for an obscure reference in Psalm 110 that is only understood when it is quoted here in Hebrews 7. He came suddenly out of nowhere, and was gone just as quickly, and many scholars believe that Melchizedek is a pre-incarnation appearance of Christ (called a Christiophony). Clearly there are similarities between the two, but without more evidence, I’ll only say that he was a “type” of Christ.
Don’t go too fast in this passage; you don’t often come across a guy who is both king and priest, in fact that is not the Jewish model at all; only Jesus Himself comes to mind quickly for these two offices. Note also the similarity of names. Melchizedek is called “king of righteousness” and “king of peace” while Jesus is called “Righteous King” and “Prince of Peace.” He has no genealogy, no beginning of days or end of life… Very interesting. You might want to follow the link at the end of this post to my class notes for this one, and take a look at the comparison chart for Melchizedek and Jesus.
Isn’t it interesting also that the author says that Melchizedek resembles the Son of God. I’m having a hard time thinking of another text that makes this kind of statement!
Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
Hebrews 7:4-10
Up to this point in Hebrews, we have seen that Jesus is superior to the angels, and we have seen that Jesus is superior to Moses, but here we see that Melchizedek is superior to Abraham! In Jewish tradition, nobody is superior to Abraham! Yet when you consider the author’s evidence, it would seem that he has a valid point. Abraham paid a tithe to Melchizedek, this can also be rendered “tribute” which is always paid by the lesser to the greater. Under the Law, a tithe is paid to the Levites, the priests, and yet the father of all the Israelites paid a tithe to this Melchizedek dude centuries before the Law, and in a sense, Levi himself was involved in the payment, since his ancestor paid it.
The really amazing statement that the author makes in this session is this: In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. (7:8) I don’t mean to be overly simplistic, but you just don’t come across writing like this very often; who is this guy? It’s becoming easier to understand why many scholars have concluded that he must be Jesus pre-incatnation. Of course, the point was also made in verse 7 that the lesser is blessed by the greater. Clearly, Melchizedek is superior to Abraham, as mind-boggling as that must have been to a Jewish audience.
Before I wrap this up, I think we need to recognize here and now that this section is entirely intentional in the letter, for our author is building up to a massively important crescendo. In the next section, we will see that not only was Melchizedek greater than Abraham, but the Jesus is like Melchizedek, and as a result, he is also a high priest superior to the Levites, administering a covenant superior to the Law of Moses, and theologically speaking, that’s the ball game! See you back here later; you don’t want to miss this part!
Life Project Blog 
Melchizedek is Shem, Noah’s eldest son.
Jasher Chapter 16
11 And Adonizedek king of Jerusalem, the same was Shem, went out with his men to meet Abram and his people, with bread and wine, and they remained together in the valley of Melech.
12 And Adonizedek blessed Abram, and Abram gave him a tenth from all that he had brought from the spoil of his enemies, for Adonizedek was a priest before God.
Shem = Adonizedek = Melchizedek
Well Steve, that is a possible inference if one accepts Jasher
Jasher is mentioned twice in the bible, Joshua and Samuel. It is not scripture but I believe it is historically correct. It has a lot of things to say. Abram lived with Noah and Shem. I calculated all the years and it works out.
You might be right Steve. I’m hesitating a bit because it appears at first glace to be a contradiction to the no genealogy part… but then maybe I’m taking that too literally; it’s tough to be sure in this case since it’s a little shrouded. Interesting to consider , for sure.
I’ve always found Melchizedek to be a fascinating character for all the reasons you mention here. One of my questions on my list to ask when we get to Heaven ;). Thanks for the insight.
Yes, I’m with you on that; he’s somebody I’m going to look up early on!
Reblogged this on rhomielijah and commented:
The one and only truth.
God bless you for doing what you have done here. This is the only truth every human being needs to know.
I appreciate that, thank you!
Though I do think we should all know the Old Testament, we should put more emphasis on The Gospel of Jesus Christ. The reality is we “blew it” with the old rules. We were given chances time and time again and from the beginning most people didn’t seem to appreciate or obey God. By the time Jesus was sent to teach and save us, He came and said “Do this” and, though, most of the 10 Commandments are contained in is Gospel, he added a few more rules and didn’t go back to some of the “sayings of old”. “I am the Life”.
Have a blessed day.
Thanks Leslie, it’s hard to argue with your reflections here. I hope you’ll catch the next post (11:30 EDT) I think you’ll appreciate it!
Wow, what an excellent and insightful post, Don. Love it. Thank you so much for your notes, too. I love the comparison chart. I have been hearing the name Melchizedek lately, bot just “here”, but in conversations, too. Maybe God is telling me to pay attention. 🙂
Well maybe so 🙂
Thanks for your kind words, as always!
I have never read a more descriptive analysis of Melchizedek like this one! I appreciate your explanation and inclusion of scholarly discussion of this individual. I look forward to the rest of your teaching on this valuable book.
I do agree with you that we should not be definite about who the author of this book is. Personally, I believe there should be more energy placed in studying the text that discussing or attempting to discuss who the author is. God is the author, and He used a human to write it down for other believers to read it and benefit from it. Deuteronomy 29:29 says that the secret things belong to the Lord.
Thanks Pam, I appreciate the encouragement!
Gosh, this is so delicious I can’t even open my mouth to put in my two cents. I am going to savor this and return and read it again later on. Too much food…vw
Thanks, I like it all by itself; doesn’t even need ketchup or anything! 🙂
You hit the nail on the head; no relish; good taste it is…This God of ours…wow.
Wonderfully explained and such a wonderful blessing that Abraham got to be a part of, thanks.
I appreciate that, thank you!