Why is it important to consider the figure of Melchizedek in the story of Abram? Hebrews 6:20 sheds light on this, explaining that our hope of salvation is anchored in Jesus, who, as our forerunner, entered the holy of holies as a priest "after the order of Melchizedek." This points to a significant shift from the Aaronic priesthood under the Mosaic law, which has been made obsolete because Jesus serves as a permanent High Priest in a much higher order, according to God’s original plan for mankind—to make us heirs of His kingdom, rather than mere servants bound to temporary solutions (ie., laws that we cannot fully keep and judgments and sacrifices we can not truly pay with blood of bulls and goats).
So, let's revisit the key elements of Melchizedek’s role in the story of Abram, starting with Genesis 14. Here we are introduced to a unique figure: Melchizedek. However, Melchizedek is not a personal name—it's a title, similar to "Pharaoh" or "Your Majesty." This distinction is significant, and the character of Melchizedek holds importance for several reasons:
He is both a King and a Priest.
He is a priest of El Elyon, the Most High God.
He blesses Abram.
He receives a gift from Abram, a tithe (10%) of the spoils of war.
His name and the location of his kingdom carry deep significance (Salem, which later becomes Jerusalem).
The Unique Priest-King Order
In Genesis 14:18, we learn that Melchizedek is both a priest and a king, a unique combination that doesn’t align with the later Mosaic law. Under the Mosaic covenant, kings and priests came from separate bloodlines. For instance, the kings of Israel came from the tribe of Judah, while the priests came from the tribe of Levi. The distinction was so clear that when King Saul and later King Uzziah tried to assume priestly duties, both incurred God's wrath (1 Samuel 15, 2 Chronicles 26:20). But Melchizedek, as a priest-king, operates outside this framework, signaling something greater.
The Bread and Wine: A Symbol of Covenant Fellowship
Melchizedek brought bread and wine to Abram, which is significant. These elements are later linked to covenantal meals throughout Scripture. The bread and wine symbolize fellowship, covenant, and peace—a shared meal between two parties that signifies alignment and unity. In the Mosaic Law, the priests would use bread and wine in their offerings and sacrifices, and these same elements were used by Jesus during the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20).
By sharing bread and wine with Abram, Melchizedek was not just offering a meal, but entering into a covenantal relationship with Abram. This meal marked a sacred act of alignment, a deep fellowship between the two.
The Tithe: Honor and Recognition
Melchizedek receives a gift from Abram—a tenth of all the spoils from his victory. This act of giving a tithe shows Abram’s respect for Melchizedek’s superior position as both king and priest. Unlike the king of Sodom, who seeks a portion of the spoils for himself, Melchizedek is honored by Abram’s offering, demonstrating that he holds a higher rank.
Melchizedek and Psalm 110: A Foretelling of Christ's Priesthood
Psalm 110:4 also speaks of the Messiah's priesthood in the order of Melchizedek: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’” This prophecy points to a priesthood that transcends the Levitical system, to one that is eternal and unchangeable—fulfilled in Jesus Christ typified by whoever this individual was as it may have related to their life, of which we have very few details.
Melchizedek: Priest of the Most High God
Melchizedek is specifically identified as the priest of El Elyon—The Most High God. At a time when many nations worshiped various gods, Melchizedek is a priest of the true God, the same God that Abram serves. It is this Most High God who blesses Abram after his victory, recognizing not only the battle's outcome but the deeper blessing upon Abram’s future, rooted in the sovereignty of God.
Melchizedek blesses Abram and acknowledges that the spoils of battle ultimately belong to God. He does not merely offer a greeting; he pronounces a divine blessing on Abram, affirming that God has a hand in his success.
The Name "Melchizedek" and the City of Salem
The name "Melchizedek" itself carries significant meaning:
Melechi = King of
Zedek = Righteousness
His city, Salem, means Peace, which is another direct link to the future kingdom of Christ, often referred to as the King of Righteousness and the King of Peace.
This makes Melchizedek a type or foreshadowing of the Messiah to come—Jesus Christ, who is the King of Righteousness and the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Melchizedek as a Prototype of Christ
While the Bible doesn't explicitly tell us who Melchizedek was, it’s clear that his role as both a priest and king points to Christ. In fact, the book of Hebrews (5:6-10; 7:1-28) makes this connection even clearer, explaining that Christ's priesthood is according to the order of Melchizedek—superior to the Levitical priesthood that was established under the law which man cannot keep, and no self imposed righteousness gains access to the Holy of Holies and God's presence.
Was Melchizedek a Pre-Incarnate Christ?
Some believe Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ based on Hebrews 7:3 which says Melchizedek is “without father or mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life,” which if seen from Abram's vantage point Shem could fit for several reasons. Unlike other moments in scripture where a form of God is mentioned, we have no likening here to a pre-incarnate form of God. I believe that Melchizedek is a symbolic representation of Christ—he is a type of Christ, foreshadowing the role that Jesus would later fulfill as both a king and priest and yet is a very real individual who's name is withheld. As a priest of the Most High God, Melchizedek’s role points to Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, who intercedes on behalf of mankind for eternity but is not Jesus.
Is Melchizedek Shem?
There is an intriguing possibility that Melchizedek was Shem, the son of Noah. Many ancient Jewish rabbis have proposed this idea, and it makes a lot of sense. Shem, as a direct descendant of Noah, would have been part of the family line through which the promise of the coming Redeemer (the "Seed of the Woman" from Genesis 3:15) was passed down. Shem also lived long enough to be a contemporary of Abram, and his age would have made him seem almost "eternal" to those around him.
If Melchizedek was Shem, it would explain why Abram gave him such honor. Shem would have been the rightful bearer of the divine blessing from Noah and, as a priest of the Most High God, would have been the perfect representative of God's righteousness and peace. Furthermore, Shem would have been familiar with God's covenant from the pre-flood world, giving him an almost "otherworldly" status in the eyes of Abram and the surrounding nations.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Blessing and Authority
The figure of Melchizedek—whether he was Shem or another historical figure—serves as a powerful type of Christ. His role as both king and priest, his blessing over Abram, and his connection to the Most High God all point to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. By understanding the significance of Melchizedek, we gain a deeper appreciation of the eternal priesthood that Christ fulfills on our behalf—a priesthood that, like Melchizedek’s, is not bound by the law but is rooted in God’s eternal purpose and the promise of salvation through faith. God has given us a great hope of salvation anchored in Jesus, inside the veil to anchor us in His very presence. He has torn the veil, opening up a way into the very Holy of Holies, the throne of Grace where we can confidently and boldly come in times of need to receive His overwhelming mercy and grace to equip us to live in the newness of His resurrection life. No longer are we under the law of Moses as servants, but by faith have those very laws engraved on our hearts. We live new as if back in the garden with the commission once again to live and tend to that which He has entrusted into our care as sons - making us heirs of better promises based on a better priesthood and better sacrifices.
Consider getting the Bible study work book and reinvestigate Genesis - Back to the Beginning and find other such truths as you dive deeper in the Book of Beginnings!
