I have read that few mysteries of the Bible have attracted more interest than the mystery of Melchizedek and his identity. Melchizedek’s sudden appearance and disappearance in the book of Genesis is somewhat mysterious to us, but it appears that Abraham and the king of Sodom knew exactly who he was.
The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were pulled into a fight with their enemies, eventually they loose and their cities are plundered. Abraham’s nephew Lot is taken, he and all that he has, and taken captive by the victorious kings. Someone escapes to tell Abraham that his nephew has been taken captive. Abraham gathers up an army of 318 trained fighters from his own household, and overtakes those who captured Lot. Abraham kills them, rescues Lot, and brings he and all his household back to Sodom.
Upon their return the king of Sodom rides out to greet them. And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brings them bread and wine. Genesis’ account states that Melchizedek was the priest of the Most High God.
Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and said, “Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth.” He praised God, and said, “Blessed be the Most High God, which delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Abraham then gave Melchizedek a tenth of all he had. Hebrews 7:9-10 records this event as well. “And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.” In other words, the Levitical priests, although yet unborn, paid tithes to Melchizedek through their father Abraham.
Melchizedek is again mentioned in Psalm 110:4. Speaking prophetically of Christ, David stated: “The Eternal hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” This verse is quoted again in Hebrews 5:6, 10.
In Hebrews 7:1-2 we find Melchizedek identified:
“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace”.
Since God names individuals what they are, that, then is what this man is “King of Righteousness, King of Peace.”
Think on it! King of Righteousness. King of Peace.
You will read in Hebrews 5:10 and again in Hebrews 6:19-20 that Jesus Christ is called of God, and is made High Priest forever “after the order of Melchisedec.”
Let’s observe further in Hebrews 7:1-3: Melchizedek was “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” Notice the “s” in Son is capitalized, Melchizedek was made like the Son of God and remains a priest continually, that Son of God, can be none other than Jesus Christ!
Notice Paul’s own inspired interpretation of this fact in Hebrews 7:3: “Having neither beginning of days, nor end of life”. Therefore, He has always existed from eternity! He was not even created like angels. But He is now eternally self-existing. And that is true of only One!
Is it possible that Abraham, after his weary battle, met and gave honor to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself?
Hmmm... quite possibly!
Comments
Post a Comment