Lexical Summary Shalem: Shalem Original Word: שָׁלֵם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Salem The same as shalem; peaceful; Shalem, an early name of Jerusalem -- Salem. see HEBREW shalem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shalem Definition "peaceful," an early name of Jer. NASB Translation Salem (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. שָׁלֵם proper name, of a location abbreviated from יְרוּשָׁלַםִ (q. v.), and perhaps (Gunk Dr) intended as archaism Genesis 14:18, compare (poetry) Psalm 76:3 ("" צִיּוֺן); see JosAnt. i. 10, 2; ᵐ5 Σαλημ and (Psalms) εἰρήνη. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Salem appears twice in the Hebrew Scriptures: Genesis 14:18 and Psalm 76:2. In both settings it is connected with the worship of the Most High God and with the idea of peace and completeness. Historical and Geographic Setting Ancient Jewish tradition, echoed by Josephus and most Christian commentators, identifies Salem with the early settlement that later expanded into Jerusalem. The topography fits: a defensible hill country position commanding the north–south ridge route through Canaan and possessing the Gihon spring. Archaeological data from the Middle Bronze Age onward confirm continuous occupation in the area, aligning with the patriarchal period in which Abram encountered Melchizedek. Salem and Melchizedek Genesis 14:18 introduces “Melchizedek king of Salem” who “brought out bread and wine” and “blessed Abram”. Three aspects stand out: 1. Kingship – He rules over Salem, the city of peace. This moment foreshadows the union of royal and priestly offices later fulfilled in the Messiah. Link to Jerusalem and Zion Psalm 76:2 identifies Salem with God’s earthly dwelling: “His tent is in Salem; His dwelling place in Zion”. The parallelism equates Salem with Zion, confirming the traditional identification and highlighting Jerusalem’s role as the city where God chooses to place His name (Deuteronomy 12:5; 1 Kings 11:36). The Psalm celebrates divine deliverance following a military threat, underscoring Salem/Jerusalem as the locus of covenant protection. Theological Themes Peace and Wholeness – The root idea permeates the biblical narrative. From the blessing extended by Melchizedek to the worship celebrated in Psalm 76, Salem represents the serenity that flows from God’s presence. Kingship and Priesthood – Salem always stands at the intersection of secular authority and sacred service, prefiguring the ideal Davidic king who is also a priestly intercessor (Psalm 110:4). Sanctuary – Whether Melchizedek’s city or the later temple mount, Salem signals a place where heaven meets earth. Christological Fulfillment Hebrews 7:1-3 draws directly on Genesis 14, interpreting “king of Salem” as “king of peace” and tracing an unbroken typological line to Jesus Christ, who is both “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16) and eternal High Priest. The bread and wine of Melchizedek anticipate the elements of the Lord’s Supper, while the tithe signals recognition of a superior priesthood. Jesus’ triumphal entry and His passion took place in Jerusalem, confirming Salem’s prophetic destiny. Ministry Implications for the Church • Worship and Giving – Abram’s tithe models voluntary, grateful giving in response to divine blessing. Prophetic and Eschatological Outlook Isaiah envisions Jerusalem as “the city of our appointed feasts… a peaceful abode” (Isaiah 33:20). Zechariah 14 foresees the nations gathering there to worship the King. The canon closes with the “new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:2), the perfected Salem where God dwells with His people forever. In this way the brief, early mention of Salem blossoms into the climactic hope of Scripture: everlasting peace secured by the Priest-King, Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations בְשָׁלֵ֣ם בשלם שָׁלֵ֔ם שלם ḇə·šā·lêm ḇəšālêm šā·lêm šālêm shaLem veshaLemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 14:18 HEB: צֶ֙דֶק֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ שָׁלֵ֔ם הוֹצִ֖יא לֶ֣חֶם NAS: king of Salem brought KJV: king of Salem brought forth INT: and Melchizedek king of Salem brought bread Psalm 76:2 2 Occurrences |
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