Topical Bible: Benedictions by Melchizedek. Upon Abraham

Bible > Topical > Benedictions by Melchizedek. Upon Abraham

◄ Benedictions by Melchizedek. Upon Abraham ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Melchizedek, a mysterious and significant figure in biblical history, is best known for his encounter with Abraham, where he bestowed a blessing upon him. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis and holds theological significance, particularly in the context of priesthood and kingship. Melchizedek is described as both a king and a priest, and his blessing of Abraham is a pivotal moment that has been the subject of much theological reflection.

Biblical Account

The primary account of Melchizedek's benediction upon Abraham is found in Genesis 14:18-20. After Abraham's victory over the kings who had captured his nephew Lot, Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, meets Abraham:

"Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram and said: 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." (Genesis 14:18-20)

Theological Significance

1. Priesthood and Kingship: Melchizedek is unique in the biblical narrative as he is both a king and a priest. This dual role prefigures the later understanding of Jesus Christ as both King and High Priest. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on this, presenting Melchizedek as a type of Christ, emphasizing the eternal and superior priesthood of Jesus (Hebrews 7:1-17).

2. Blessing and Tithing: The blessing pronounced by Melchizedek is significant as it acknowledges God's sovereignty and providence in Abraham's victory. The act of Abraham giving a tenth of everything to Melchizedek is seen as an acknowledgment of Melchizedek's priestly authority and a recognition of God's provision. This event is often cited in discussions of tithing and the acknowledgment of divine blessing.

3. Typology and Christology: Melchizedek's appearance in the narrative is brief yet profound. He is without genealogy, which the author of Hebrews uses to illustrate the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood. Melchizedek's blessing of Abraham is seen as a foreshadowing of the blessings that come through Christ, who is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17).

4. Covenantal Implications: The blessing of Abraham by Melchizedek also has covenantal implications. It reinforces the promises made to Abraham by God, highlighting the divine favor and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Abraham's lineage. This blessing is a precursor to the covenantal relationship that God establishes with Abraham, which is foundational to the narrative of the Israelites and the coming of the Messiah.

Conclusion

The benediction by Melchizedek upon Abraham is a moment rich with theological depth, serving as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. It underscores themes of divine blessing, priesthood, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history. Melchizedek's role as a priest-king and his blessing of Abraham continue to be a source of reflection and insight within Christian theology.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 14:19,20
And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 7:7
And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Man Christ Jesus
... him that he sat as a priest upon his throne. ... great this man was" in the power of
his benedictions. ... solemn covenant, was yet blessed by Melchizedek, and without ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the man christ jesus.htm

The Sermon of the Seasons
... there will continually be a variety of benedictions, a change ... shall David not have
a son to reign upon his throne ... He is our Melchizedek, who is priest as well as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the sermon of the seasons.htm