Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Melchizedek Was the Ancient King and Priest of

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Jerusalem, one of the most significant cities in biblical history, is first mentioned in the context of Melchizedek, a mysterious and revered figure who appears in the Book of Genesis. Melchizedek is introduced as the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. The city of Salem is widely understood by biblical scholars to be an early name for Jerusalem.

Melchizedek in Genesis

The account of Melchizedek is found in Genesis 14:18-20 : "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."

This brief yet profound encounter occurs after Abram (later Abraham) rescues his nephew Lot and defeats the coalition of kings. Melchizedek's dual role as both king and priest is unique and significant, as he serves as a type of Christ, prefiguring the Messiah's eternal priesthood. The offering of bread and wine by Melchizedek is seen by many as a foreshadowing of the Last Supper and the sacrament of Communion.

Theological Significance

Melchizedek's priesthood is further expounded upon in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Hebrews. Hebrews 7:1-3 states: "This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.' Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest forever."

The author of Hebrews emphasizes Melchizedek's eternal priesthood, drawing a parallel to Jesus Christ, who is described as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17). This connection underscores the belief in Christ's superior and everlasting priesthood, transcending the Levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant.

Jerusalem's Early Significance

The association of Melchizedek with Jerusalem highlights the city's ancient and sacred status. As the king of Salem, Melchizedek's rule over this early iteration of Jerusalem establishes the city as a place of divine encounter and blessing. Jerusalem's role as a spiritual center is further solidified throughout biblical history, becoming the site of the Temple, the heart of Jewish worship, and the focal point of God's covenant with His people.

In summary, the figure of Melchizedek as king and priest of Salem provides a foundational understanding of Jerusalem's spiritual heritage. His encounter with Abram not only marks the city's early significance but also sets the stage for its enduring role in God's redemptive plan, as seen through the lens of Christian theology.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 14:18
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Index.
... Jerusalem, the church of, 9, 85; the heavenly, 153. ... soul, 102; on Abraham's faith,
216; on Melchizedek, 115; on ... Uhlhorn, Charity in the Ancient Church, 316. ...
/.../edwards/the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/index 2.htm

Chapter xiv
... Damm??seq is the ancient city of Damascus, known ... practically returned from the expedition:
Jerusalem is not ... Melchizedek "brings forth bread and wine." He does ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... just before the first mention of Melchizedek, the priest-king ... in the Sept., which
is the ancient name of ... followers of David being driven from Jerusalem into the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ...
... of the better." But if the oblation of Melchizedek was a ... for a single kingdom, as
was that of Jerusalem? ... 1). But because I see that those ancient writers have ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 of the popish.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... away (xiii.2). The doom of Jerusalem was approaching (x ... sometimes more appropriate
to the ancient tabernacle than ... High Priest, shadowed forth by Melchizedek (vii ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xviii the epistle to.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... notions to the utterance of the Ancient of Days ... It runs as follows:""Concerning
Melchizedek, we have to ... symbolized by that, the heavenly Jerusalem by this ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
... gave a liberal portion, to the priest king Melchizedek, who appears ... as the forerunner
of the Jerusalem priesthood ... is well begun, as in Ancient Greece, colonies ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study v the pioneers influence.htm

Perpetuity
... should be rejected, and that of Melchizedek introduced by ... of all, is itself the most
ancient book in ... the deluge, as, after the destruction of Jerusalem by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ix perpetuity.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews.
... The ancient authorities entitle the letter simply, Pros ... without pedigree (said of
Melchizedek), Heb.7 ... to a time after the destruction of Jerusalem, deprive the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 100 the epistle to.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... and the prudent, and the ancient, the captain ... the destroying angel, and afterwards
of Jerusalem itself by ... the higher priesthood of Melchizedek's great Antitype ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm