Topical Bible: Rulers: Melchizedek

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Introduction:
Melchizedek is a significant yet enigmatic figure in the Bible, known for his dual role as both king and priest. His brief but impactful appearance in the Scriptures has led to much theological discussion and interpretation. Melchizedek is primarily mentioned in the Old Testament book of Genesis and is later referenced in the Psalms and the New Testament book of Hebrews.

Biblical Account:
Melchizedek first appears in Genesis 14:18-20, where he is introduced as the "king of Salem" and "priest of God Most High." After Abram (later Abraham) defeats the coalition of kings to rescue his nephew Lot, Melchizedek brings out bread and wine and blesses Abram, saying, "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" (Genesis 14:19-20). In response, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything, signifying a tithe.

Role and Significance:
Melchizedek's dual role as both king and priest is unique in the biblical narrative. As the king of Salem, which is often identified with Jerusalem, he represents a royal authority. As a priest of God Most High, he serves as a mediator between God and man, a role that prefigures the later Levitical priesthood. His offering of bread and wine has been seen by many Christian theologians as a foreshadowing of the Eucharist.

Typology and Christology:
The figure of Melchizedek is further explored in Psalm 110:4, where it is prophesied, "The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" This verse is later expounded upon in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews, where Melchizedek is presented as a type of Christ. Hebrews 7:1-3 describes Melchizedek as "without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever."

The author of Hebrews uses Melchizedek to illustrate the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 7:17 states, "For it is testified: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" This eternal priesthood is contrasted with the temporal and hereditary nature of the Levitical priests, emphasizing the eternal and divine nature of Christ's priestly role.

Theological Implications:
Melchizedek's appearance and his association with both kingship and priesthood have profound theological implications. His priesthood, which predates the Levitical system, suggests a universal and timeless order, one that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The bread and wine offered by Melchizedek have been interpreted as symbols of the New Covenant, pointing to the sacrificial work of Christ.

Conclusion:
Melchizedek remains a mysterious and compelling figure within the biblical narrative. His brief appearance in Genesis and subsequent references in the Psalms and Hebrews highlight his importance as a type of Christ, embodying the roles of king and priest in a way that prefigures the ultimate fulfillment of these offices in Jesus. Through Melchizedek, the Scriptures reveal a glimpse of the eternal priesthood and kingship that find their culmination in the person and work of Christ.

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

Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times.
... may say that the ancient priesthood, both of Melchizedek, the Gentile ... priests but
"messengers, watchmen, heralds of salvation, teachers, rulers, overseers and ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iii entire sanctification in.htm

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
... will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
Psa.110 ... and in their judges, kings, and prophets they had true rulers and teachers. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xi remaining books of.htm

The Man Christ Jesus
... think of Melchizedek but much more would he have you remember Melchizedek's Antitype ...
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the man christ jesus.htm

"Thy King Cometh"
... procession is about to descend the Mount of Olives, it is intercepted by the rulers. ...
Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is "Melchizedek King of Salem," King of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 63 thy king cometh.htm

The First-Fruits of the Gentiles
... messages outside of Israel which is headed by the mysterious Melchizedek, and includes ...
to draw forth the distinct testimony of the ecclesiastical rulers to the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the first-fruits of the gentiles.htm

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ...
... You are to the laity prophets, rulers, governors, and kings; the mediators between
God ... Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek." [2732] If ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm

The King --Continued.
... it may indeed be connected with David's kingship and conquest of Melchizedek's city;
but ... or the word may be used as a collective expression for rulers, as the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xii the kingcontinued.htm

The Disputes of the Faithful to be Settled by the Decisions of the ...
... have lawsuits one with another, which God forbid, you who are the rulers ought thence ...
of Sodom by hospitable Lot; those after the flood by Melchizedek, and the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vi the disputes of the.htm

The King.
... Immediately the rulers of all the tribes come up to Hebron, with the tender of ... of
the old hill-fortress of the Jebusites, the city of Melchizedek, which had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... by a divine oath "a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (ver.4 ... for example,
which describes the vain conspiracy of the heathen rulers against the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm