12 Biblical Facts About Melchizedek the Mysterious
Melchizedek is one of the most mysterious characters in the Bible. He’s only mentioned in three books of the Bible, but people are fascinated with this character.
1. Only Three Books of the Bible Mention Melchizedek
Melchizedek is mentioned in are Genesis, Psalms, and Hebrews.
Genesis 14 introduces Melchizedek in real time near the beginning of Abraham’s story. Melchizedek is introduced as a king and a priest who meets Abraham.
Psalm 110, describes Melchizedek as having a royal priesthood which lasts forever.
In the book of Hebrews, describes Melchizedek as greater than Abraham and he is held up as an example of Jesus’ type of priesthood.
2. Melchizedek is First Mentioned Meeting Abram
When studying a character, it’s important to look at when they are first mentioned in the Bible. We meet Melchizedek right after Abraham went to rescue his nephew Lot who was kidnapped.
King Kedorlaomer, goes to war against five kings who have rebelled against him. Kedorlaomer defeats the five rebel kings then takes the spoils of war. Unfortunately for Lot, his family and herds are part of the spoils taken from the city of Sodom. Lot and his family are Kedorlaomer’s prisoners.
Abram hears about this. He takes 318 trained warriors from and defeats Kedorlaomer in battle. He rescues Lot and everything he owns. On the way back to Canaan, Abram meets Melchizedek.
3. Melchizedek has No Recorded Family
At first this might not seem strange but there are two things to consider. First the Jewish all traced the family line to know what tribe they were in. In the Bible you often see, X the son of Y, yet with Melchizedek this isn’t done. You may think ok that odd but not important except…The Book of Hebrews makes a big deal out of pointing this out.
There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God. Hebrews 7:3
This is part of why Melchizedek is so mysterious. Who was this guy? How did he become a priest? This is before the priesthood was established with Aaron. Yet we are told in FACT he was a priest.
**4. Melchizedek was a Priest of God **
In the Bible a priest is someone who performs sacraments on behalf of people. Priests stand in the gap, going to God for the people. This usually means priests are held to a different standard than other people. In Genesis 14:18 & Psalm 110:4 Melchizedek is clearly identified as a priest.
5. Melchizedek Has Communion with Abram
Ok, so it’s technically not communion because that starts after Jesus and the last supper but Melchizedek brings bread and wine to Abram. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?
6. Melchizedek Blesses Abram
Abram has just returned from defeating four kings in battle, and Melchizedek brings out bread and wine for the hero. Then Melchizedek blesses Abram:
Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.” Genesis 14:19-20a
7. Melchizedek is the King of Salem
Salem means peaceful. The author of Hebrews calls attention to this when comparing Jesus to Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the king of “Peace,” which makes us think of Jesus the Prince of Peace.
This is also interesting because the ancient town of Salem later becomes known as Jerusalem—the Holy City of God. Jesus is the son of David, the king of Jerusalem.
8. Melchizedek’s Name Means King of Righteousness
Hebrews 7:2 tells us name Melchizedek means King of Righteousness of King of Justice. Of course Jesus is the King of Righteousness. (Malachi 4:2)
9. Melchizedek’s Priesthood is Both Royal & Everlasting
Psalm 110 is a prophecy that tells us two things about the coming Messiah: He would be the King in Jerusalem (or Zion) and a priest like Melchizedek.
The Lord has taken an oath and will not break His vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:4
The mysterious permanency of Melchizedek’s priesthood is wildly unexpected. Of course, there were no priesthoods than continued past the priest’s death. There was only the family lineage, continuing to serve in the priesthood of which Melchizedek has none. What could this mean?
10. Abraham Tithed to Melchizedek
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. Genesis 4:20b
11. Melchizedek was Greater than Abraham
As the author of Hebrews would point out, Abram recognized Melchizedek as greater than himself and received the blessing from Melchizedek.
Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle. Hebrews 7:4
Abram tithed to Melchizedek, recognizing his kingship. Abram received a blessing from Melchizedek as his priest also.
12. Jesus is Called a Priest After the Order of Melchizedek
This change has been made very clear since a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has appeared. 16 Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. Hebrews 7:16
Bonus Conclusion:
This change has been made very clear since a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has appeared. 16 Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. Hebrews 7:16
It is my opinion that Melchizedek was Jesus! This called a Christophany by theologians, meaning a moment when Christ appears before his miraculous birth. Looking at the these 12 facts about Melchizedek, I believe the mystery of who Melchizedek was is actually the greater mystery of our faith, how God can walk among us.
Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body. 1 Timothy 3:16
If you don’t agree, that’s ok. It’s a hard concept to grasp. When I look at how Psalm 110 predicted the Messiah would be like Melchizedek, having an everlasting Kingship and Priesthood, along with the other 12 facts about Melchizedek…He could be no other than Christ Himself.
Mystery solved.
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Article Summary – Melchizedek the Mysterious
- Only Three Books of the Bible mention Melchizedek
- Melchizedek is First Mentioned Meeting Abram
- Melchizedek has No Recorded Family
- Melchizedek was a Priest of God
- Melchizedek Has Communion with Abram
- Melchizedek Blesses Abram
- Melchizedek is the king of Salem (King of Peace, Also Jerusalem is called Salem sometimes.)
- Melchizedek’s name means “King of Righteousness”
- Melchizedek’s Priesthood is Royal & Everlasting
- Abram Tithed to Melchizedek
- Melchizedek was Greater than Abraham
- Jesus is called a Priest after the Order of Melchizedek