I finally understand the role of Melchizedek, the High Priest, in our lives! For years, during my personal Bible study, the first few chapters of the Book of Hebrews befuddled me—all because of one name—Melchizedek, the High Priest. In those days, I read only the King James Version (which would confuse anyone), and I couldn’t quite grasp the concept of Melchizedek. Have you ever felt that way?
Read something in the Bible, and it perplexed you to no end.
As a teen, I loved the Bible and delved into it with all my might. I especially loved the New Testament Gospels.
For instance, Matthew was my friend. I loved the book of Matthew! I understand that book and several others, but Hebrews with Melchizedek, the high priest, sincerely baffled me.
“Who the heck is Melchizedek, the High priest?” I wondered in my teens.
I could never get a grasp on him, so I’d usually fast-forward past his part and get to the “good” and easy-to-understand stuff in Hebrews 11 and 12.
Hey, if you are a Greek theologian looking for deep insights into Melchizedek, the High Priest, I am not your girl! I’m just sharing in this post what I have discovered in my own personal study. :)
Table of Contents: Melchizedek, the High Priest
About Melchizedek, the High Priest…what little I know
Melchizedek is a figure mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the Book of Genesis and the Letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament. In Genesis 14:18-20 (New International Version), he appears in connection with Abraham:
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
Melchizedek, the High Priest, is known as both a king and a priest, which makes him unique in religious texts. He plays a crucial role as a figure who combines spiritual authority with worldly power.
As the King of Salem, Melchizedek promotes a message of peace and righteousness, serving as a model for future priests.
This dual role highlights the significance of governance along with spiritual responsibilities, showing a strong link between the divine and human worlds that is explored in various theological discussions.
The name “Melchizedek” is a combination of two Hebrew words, “melek,” meaning king, and “zedek,” meaning righteousness. So, his name is often interpreted to mean “King of Righteousness.”
In the New Testament, particularly in the Letter to the Hebrews, Melchizedek is used as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 5:6-10 and Hebrews 7:1-28 discuss Melchizedek’s priesthood and draw parallels between him and Jesus, emphasizing the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood over the Levitical priesthood.
The idea is that Jesus is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, the High Priest.
Despite the significance given to Melchizedek in the Bible, there is limited information about him, and his background and identity remain somewhat enigmatic.
Some view him as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, while others see him as a historical figure who serves as a type and foreshadowing of Christ.
The mystery surrounding Melchizedek has led to various interpretations and speculations throughout theological history.
The Bible as a whole is more useful than a piece.
I later discovered that the Bible is multi-dimensional and pregnant with astonishing life lessons and principles for Christian women like me (and you). While I loved the New Testament, each part of the Bible works together with the others.
You can’t read only parts of the Bible. You have to allow the Bible to interpret the Bible.
Hebrews chapter 7:2 depicts Abraham (then Abram) as he encountered Melchizedek after a victory in Chedorlaomer. (Genesis 14:17-18 NASB). (Other translations interpret the place differently.)
Anyhoo, it wasn’t until I read Genesis that I got perspective on this mysterious guy, Melchizedek.
Here’s what happened…in my simple understanding.
After a battle, Melchizedek, the High Priest, came to meet Abram and those with him.
Just after meeting them, Melchizedek broke out bread and wine to feed and fellowship with them. Not long after, he began to bless them and bless the Lord (verses 19-20).
I saw so many beautiful parallels in this depiction!
First, Melchizedek gave “bread and wine” to Abram as an act of friendship and ministry. Just like Jesus is our bread – He’s our bread of life! See it???
He blesses us with all we need after long, wearing battles on this earth. His nourishment is much more satisfying than that of natural food. With Him, we’ll never be hungry again as we trust and rely on Him (Read Luke 19:10).
He supplies a spiritual fullness we can’t get anywhere else.
But, the onus is on us to fellowship with Him, to experience Him, to explore Him.
A blessing…lots of blessings!
Ok.
Then, Melchizedek, the High Priest, blessed them. I don’t have to explain that parallel. Jesus lavishly blesses us every second, minute, hour, and day.
Our most precious blessings are salvation, communion with, and access to God in prayer for fellowship and direction. Still, let’s not forget the natural blessings too.
God just does unexplainable things to care for us, sometimes without us even knowing it.
One more parallel
Well, after the blessings from Melchizedek, Abram offered his gift of tithes. An offering. That’s the proper response to such generous, unfailing love.
After receiving God’s love, forgiveness, patience, and kindness, it’s only natural to want to give Him our sacrifice – US!
It is utterly impossible to repay God for all He has done and will do.
His boundless love and mercy extend far beyond our comprehension and capabilities; sometimes, it extends beyond our expectations! It exceeds them!
The countless blessings we receive each day, whether seen or unseen, serve as constant reminders of His grace and goodness in our lives.
They are apparent in the simple joys of nature, the warmth of our relationships, and the comfort found in moments of peace.
These blessings illustrate just how insignificant our efforts to repay Him truly are in the face of such overwhelming generosity.
No way. We just demonstrate our love humbly, offering what’s in our hand (or power) to give.
Romans 12:1 says that we should offer our bodies “holy and acceptable as our spiritual act of worship”. Present your body, your habits, your strengths, your weaknesses, your time, your talents, and your obedience as a start. Lay on the altar everything you are and all that you hope to become.
That would be a perfect sacrifice to offer to your High Priest. Yeah? Yeah.
More information on the web:
Got Answers.org
https://www.gotquestions.org/order-of-Melchizedek.html
Theologian John Piper from Desiring God.
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/jesus-from-melchizedek-to-eternal-savior
Thank you so much for visiting and leaving such a thoughtful comment. I am planning to do a deeper dive and research Melchizedek more. Would love your feedback and insights when I do. Stay tuned! :) Thanks again for stopping by!
I too have many times wondered who melchizedek was. I finally discovered his meaning through a commentary. I have read the Bible through but haven’t understood much of it especially the old testement but love the new testement. I’m still learning & pray to the Lord often to help me understand instead of just reading words that I don’t get the meaning from. I like your post & will be reading it on a continuous basis :)
That’s amazing, Leanne! I really appreciate you comments and advice. Very good suggestions! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and taking the time to comment.
I am not what I would call a “mature” Christian. I started my walk with Christ when I was 57 (now 72). One of the things that I found so helpful in the early days of trying to puzzle out the Bible was to have 2-3 different versions (KJV, NKJV, ESV) of the Bible. If I found something confusing, I read the same parts in another version. Also, having a good Commentary was invaluable. I also decided on my own that the Bible (whether KJV or ESV or other) is written in another language!! As with most languages, the more you read, the more you understand. Over the last 15 years, I have read the Bible in its entirety 14 times and parts of the Bible many more times. I am currently on track to read through the Bible for the 15th time!!
What freedom is there in recognizing that we can earn something we already have. Then we are free to give (together) and can spend the day trying to find new ways to say I love you.
“He came for me and I am blessed….now what?”
I’m stealing this. I hope you’ll forgive me.
I enjoyed reading this. Got a understanding of some things. I am a baby in Christ but I have developed a relationship with him when i did lay it all out and gave it up to him. I am still going through somethings but just knowing I have ma Saviour in ma heart lets me know that I don’t have to worry and I will be just dandy! Be Blessed and thank you.