Who Was Melchizedek?

Who was Melchizedek? Follow this short Bible study to understand his purpose and place in history. Keep Reading...

Worship
Psalms 110:1-4 - The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Worship: Praise your mighty King and faithful High Priest. His name is Jesus. Honor him today!

Remember
Genesis 14:17-20 - After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

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 blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Remember: There is One who is different and higher than the greatest human authority. Abraham recognized this. Do you?

Believe
John 8:54-56 - Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

Believe: Do not tie your personal security to father, mother or any human authority. Jesus was, is and will be. He is the foundation to your life and your worship.

Surrender
Hebrews 6:19-20 - We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Surrender: Grab onto hope in Jesus. You can count on him. Jesus as the faithful king and priest is not wishful thinking. He is your rock solid hope.

MORE INFORMATION on MELCHIZEDEK

Melchizedek was the king of Salem (Jerusalem) who suddenly appeared to Abraham after he rescued Sodom, Gomorrah and family from the enemy kings. (Genesis 14:17-2)

Some debate whether Melchizedek was an angel, a real king, or Jesus Himself. From the weight of Scripture, it seems most likely that he was a real king that lived at Abraham's time. (Hebrews 7:1-10)

What we do know... Melchizedek's family line was not recognizable to the author of Genesis. His day of birth and death was also not known. In this way, he resembled the One who would come in the order of Melchizedek - Jesus Christ. His name means "king of righteousness" and "king of peace".

Melchizedek's purpose in the Bible was to point the way to Jesus as our permanent priest who always lives to intercede for us. (Hebrews 7:24-25)

Melchizedek is a prefiguration of Jesus Christ. His life points the way to Jesus, reminding us that the Father's plan of salvation through Jesus was in place throughout all of history (first glimpse of this in Genesis 3:15). Indeed, Melchizedek reminds us that the whole of Scripture (including the Old Testament) points to Jesus. He is the central figure in the Bible. If we miss him, we miss everything.