Melchizedek

Biblical Account

Melchizedek appears briefly in Genesis 14. When a coalition of four kings attacked Sodom and carried off Abraham's nephew Lot, Abraham (then called Abram) pursued them and recovered Lot and the plundered goods. As Abraham returned, Melchizedek king of Salem came out to meet him with bread and wine. Scripture introduces him as "the priest of the most high God" (Genesis 14:18). Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave him a tenth of all (Genesis 14:19–20). The Bible records nothing about his birth, death, or ancestry.

Significance Within Scripture

Melchizedek's name appears once more in the Old Testament. Psalm 110 declares, "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). The New Testament book of Hebrews quotes this verse several times (Hebrews 5:6; 6:20; 7:17) to explain that Jesus Christ is an eternal high priest even though he was not descended from the tribe of Levi.

Hebrews 7 interprets the name Melchizedek as "King of righteousness" and the title King of Salem as "King of peace" (Hebrews 7:2). Noting that he was "without father, without mother, without descent" and that neither his beginning nor his end is recorded, it says he was "made like unto the Son of God" (Hebrews 7:3). The argument continues that because Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek and received his blessing, the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek is greater than the Levitical priesthood descended from Abraham (Hebrews 7:4–10).

Interpretations and Points of Debate

• As a type: Many Protestant denominations regard Melchizedek as a figure who foreshadows Christ, that is, as a type. The phrase "without descent" in Hebrews 7:3 is often read to mean that no genealogical record exists.
• As an appearance of Christ: Some interpreters hold that Melchizedek was a brief appearance of Christ before his incarnation. This is a minority view.
• Jewish tradition: Some Jewish writings are known to identify Melchizedek with Shem, the son of Noah. This identification is not found in the biblical text.
• Bread and wine: The Catholic Church has traditionally interpreted the bread and wine as a foreshadowing of the Mass. Protestants generally do not place this emphasis on it.
• Tithing: Genesis 14:20 is frequently cited as evidence that tithing existed before the Law. Opinions differ on whether this verse supports an obligation to tithe today (see tithing debate).
• Use by other groups: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints calls one of its priesthoods the "Melchizedek Priesthood." Most Protestant denominations reject this claim.
• Salem is commonly understood to be Jerusalem. Psalm 76:2, where Salem appears in parallel with Zion, is cited in support.

In Korean Churches

In Korean churches, Melchizedek is mentioned chiefly in two contexts. The first is preaching on Hebrews that explains Christ's high priesthood. The second is sermons and Bible studies on tithing, in which Genesis 14 is often cited. In Sunday school, he is introduced as part of the story of Abraham's rescue of Lot.