Biblical Articles 3

Who is Melchizedek? 

“Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec”

Hebrews 7:17

Introduction: The Mystery of Melchizedek

Few figures in Scripture have generated as much theological discussion as Melchizedek. He appears suddenly in Genesis 14, blesses Abraham, receives tithes from the patriarch, and then vanishes from the historical narrative. Centuries later, he is referenced in Psalm 110, and finally, the book of Hebrews devotes an entire chapter to explaining his significance as a type of Christ’s eternal priesthood.

The questions surrounding Melchizedek are substantial: Was he a mere man? Was he a theophany; a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ Himself? Was he an angel? Or was he something else entirely?

This treatise will examine the scriptural evidence to establish a clear doctrinal position on Melchizedek’s identity, his role in redemptive history, and his relationship to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Part One: What Scripture Declares About Melchizedek

The Genesis Account: King of Salem, Priest of the Most High God

The first appearance of Melchizedek is found in Genesis 14, immediately following Abraham’s victory over the coalition of kings who had captured Lot:

“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: 

and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, 

and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of 

heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, 

which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. 

And he gave him tithes of all.” 

(Genesis 14:18-20)

From this brief account, several facts are established:

1. Melchizedek was the King of Salem- Salem is identified with Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2). He was a literal, historical king ruling over a literal, geographical location that became the city of David and the capital of Israel.

2. Melchizedek was the Priest of the Most High God- This title, “priest of the most high God”, identifies him as a true mediator of the one true God, not a pagan priest, not a false priest, but a genuine priest of Jehovah before the Levitical priesthood was established.

3. Melchizedek blessed Abraham- He pronounced a blessing upon the patriarch in the name of “the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.” This blessing was prophetic, powerful, and divinely authorized. It was in accordance to the proclamation made by God in establishing the Abrahamic covenant.

4. Abraham gave Melchizedek tithes- Abraham, the father of the faithful and the covenant bearer to whom the land was promised, gave tithes to Melchizedek before the Law was ever given. This act was not performed under Mosaic commandment, for there is no Scripture stating that God had commanded Abraham to tithe. Therefore, his tithe was given by faith, as an act of honor and recognition toward the priest of the most high God. The tithe in this context was a tenth portion of the spoils, voluntarily given, not a legal requirement imposed under the Law. This act demonstrates Melchizedek’s superiority in the priestly order. It establishes a doctrinal pattern: faith in God secures life, while the Abrahamic covenant includes the promise of the land to his physical seed. Therefore, the passage reveals both the spiritual promise to all who believe and the distinct covenantal inheritance granted to Israel.

5. Melchizedek brought forth bread and wine- This act is deliberate and prophetic. The bread and wine prefigure the Lord’s Supper, representing the body and blood of Christ. Melchizedek’s ministry therefore anticipates the redemptive sacrifice to come. In receiving tithes from Abraham, he functions within a higher spiritual order, foreshadowing the faith through which men would be brought to God and the sacrifice of the Son of God on their behalf.