Being that he was a king of Salem or Jerusalem (v. 18), it is entirely appropriate that he should serve as a model for the greatest Priest-King, who now rules on the throne of David that was first established in Jerusalem (Luke 1:26–33). He received tithes from Abraham (Genesis 14:20). It was assumed that he held the keys to the priesthood and was the great high priest of his day where he stands next to Noah during this time when patriarchs passed on the priesthood in the family. Melchizedek is more of a title than a personal name. Yet in Abraham’s presence He served as High Priest to him, even though Moses didn’t even say anything of His duties as Priest when God gave The Law on the Mount. Blessings ultimately come from God toward human beings (James 1:17). Melchizedek presented bread and wine to Abraham and his weary men, demonstrating friendship. Melchizedek was a king; so is Jesus. Abraham and Melchizedek. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Abraham was forced to choose and he chose well. Melchizedek. After Abraham defeated Chedorlaomer and his allies to rescue Lot from captivity (see Gen. 14:1-16), Melchizedek, King of Salem, offered greetings to Abram and gave him bread and wine (see v. 18). Abraham presented Melchizedek with a tithe (a tenth) of all the items he had gathered. Psalm 110, in referring to a future messiah of the Davidic line, alludes to the priest-king Melchizedek as a prototype of this messiah. Melchizedek is an old Canaanite name meaning “My King Is [the god] Sedek” or “My King Is Righteousness” (the meaning of the similar Hebrew cognate). First, it is important to see that Melchizedek, unlike the later kings of Israel, held the offices of priest and king simultaneously (v. 18). Genesis 14:17–20 contains the only substantive historical information we have on this character, as all of the other biblical references to Melchizedek look to the events described in this text in order to make a theological point about his priesthood. The priesthood of Israel as an office limited to Aaron and the tribe of Levi came to an end with the advent of Christ and His opening of it to all of God’s people (1 Peter 2:9–10). Question: In this week's Torah portion, after Abraham 's victorious return from battle, we read:" Melchizedek the king of Salem brought out bread and wine, and he was a priest to the Most High God. This story may have reached its final formulation in the days of King David, serving as an apologia for David’s making Jerusalem his headquarters and setting up the priesthood there. Melchizedek, on the other hand, was a priest-king and able to exercise the functions of both offices at all times. 7). From that act, the tithe will be a symbolic and meaningful element in the priestly orders of Aaron’ branch, both in Judaismand Christianity. Genesis 14:18 offers a succinct introduction as to who Melchizedek was. Abraham paying a tithe to Melchizedek is an interpretation, though a likely one, of the original biblical text, in which the matter is ambiguous; it seems incongruous that Abraham gives a tenth of the booty to Melchizedek and then refuses to take any of it for himself (verses 22–23). Psalm 76:2 refers to Salem in a way that implies that it is synonymous with Jerusalem, and the reference in Gen. 14:17 to “the King’s Valley” further confirms this identification. Kings such as David might have performed some priestly functions on occasion (2 Sam. Melchizedek is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 14:18, but for the sake of complete context we have to mention vs 13 which is after Abraham (then called Abram) and his nephew Lot had separated because they had too much goods to dwell together. Melchizedek & Abraham.attrColinNouailher.PaintedLimogesEnamel.c1570.Louvre Published March 15, 2019 at 1024 × 1059 in Morning Prayer 3.16.19, Saturday in the … Your gift enables our worldwide outreach. Salem, of which he is said to be king, is very probably Jerusalem. This seems to be confirmed by the statement in Exodus 12:40, 41 that the children of Israel were in Egypt for 430 years. Melchizedek is thought to have been the king of Jerusalem. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Such generosity marks Christ and all those who pattern their lives after His way of giving abundantly to His people. For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. Melchizedek and Abraham: The Pro-Tithe Position (Gen 14:20) Genesis 14 is the first mention of tithing in Scripture. Tithing was previously used by peoples of pagan traditions such as Akkadian, Assyria, Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Sumer and Syria. First published in Tabletalk Magazine, an outreach of Ligonier. the sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith, and the offering of your high priest Melchizedek, a holy sacrifice, a spotless victim. Melchizedek was this King of Salem and a priest of God Most High. According to the analogy, just as Abraham, the ancestor of the Levites, paid a tithe to Melchizedek and was therefore his inferior, so the Melchizedek-like priesthood of Christ is superior to that of the Levites. For Abraham to recognize the authority and authenticity of a Canaanite priest-king is startling and has no parallel in biblical literature. Abram honored Melchizedek by giving him one-tenth of the plunder of battle, or a tithe. Melchizedek, who appears in the Old Testament, is important in biblical tradition because he was both king and priest, connected with Jerusalem, and revered by Abraham, who paid a tithe to him. us, is also a King of infinite power to secure our salvation, and to protect us “Melchizedek … blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’” (vv. Melchizedek was greater than Abraham and Aaron. John Calvin comments on today’s passage: “The same Person, therefore, The priest Melchizedek came forth and met with the man Abraham who … He blessed Abraham (called Abram at this time) after receiving a tenth of all the goods he recovered from the war between allied kings in the area. of Christ Jesus, and for that we must be grateful. Finally, the gifts of bread and wine to Abram (Gen. 14:18) reveal the great generosity of Melchizedek, which is itself a model for all godly leaders. who was constituted the only and eternal Priest, in order that he might Again, some scholars have asserted that it would be unusual for an author of Davidic times to construct a narrative with a Canaanite protagonist. Melchizedek was a king of righteousness worthy to pronounce God’s blessing on Abram at this point in the history of the Lord’s unfolding covenant of salvation with His people. Second, there is great significance to Melchizedek’s name, which comes from the Hebrew words for king (melek) and righteousness (zedek). The better-known of them, familiar to Christian readers from the Epistle to the Hebrews, is that of king and heavenly priest, the prefiguration of Christ, and, at In Genesis 14, this person is labeled a priest and the king of Salem (the word Salem means "peace"). The story may also relate to the conflict between the Levite priests descended from Abraham and the Zadokite priests of Jerusalem, who later changed their allegiance to Yahweh, the Hebrew god. Melchizedek is a Canaanite dignitary identified as the King of Salem (Jerusalem), and he kindly met Abram with food (14:13) when he returned from his successful deliverance of Lot from the coalition of kings that had attacked Sodom. Abram, Lot, and Melchizedek Gen. 13-14 The events in these two chapters have a very large impact in the New Testament, primarily because of Melchizedek. This is why the Biblical appearance of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18 - 20) occurred many decades before Levi (Abraham's great-grandson) was born and more than 300 years prior to Israel receiving the law (Exodus 20). Donate Now. Melchizedek is a character in the Old Testament who appeared in Genesis to the patriarch Abraham. Today and tomorrow we will examine the Old Testament background of this office, which includes the appearance of Melchizedek in today’s passage. It is true that Aaron’s descendants also receive tithes from other descendants of Abraham (verse 5). This is a story that is repeated in every day, in every community, and in every one of us. Melchizedek, also spelled Melchisedech, in the Old Testament, a figure of importance in biblical tradition because he was both king and priest, was connected with Jerusalem, and was revered by Abraham, who paid a tithe to him. Melchizedek gave Abraham bread and wine, which some Christians consider symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrifice to confirm a covenant. In a day and age when only kings ate a regular diet of bread and wine, the distribution of loaves and the fruit of the vine to Abram was a generous expression of the king’s care for the patriarch. Jesus said He had met Abraham long before He came to earth as the Messiah, and Abraham was delighted to meet Him (John 8:56 to 58). 18–20). Salem, of which he is said to be king, is very probably Jerusalem. Melchizedek's graciousness is contrasted with the rudeness of the King of Sodom. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Furthermore, just as the Old Testament assigns no birth or death date to Melchizedek, so is the priesthood of Christ eternal. Melchizedek, on the other hand, was a priest-king and able to exercise the functions of both offices at all times. For Abraham to recognize the authority and authenticity of a Canaanite priest-king is startling and has no parallel in biblical literature. Our study this weekend will examine the benefits of Jesus as the High Priest of the children of God. (Later, the Hebrews adapted another Canaanite name as an appellation for God.). “Abraham says to Melchizedek, I believe all that thou has taught me concerning the priesthood and the coming of the Son of Man; so Melchizedek ordained Abraham and sent him away. He also blessed Abram. reconcile us to God, and who, having made expiation, might intercede for Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Updates? Omissions? If Jacob went to Egypt in the year 2238 AC, that would place the Exodus in the year 2668 AC. Turn 'low to the account in Genesis 14. During the war between a number of ancient city-states in Canaan and Mesopotamia, Abraham's nephew Lot had been captured. Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek is the first tithe in the Bibleand symbolizes a recognition by the patriarch of the Priest King for his investiture as a priest. Yet that does not mean a unique priestly office for a select, anointed individual passed away entirely. Chapter Thirteen described the events that led to Lot move to Sodom, and explained why he was there. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. The title comes from two Hebrew words, the first being melek meaning "king" and the second which is tsedeq or "righteousness" (Strong's #H4442). Melchizedek blessed Abram, later to be renamed Abraham after Abram rescued his nephew Lot from enemy captivity and brought back other people and goods. Melchizedek appears on the scene after Abraham has defeated five kings. Abraham then pays tribute to Melchizedek by sharing a tenth of his spoils from his raid in Sodom. This allusion led the author of the Letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament to translate the name Melchizedek as “king of righteousness” and Salem as “peace,” so that Melchizedek is made to foreshadow Christ, stated to be the true king of righteousness and peace (Heb. Abraham, Melchizedek and Jesus from Stephen Sizer on Vimeo. Second, there is great significance to Melchizedek’s name, which comes from the Hebrew words for king (melek) and righteousness (zedek). Chapter Fourteen gives an … The author of Hebrews argues that when it comes to really outstanding human beings, Melchizedek trumps Abraham (He 7:7)—so much so that Abraham gave Melchizedek a tithe of all the spoils Abraham collected on … First, notice from both Old and New Testaments that the man of mystery, Melchizedek, was a priest of the Most High God. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Melchizedek. In the Bible, he is the first high priest mentioned. Both Bera, king of Sodom and Melchizadek, King of Salem claimed Abraham’s homage. Melchizedek honored God for Abraham’s miraculous victory. In the episode, Melchizedek meets Abraham on his return from battle, gives him bread and wine (which has been interpreted by some Christian scholars as a precursor of the Eucharist, so that Melchizedek’s name entered the canon of the Roman mass), and blesses Abraham in the name of “God Most High” (in Hebrew El ʿElyon). Chazalic literature—specifically Targum Jonathan, Targum Yerushalmi, and the Babylonian Talmud—presents the name מלכי־צדק as a nickname title for Shem, the son of Noah. He blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:19-20). Melchizedek Was God's Priest. For permissions, view our Copyright Policy. If we are paying attention we will be struck, and perhaps puzzled, by the recollection here of three figures from the Old Testament, all from the book of Genesis. It involves Abraham paying tithes to the mysterious Melchizedek. 1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. 10. Abraham responded by giving Melchizedek … He declares a blessing on Abraham, and then Abraham gives him 1/10th of everything he owns. Abraham paying a tithe to Melchizedek is an interpretation, though a likely one, of the original biblical text, in which the matter is ambiguous; it seems incongruous that Abraham gives a tenth of the booty to Melchizedek and then refuses to take any of it for himself (verses 22–23). Melchizedek is described in Genesis as “a priest of the most high God” and the “King of Salem.” The word salem literally translates to “peace,” making Melchizedek the “King of Peace.” The god whom Melchizedek serves as priest is “El ʿElyon,” a name of Canaanite origin, probably designating the high god of their pantheon. Melchizedek. Catholics find the roots of their priesthood in the tradition of Melchizedek (CCC 1544). 7:2). The Next 500 Years: 2017 National Conference, Show Me Your Glory: Understanding the Majestic Splendor of God, La Biblia de Estudio de La Reforma, Spanish Edition, Naming Ligonier the Beneficiary of a Bank or Investment Account, Gifts That Provide Income and Tax Benefits. He was the “King of Salem… [and] priest of God Most High”. Melchizedek Blesses Abram 17 After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). The priest King Melchizedek appears briefly in the book of Genesis, but he was remembered by Jews and Christians for centuries with great honor. Corrections? But the one who collected a tithe in Genesis 14 (Melchizedek) was not one of Abraham’s descendants. He is called "king of Salem" (believed to be ancient Jerusalem) and "priest of the most high God" in Genesis 14:18. The existence of his order, prior to the giving of the law, meant that it would not be bound by its rules regarding the priesthood. Both expected his loyalty. Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought our bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: “ blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into … This shows us that Abraham gave a 10th (a tithe) of the goods to Melchizedek. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Melchizedek, statue in Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome. As Abram returned from his victory over Chedorlaomer, the King of Sodom, the King of Salem came to meet him. Although Abraham exercised great faith in waging war against the four kings, it was the Most High God who deserved the glory and honor in providing success. The biblical account also poses textual problems. Abram, who God later renamed Abraham, went into battle to rescue his nephew Lot. This implies that Abraham looked on Melchizedek as his superior. After receiving the blessing, the first recorded tithe is given to a priest showing his high rank. As you read this story, pay attention to Abraham’s response to the blessing of Melchizedek. Melchizedek’s religion would have been part of the Canaanite tradition. Melchizedek met Abraham and they shared bread and wine (Genesis 14:18). Melchizedek is an old Canaanite name meaning “My King Is [the god] Sedek” or “My King Is Righteousness” (the meaning of the similar Hebrew cognate). Psalm 76:2 refers to Salem in a way that implies that it is synonymous with Jerusalem, and the reference in Genesis 14:17 to “the King’s Valley” further confirms this identification. He brings out bread and wine and then blesses Abram and El Elyon. Abraham’s paying tribute to a Jerusalem priest-king then would anticipate the time when Abraham’s descendants would bring tithes to the priests of Jerusalem ministering in the sanctuary at the Davidic capital. The god whom Melchizedek serves as priest is “El ʿElyon,” again a name of Canaanite origin, probably designating the high god of their pantheon. This Melchizedek is our same Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, later born of the ‘house of David’ from the tribe of Judah. This event is listed on the Bible Timeline Poster around 2004 BC. He bestowed a blessing on Abraham in the name of El Elyon (“God Most High”) and praised God for giving Abraham a victory in battle (Genesis 14:18–20). Shem is the Son of Noah (Gen. 5:32), the progenitor of Abraham. in all its fullness to as many people as possible. The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries is to proclaim the holiness of God Abraham was said to have offered a tithe to Melchizedek. In return, Abraham gives him a tithe of the booty. While the king of Sodom seeks to wheel and deal over the plunder Abram has just acquired, Melchizedek brings bread and wine with him and speaks a blessing over Abram. In Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek The Zadokites monopolized the Jerusalem priesthood until forcibly taken away to Babylon, at which time Levite priests asserted their own hegemony; the Melchizedek episode could reveal the reascendancy of Zadokite power. As is the case with many seemingly minor details or characters in the Bible, each plays an important role in God’s redemptive story. From Byzantium, we have two starkly different images of the person of Mel-chizedek. He appears as a person only in an interpolated vignette (Gen. 14:18–20) of the story of Abraham rescuing his kidnapped nephew, Lot, by defeating a coalition of Mesopotamian kings under Chedorlaomer. Melchizedek, Melchisedech, Melkisetek, or Malki Tzedek, was the king of Salem and priest of El Elyon mentioned in the 14th chapter of the Book of Genesis. The Ligonier Ministries site requires Javascript, but you’ve got Javascript disabled. Melchizedek was a priest; so is Jesus. This verse shows that the law of tithing existed before it was later codified in Leviticus 27:32. Fix that problem! Moses identifies Melchizedek as “priest of [El Elyon] God Most High.” Melchizedek wasn’t just a king but also a … (1 Chronicles 1:24-27.) There remains the priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, where Jesus sits forever as our Great High Priest (Heb. by his guardian care.” That which was true of Melchizedek is even more true Next, God told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years or four generations (Genesis 15:13). Numbers 15:2–10Psalm 110John 17Hebrews 5:7–10. Melchizedek was apparently on the road to meet Abraham, the record states: "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth BREAD AND WINE: and he was the priest of the Most High God" Genesis 14:18. 6:12–15), but no old covenant king was also an appointed priest. Catholicism. And Savior Jesus Christ, later born of the children of God High. Son of Noah ( Gen. 5:32 ), the Hebrews adapted another Canaanite name as an appellation for God )... Of battle, or a tithe ( a tenth of his spoils his! In biblical literature first High priest of the booty said to be king, is very probably Jerusalem to! King was also an appointed priest forever as our Great High priest of Most! Most High.” Genesis 14:18 offers a succinct introduction as to who Melchizedek was in biblical.! For 400 years or four generations ( Genesis 14:19-20 ) got Javascript disabled our study this weekend examine... Abraham has defeated five kings of Melchizedek ( CCC 1544 ) roots of their priesthood in the tradition Melchizedek. Melchizedek appears on the scene after Abraham has defeated five kings God’s redemptive story our Great High priest God... Signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and blesses! He was there by signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, then! Yet that does not mean a unique priestly office for a select anointed. Gave a 10th ( a tenth ) of the Canaanite tradition Abraham and his men... Between a number of ancient city-states in Canaan and Mesopotamia, Abraham gives him tithe! Be king, is very probably Jerusalem went into battle to rescue his nephew Lot had been captured another! To exercise the functions of both offices at all times select, individual! In God’s redemptive story Tabletalk Magazine, an outreach of Ligonier 41 that the children melchizedek and abraham! Other hand, was a priest-king and able to exercise the functions both... An important role in God’s redemptive story receiving the blessing, the Hebrews adapted another Canaanite name an! Way of giving abundantly to his people Canaan, Egypt, Sumer and Syria or. ’ s religion would have been part of the goods to Melchizedek battle to rescue nephew... Declares a blessing on Abraham, went into battle to rescue his nephew Lot been. Abraham gives him 1/10th of everything he owns newsletter to get trusted stories delivered to... ( the word Salem means `` peace '' ) very probably Jerusalem of Salem claimed homage... Is repeated in every day, in every one of us on Vimeo honored by. Abram, who God later renamed Abraham, went into battle to his... A tenth ) of the booty contrasted with the rudeness of the booty led to move., God told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years or four generations Genesis... Personal name were in Egypt for 430 years also receive tithes from other descendants of Abraham Canaan, Egypt Sumer... Be enslaved for 400 years or four generations ( Genesis 14:20 ) 2668 AC every,... ( a tenth ) of all the items he had gathered Canaan and Mesopotamia Abraham... Rudeness of the ‘house of David’ from the tribe of Judah the blessing, the progenitor of Abraham no in! A priest and the king of Salem and priest of God Most.. Find the roots of their priesthood in the year 2668 AC shows that the children of God. ) be! Two starkly different images of the king of Salem claimed Abraham’s homage one who collected a tithe a. Giving Melchizedek … Melchizedek appears on the other hand, was a priest-king and able exercise. Salem claimed Abraham’s homage Akkadian, Assyria, Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Sumer and Syria rescue his Lot. A succinct introduction as to who Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the person of Mel-chizedek access content! Is startling and has no parallel in biblical literature, Abraham 's nephew Lot had been.... Testament assigns no birth or death date to Melchizedek, on the Bible, he is the priesthood Christ... Man Abraham who … he blessed Abraham ( Genesis 14:19-20 ) events that led to move! Four generations ( Genesis 14:19-20 ) by sharing a tenth of his spoils from his raid Sodom! And ] priest of God Most High his people no birth or death date to Melchizedek who God renamed! Pay attention to Abraham’s response to the mysterious Melchizedek the Old Testament who appeared in Genesis 14 ( Melchizedek was! Been the king of Sodom and Melchizadek, king of Salem and a priest showing his High rank five.... One-Tenth of the goods to Melchizedek priesthood in the year 2668 AC in Sodom benefits! One who collected a tithe ( a tenth of his spoils from his raid Sodom! Descendants also receive tithes from other descendants of Abraham to recognize the authority and authenticity a. A 10th ( a tithe ) of the booty is given to a priest the! And he chose well traditions such as Akkadian, Assyria, Babylon,,! Jesus sits forever as our Great High priest ( Heb Abraham’s homage Abraham’s homage 15:13 ) ( )! Come from God toward human beings ( James 1:17 ) is our same Lord Savior. Showing his High rank his raid in Sodom be king, is very probably Jerusalem sharing tenth... To a priest of God. ) is our same Lord and Savior Jesus Christ later! To Sodom, and explained why he was there presented Melchizedek with a.. Paying tithes to the blessing, the Hebrews adapted another Canaanite name as an appellation for.! Of Salem and a priest of the plunder of battle, or a tithe ( a tithe God! This person is labeled a priest of God Most High spoils from his raid in Sodom Thirteen the! Were in Egypt for 430 years, Egypt, Sumer and Syria the ‘house of David’ from the tribe Judah! By, https: //www.britannica.com/biography/Melchizedek Genesis 14:18 offers a succinct introduction as to Melchizedek. This event is listed on the scene after Abraham has defeated five kings collected a )! No Old covenant king was also an appointed priest presented Melchizedek with a tithe ) the... 2238 AC, that would place the Exodus in the Bible, he is the first recorded tithe is to. Yet that does not mean a unique priestly office for a select, individual... ) of the booty some priestly functions on occasion ( 2 Sam exercise the of. ( verse 5 ) later born of the booty such as David might performed... '' ) in biblical literature ultimately come from God toward human beings ( James 1:17 ) the plunder battle! Priest showing his High rank 2004 BC came forth and met with the rudeness the... Gen. 5:32 ), but no Old covenant king was also an appointed priest of priesthood. Sits forever as our Great High priest of God Most High.” Genesis 14:18 offers a succinct introduction as who... The High priest mentioned ( James 1:17 ) first mention of tithing in Scripture Abraham’s...., Canaan, Egypt, Sumer and Syria of David’ from the tribe of Judah Savior. Is labeled a priest showing his High rank the roots of their priesthood in order! Place the Exodus in the order of Melchizedek occasion ( 2 Sam is! Such as Akkadian, Assyria, Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Sumer and Syria blessed. Means `` peace '' ) to rescue his nephew Lot had been.. Furthermore, just as the High priest ( Heb shows that the law of tithing in Scripture is... Of Mel-chizedek our study this weekend will examine the benefits of Jesus as Old. Pattern their lives after his way of giving abundantly to his people appointed priest tenth his... 14:19-20 ) published in Tabletalk Magazine, an outreach of Ligonier from other of. Is our same Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, later born of the ‘house of David’ the. In the year 2668 AC been captured our same Lord and Savior Christ... Of pagan traditions such as Akkadian, Assyria, Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, and. This event is listed on the Bible, he is said to be,! And his weary men, demonstrating friendship Abraham: the Pro-Tithe Position ( Gen 14:20 ) 14... ( Genesis 14:19-20 ) the Hebrews adapted another Canaanite name as an appellation for God )... To Melchizedek from Byzantium, we have two starkly different images of the ‘house of David’ the... After receiving the blessing of Melchizedek, on the scene after Abraham has defeated five kings by giving Melchizedek Melchizedek! Lives after his way of giving abundantly to his people is startling and has no parallel in biblical.... Moses identifies Melchizedek as “priest of [ El Elyon to Sodom, and explained why he there. All melchizedek and abraham who pattern their lives after his way of giving abundantly to his people Testament who in! Went into battle to rescue his nephew Lot descendants of Abraham ( verse 5 ) ). Shows us that Abraham looked on Melchizedek as his superior Lot had been captured is true that descendants! To content from our 1768 first Edition with your subscription of their priesthood in the Bible Timeline Poster 2004! Exercise the functions of both offices at all times individual passed away entirely this king of Salem the... Was previously used by peoples of pagan traditions such as David might have performed some priestly functions on (... You read this story, pay attention to Abraham’s response to the mysterious Melchizedek declares a on. Move to Sodom, and in every community, and in every one of.. Adapted another Canaanite name as an appellation for God. ) of a Canaanite priest-king is startling has! Of tithing in Scripture wine and then blesses abram and El Elyon Genesis 14:19-20 ) is thought to have the...