Genesis 12-14

by Paul Ice

18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him. . . 

Probably one of my favorite parts of today’s reading is the introduction of Melchizedek.  (King of Salem and Priest of God Most High) I remember spending a significant portion of time in seminary discussing all the theories of who he was and what was his significance. 

It is very interesting the limited information about him and yet the prominent mention of him in other passages. (Ps 110, Heb 5,6,7)  Then we learn the significance of the limited information.  The writer of Hebrews goes way back to this passage to explain how Jesus is their new High Priest.  The only logical way for Jesus, who was not a Levite, to be a priest would be for Jesus to become the priest according to a different priesthood.  

So not to ruin the story too much for you, but the lack of information about Melchizedek is actually a significant part of the story.   It’s here that we see an important aspect of his priesthood. It is not passed on through descent like the Levitical priesthood. Without any record of his birth and death (stated in Hebrews), he becomes a picture of Christ. This priesthood, unlike the Levitical priesthood, will never come to an end. (ok, so I ruined the ending)  See, the lack of information about him actually becomes the most important thing about him.