Psalm 110:4 The LORD has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. This name meets us first in Genesis 14:18; then in the text; then it is referred to in Zechariah 6:13, where it is said Messiah shall be a priest upon his throne, and then in Hebrews 7. The record in Genesis is but brief, but the recurrence of the name leads to the inquiry as to the meaning and significance of that early record. The Epistle to the Hebrews supplies the answer. Note - I. THE FACTS CONNECTED WITH MELCHIZEDEK. He is mentioned in the account of Abraham's intervention on behalf of the inhabitants of the district in which Abraham's nephew Lot lived. He was probably a Canaanitish chief, lived at Salem - that is, Jerusalem; was evidently a man of much distinction. He was "great" because of the combined high office he held; he was both priest and king. But yet more from his character - peaceful, righteous. II. His RELATIONSHIP TO CHRIST. From this psalm and from Hebrews 7. we learn that he did bear such relationship. He was a type of Christ: 1. In the mystery of his person. We read of no predecessor or progenitor, nor of any successor. Human records are silent on all these points. And so with our Lord - "great is the mystery of godliness." 2. In his priesthood. It is to this that the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews mainly refers, and argues from Christ being a Priest after the order of Melchizedek, that therefore his Priesthood was far superior to that of Aaron; for Melchizedek was like Christ, and greater than Aaron in antiquity, catholicity, independence, perpetuity, and spirituality of his priesthood. 3. In his kingly character. No king could be a priest, no priest a king, in the Jewish dispensation; but Melchizedek and Christ were both. 4. In the effects of his administration. Righteousness and peace. 5. In his ministry of blessing. CONCLUSION. Abraham shows us our duty to Christ, in self-dedication; this the meaning of the tithe offering. - S.C. Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. |
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