Introduction:
Melchiz'edek is a significant yet enigmatic figure in the Bible, appearing primarily in the Old Testament and referenced in the New Testament. His name, meaning "king of righteousness," and his role as both king and priest have intrigued theologians and scholars for centuries. Melchiz'edek is a type of Christ, prefiguring the eternal priesthood of Jesus.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 14:18-20 : Melchiz'edek first appears in the narrative of Abram (later Abraham) after Abram's victory over the kings who had captured his nephew Lot. "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying: 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." This passage highlights Melchiz'edek's dual role as king of Salem (commonly identified with Jerusalem) and priest of God Most High, El Elyon. His offering of bread and wine and the blessing he bestows upon Abram underscore his priestly authority and spiritual significance.

2. Psalm 110:4 : Melchiz'edek is mentioned in a messianic psalm attributed to David: "The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" This verse is pivotal in understanding the eternal priesthood associated with Melchiz'edek, which is later applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The psalm prophesies a priest-king who will rule with divine authority, linking Melchiz'edek's priesthood to the coming Messiah.

3. Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:1-17 : The New Testament book of Hebrews provides an extensive theological exposition on Melchiz'edek, emphasizing his typological relationship to Christ. Hebrews 7:1-3 states, "This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means 'king of righteousness.' Then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.' Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest forever." The author of Hebrews underscores Melchiz'edek's unique priesthood, which is not based on lineage or the Levitical order, but on an eternal, divine appointment. This serves as a foreshadowing of Christ's superior and everlasting priesthood.

Theological Significance:

Melchiz'edek's role as both king and priest is unparalleled in the Old Testament, where the offices of king and priest were typically distinct. His appearance in Genesis is brief yet profound, establishing a precedent for a priesthood that transcends the Levitical order. The New Testament's interpretation of Melchiz'edek in Hebrews presents him as a type of Christ, whose priesthood is eternal and not bound by human ancestry or temporal limitations.

The offering of bread and wine by Melchiz'edek to Abram has been seen by many Christian theologians as a prefiguration of the Eucharist, further linking Melchiz'edek to Christ. His blessing of Abram and the subsequent tithe given by Abram signify the recognition of Melchiz'edek's spiritual authority and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Conclusion:

Melchiz'edek remains a mysterious yet pivotal figure in biblical theology. His brief appearance in the Old Testament and the subsequent theological reflection in the New Testament highlight the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. As a type of Christ, Melchiz'edek's priesthood points to the ultimate priesthood of Jesus, who intercedes eternally for believers.Melchiz'edek (9 Occurrences)

Hebrews 5:6
as also in another 'place' He saith, 'Thou 'art' a priest -- to the age, according to the order of Melchisedek;'
(See RSV)

Hebrews 5:10
having been addressed by God a chief priest, according to the order of Melchisedek,
(See RSV)

Hebrews 6:20
whither a forerunner for us did enter -- Jesus, after the order of Melchisedek chief priest having become -- to the age.
(See RSV)

Hebrews 7:1
For this Melchisedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who did meet Abraham turning back from the smiting of the kings, and did bless him,
(See RSV)

Hebrews 7:10
for he was yet in the loins of the father when Melchisedek met him.
(See RSV)

Hebrews 7:11
If indeed, then, perfection were through the Levitical priesthood -- for the people under it had received law -- what further need, according to the order of Melchisedek, for another priest to arise, and not to be called according to the order of Aaron?
(See RSV)

Hebrews 7:15
And it is yet more abundantly most evident, if according to the similitude of Melchisedek there doth arise another priest,
(See RSV)

Hebrews 7:17
for He doth testify -- 'Thou 'art' a priest -- to the age, according to the order of Melchisedek;'
(See RSV)

Psalms 110:4
The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent: 'Thou art a priest for ever after the manner of Melchizedek.'
(See RSV)

Melchiz'edek (9 Occurrences)
Melchiz'edek. Melchizedek, Melchiz'edek. Mel-chiz'edek . Multi-Version
Concordance Melchiz'edek (9 Occurrences). Hebrews 5:6 as ...
/m/melchiz'edek.htm - 8k

Mel-chiz'edek (1 Occurrence)
Mel-chiz'edek. Melchiz'edek, Mel-chiz'edek. Melea . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Melchiz'edek, Mel-chiz'edek. Melea . Reference Bible.
/m/mel-chiz'edek.htm - 6k

Melchizedek (12 Occurrences)

/m/melchizedek.htm - 19k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus