Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament - Melchizedek

Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament - Melchizedek

In Genesis 14, we learn about an interaction between Abram (later to be renamed Abraham) and Melchizedek. This is the first mention of Melchizedek in the Bible in Genesis 14:18-20:

“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 praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

Just prior to this taking place, Abram rescued his nephew, Lot, from captivity and came back from a battle in which he was victorious. Melchizedek came to celebrate and bless Abram while giving glory to God. As we can see from those three verses from Genesis 14, Melchizedek was a king and a priest of God. Salem was a town nearby where Abram lived. There is no record of Melchizedek’s birth, death, or genealogy. Melchizedek celebrated with Abram, blessed him, gave glory and praise to God, and received tithes from Abram from what Abram had won in battle. 

As we look at this brief interaction with Melchizedek, we can see that something was very special about him. He was both a priest and a king. He brought out bread and wine. He blessed Abram and gave praise to God in Heaven. He received a tithe.

This person and picture of Melchizedek paints a picture of another king and priest that was to come. One that would also bring bread and wine. One that would also bless others and give praise to His Father in Heaven. One that would also be the focus of tithing.

In a prophesy about the coming Messiah, David writes in Psalm 110:4:

“The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek’”

As we look to the book of Hebrews in the New Testament, we can see the connection of Melchizedek to none other than Jesus - the coming Messiah.

Hebrews 5:7-10 says:

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.”

Jesus is referred to as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. A position that was designated to Him by God. As we continue reading through Hebrews, we can see more of this confirmation.

Hebrews 6:20 goes on to say:

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

And finally, Hebrews 7:1-4 reads:

“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything."

The name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; while “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Resembling the Son of God, Melchizedek remains a priest forever. He had no father or mother. He was without genealogy. He is without beginning of days or end of life.

King of righteousness. King of peace. Two translations of the name and title of Melchizedek and two names given to Jesus. Jesus is indeed the King of Righteousness and the King of Peace. He is indeed our righteousness and our peace.

In Israel, a priest had to come from the tribe of Levi and be a descendant of Aaron. Jesus was not from the tribe of Levi, so how could He be a priest? As the book of Hebrews states, Jesus is a priest from the order of Melchizedek, making Him an everlasting priest regardless of the tribe He comes from (Heb. 7:13-17). Jesus comes from the tribe of Judah, the tribe in which Israel’s kings, including David, descended from. Jesus qualifies for this kingship through His lineage.

Melchizedek is a priest and king in the likeness of Jesus. As Melchizedek met with Abram, he brought out bread and wine. Today, bread and wine are synonymous with the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26; 1 Cor. 11), a representation of Jesus’ body broken for us and His blood shed for us on the cross.

Melchizedek blessed Abram and a few chapters later we see Abram receive a new name - Abraham. In the same way, Jesus blesses us and through Him we are given a new name and new way of life. Melchizedek received a tithe of ten percent to Abram, which occurred prior to the giving of the law. In the same way, it is not a legal action but a heart action as we tithe and give our offering to the Lord.

So, who was this Melchizedek? He was a mysterious man in many ways, but also one who was an image of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, King and Lord.

 

Upward Focus is a Canadian brand founded by two Christian brothers. We combine innovative clothing designs with insightful Bible-based teaching, aiming to help people deepen their connection with Jesus and recognize His presence in every aspect of life.

Spread the Word in style with our Christian clothing. Our trendy and faith-inspired designs are perfect for sharing your belief in a fashionable way.

Check out our Christian Hoodies, Sweatshirts and T-Shirts by heading over to the product pages. 

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.