Who Is the Mysterious King Melchizedek?

Melchizedek first appears in Genesis 14, immediately following Abram’s victory in the battle of the kings. He appears, seemingly from nowhere, blesses Abram and God, and then feasts with Abram on bread and wine. We don’t know much about this mysterious figure, but we do know a few things. He was the king of Salem (Genesis 14:18). Salem means “peace,” and it also refers to a specific place: Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2). He was “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). He received a tithe from Abram (Genesis 14:20). Melchizedek was unique in that he was both a priest and a king. In this way, Melchizedek shows us a picture of who Jesus would be. Psalm 110:4 mentions this priest-king, prophesying the messiah: “The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Unlike the Levitical priests, who would come later in the narrative of Scripture, Melchizedek was in a priesthood of his own. The author of Hebrews says that Jesus serves in Melchizedek’s line—He is both a priest and king, qualified to accomplish salvation by being both perfect priest and perfect sacrifice (see Hebrews 5 and 7). God uses all kinds of people in the Bible to point us to Jesus. By slowly, faithfully revealing the picture of what to expect from the messiah, God proved over and over again His faithfulness to His people. How is God using you to point others to Jesus?