Melchizedek was the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:18). He blessed Abraham and received a tithe from him after Abraham's victory over Chedorlaomer and his allies. Melchizedek brought out bread and wine, demonstrating his priestly role. The Psalms refer to the Messiah as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Psalms 110:4), indicating that Melchizedek's priesthood was seen as a type or foreshadowing of Christ's eternal priesthood. The book of Hebrews expands on this concept, presenting Jesus as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6,10; 6.20; 7.1,10,11,15,17,21). Melchizedek's unique priesthood, which combined royalty and priestly service to God Most High, is seen as a precedent for Jesus' eternal priesthood and kingship.
Melchizedek
EnglishA priest living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.14.18.