Mysterious Melchizedek

Genesis 14:14-23 HCSB When Abram heard that his relative had been taken prisoner, he assembled his 318 trained men, born in his household, and they went in pursuit as far as Dan. (15) And he and his servants deployed against them by night, attacked them, and pursued them as far as Hobah to the north of Damascus. (16) He brought back all the goods and also his relative Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the other people. (17) After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). (18) Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine; he was a priest to God Most High. (19) He blessed him and said: Abram is blessed by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, (20) and give praise to God Most High who has handed over your enemies to you. And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (21) Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, but take the possessions for yourself." (22) But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand in an oath to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, (23) that I will not take a thread or sandal strap or anything that belongs to you, so you can never say, 'I made Abram rich.'

For the next few minutes, I’d like to focus your thoughts on an interesting and enigmatic figure – the king of Salem whose name was Melchizedek.

Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”. The only other person in the Bible who is listed as a king, who specifically deals in righteousness, is found in a Messianic prophecy that refers to the coming reign of the Messiah Jesus:

· Jeremiah 23:5 HCSB "The days are coming"--this is the LORD's declaration--"when I will raise up a righteous Branch of David. He will reign wisely as king and administer justice and righteousness in the land.

Melchizedek was the king of Salem, a small town that would later become known as Jerusalem. I think that it’s significant that there are only three uses of the name Salem in the Scriptures - the one we are examining today; the one that also describes this same event in Hebrews 7; and this one found in the book of Psalms.

· Psalm 76:1-2 HCSB For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song. God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel. (2) His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion.

So, out of three passages that specifically mentions Salem, two refer to Melchizedek as being its king and one says that God dwells there. I think it’s also important to note that the end of that Psalm says:

· Psalm 76:11-12 HCSB Make and keep your vows to the LORD your God; let all who are around Him bring tribute to the awe-inspiring One. (12) He humbles the spirit of leaders; He is feared by the kings of the earth.

King David said, “Salem is the place where God’s in charge and you need to make sure that you bring Him tribute!” That’s exactly what Abram did.

For confirmation, consider:

· Isaiah 24:23 HCSB The moon will be put to shame and the sun disgraced, because the LORD of Hosts will reign as king on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, and He will display His glory in the presence of His elders.

Again, Who is the true king of Mount Zion in Jerusalem? The Lord of Hosts – Jesus the only begotten Son of the Father.

Not only was he a king, but he was also a priest to God Most High long before the nation of Israel was formed and the Levitical priesthood was established. In fact, Melchizedek was formally serving God long before even Abram really had a good grasp of what it even meant to truly follow Elohim! There is only one other person in the Bible that rightly held both the position of king and priest – that is the Lord Jesus Christ.

· Hebrews 9:11-12 HCSB Now the Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), (12) He entered the holy of holies once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.

· Revelation 19:16 HCSB And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

There is only one other passage in the Old Covenant that mentions Melchizedek and it written 1,000 years after Genesis was written. It is another passage found in the book of Psalms. There, we discover that King David understood the significance of Melchizedek’s identity and tied him to the Messiah.

· Psalm 110:1-7 HCSB A Davidic psalm. The LORD declared to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool." (2) The LORD will extend Your mighty scepter from Zion. Rule over Your surrounding enemies. (3) Your people will volunteer on Your day of battle. In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, the dew of Your youth belongs to You. (4) The LORD has sworn an oath and will not take it back: "Forever, You are a priest like Melchizedek." (5) The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings on the day of His anger. (6) He will judge the nations, heaping up corpses; He will crush leaders over the entire world. (7) He will drink from the brook by the road; therefore, He will lift up His head.

Do you remember John 1’s “the Lord was with God and the Lord was God”? Here, David is similarly alluding to the Trinity by saying “the Lord” (meaning God the Father) said to “my Lord” (meaning God the Son) “I will extend your mighty scepter from Zion.” So David, led by the Holy Spirit, said that the Son of God is the priest/king of Zion forever...exactly…like…who? Melchizedek.

Another 1,000 years later, the Master applied this Scripture to Himself as He tried to get the baffled people to admit who He was.

· Luke 20:41-44 HCSB Then He said to them, "How can they say that the Messiah is the Son of David? (42) For David himself says in the Book of Psalms: The Lord declared to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand (43) until I make Your enemies Your footstool.' (44) David calls Him 'Lord'; how then can the Messiah be his Son?"

Furthermore, Peter also quoted the same passage and flatly identified the priest/king of Jerusalem in Psalm 110 as Jesus.

· Acts 2:33-36 HCSB Therefore, since He has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, He has poured out what you both see and hear. (34) For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says: The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand (35) until I make Your enemies Your footstool.' (36) "Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!"

Not only was Melchizedek holding the position that no one but the Lord Jesus has ever held, but Hebrews tells us the following about him.

· Hebrews 7:1-10 HCSB For this Melchizedek--King of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham and blessed him as he returned from defeating the kings, (2) and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything; first, his name means "king of righteousness," then also, "king of Salem," meaning "king of peace"; (3) without father, mother, or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God--remains a priest forever. (4) Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the plunder! (5) The sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment according to the law to collect a tenth from the people--that is, from their brothers--though they have also descended from Abraham. (6) But one without this lineage collected tithes from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. (7) Without a doubt, the inferior is blessed by the superior. (8) In the one case, men who will die receive tithes; but in the other case, Scripture testifies that he lives. (9) And in a sense Levi himself, who receives tithes, has paid tithes through Abraham, (10) for he was still within his forefather when Melchizedek met him.

What do we learn about Melchizedek from this passage?

· He was the priest/king of Salem. (v.1)

· He blessed Abram (vv. 1, 7) making him superior to Abram (v. 7)

· He received the tithe from Abram. (v. 2, 4, 6, 9)

· His name means “king of righteousness”. (v. 2)

· His position as king of Salem grants him the title “king of peace”. (v. 2)

o Isaiah 9:6-7 HCSB For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (7) The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

· By the way, whenever you find righteousness and peace tied together, you usually find an allusion to our Messianic King.

o Isaiah 32:17 HCSB The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.

o Isaiah 48:17-18 HCSB This is what the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who leads you in the way you should go. (18) If only you had paid attention to My commands. Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

o Isaiah 60:14, 17 HCSB The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall down on their faces at your feet. They will call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel… (17) I will bring gold instead of bronze; I will bring silver instead of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your guard and righteousness as your ruler.

· He had no father, mother or genealogy. (v. 3)

· He had neither beginning of days (v. 3) nor end of life. (v. 3, 8)

· He, like the Son of God, is a priest forever. (v. 3 cp. Psalm 110:4)

· He was greater than Abram. (v. 4, 7)

· He was greater than the Levites. (vv. 9-10)

· Even the Levitical Priesthood paid tithes to him. (v. 9-10)

If we go 7 verses further, we see the author of Hebrews applying Psalm 110’s prophecy to Jesus.

· Hebrews 7:17 HCSB For it has been testified: You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

The short phrase “in the order of” is in Greek “kata taxis” which can be literally translated “holding the same position as.” So, Jesus holds the same position as Melchizedek – that of priest/king of Salem. By the way, those of you who have been attending Ironworks on Thursdays, do you remember in the Hermeneutical Principles I gave you the First Mention Principal?

The First Mention Principal: God indicates in the first mention of a subject the truth with which that subject stands connected in the mind of God.

Guess where the first mention of the word “kohein” (priest) is? That’s right - Genesis 14. So, Melchizedek is the first recorded priest of the Most High God, and in Biblical culture that grants him primacy over all later priests. All other righteous priests derive their authority from him as we see in:

· Hebrews 7:9-11 HCSB And in a sense Levi himself, who receives tithes, has paid tithes through Abraham, (10) for he was still within his forefather when Melchizedek met him. (11) If, then, perfection came through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise in the order of Melchizedek, and not to be described as being in the order of Aaron?

Let’s go back to Genesis 14 shall we? If you are still in doubt as to Melchizedek’s identity, allow me to throw one more issue at you. Turn if you will to

· Genesis 14:18 HCSB Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine; he was a priest to God Most High.

What is it that Melchizedek brought out? Who else is particularly known for using those two elements in a formal celebration? That’s right – Jesus. Furthermore, who instituted this according to Exodus 12? God Himself. Ancient rabbis also connected this to the showbread and wine libations of the temple.

I believe Melchizedek to be a theophany (a pre-existing form of Christ). In those days, the king of a city/state was the one who founded the city, as wicked Nimrod was the founding king of evil Babylon, so righteous Melchizedek founded holy Jerusalem. In a very real sense you may consider the Bible and indeed the entirety of human history to be a “tale of two cities.” However, if that is so, it would indicate that Jesus has a long-standing interest in Mount Zion and loved it so much that He founded His capital city on it. Can that view be supported biblically? I believe so:

· Psalms 68:16 HCSB Why gaze with envy, you mountain peaks, at the mountain God desired for His dwelling? The LORD will live there forever!

· Psalms 74:2 HCSB Remember Your congregation, which You purchased (Hebrew qanah; literally to get, acquire, create, buy, possess) long ago and redeemed as the tribe for Your own possession. Remember Mount Zion where You dwell.

· Psalms 87:1-6 HCSB A psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. His foundation is on the holy mountains. (2) The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. (3) Glorious things are said about you, city of God. Selah (4) "I will mention those who know Me: Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush--each one was born there." (5) And it will be said of Zion, "This one and that one were born in her." The Most High Himself will establish her. (6) When He registers the peoples, the LORD will record, "This one was born there." Selah

Furthermore, one more verse brings this to mind that I was reading last night, (so don’t freak out Brenda because it’s not on the media list) this is a last minute “freebie”.

· Isaiah 14:32 HCSB What answer will be given to the messengers from that nation? The LORD has founded Zion, and His afflicted people find refuge in her.

Mount Zion and its King in the future

On the Day of the Lord, the Lord of Hosts will once again reign as King of Kings on Mount Zion.

· Isaiah 24:19-23 HCSB The earth is completely devastated; the earth is split open; the earth is violently shaken. (20) The earth staggers like a drunkard and sways like a hut. Earth's rebellion weighs it down, and it falls, never to rise again. (21) On that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven above and kings of the earth below. (22) They will be gathered together like prisoners in a pit. They will be confined to a dungeon; after many days they will be punished. (23) The moon will be put to shame and the sun disgraced, because the LORD of Hosts will reign as king on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, and He will display His glory in the presence of His elders.

· Ezekiel 37:21-28 HCSB tell them: This is what the Lord GOD says: I am going to take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them into their own land. (22) I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. They will no longer be two nations and will no longer be divided into two kingdoms. (23) They will not defile themselves any more with their idols, their detestable things, and all their transgressions. I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned, and I will cleanse them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. (24) My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances, and keep My statutes and obey them. (25) "They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live in it forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever. (26) I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. I will establish and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary among them forever. (27) My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people. (28) When My sanctuary is among them forever, the nations will know that I, the LORD, sanctify Israel."

· Micah 4:6-8 HCSB On that day--this is the LORD's declaration--I will assemble the lame and gather the scattered, those I have injured. (7) I will make the lame into a remnant, those far removed into a strong nation. Then the LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from this time on and forever. (8) And you, watchtower for the flock, fortified hill of Daughter Zion, the former rule (perhaps alluding to Melchizedek?) will come to you, sovereignty will come to Daughter Jerusalem.

In that day, the land will be blessed beyond all understanding.

· Amos 9:13-15 HCSB Hear this! The days are coming--the LORD's declaration--when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the one who treads grapes, the sower of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, and all the hills will flow with it. (14) I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel. They will rebuild and occupy ruined cities, plant vineyards and drink their wine, make gardens and eat their produce. (15) I will plant them on their land, and they will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them. Yahweh your God has spoken.

Though many enemies may surround Mount Zion, the Lord of Hosts will protect it.

· Isaiah 31:4-5 HCSB For this is what the LORD said to me: As a lion or young lion growls over its prey when a band of shepherds is called out against it, and is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their noise, so the LORD of Hosts will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its hill. (5) Like hovering birds, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem--by protecting it, He will rescue it, by sparing it, He will deliver it.

Though the earthly city may take great damage, God stands ready to bring down the New Jerusalem to be His capital.

· Hebrews 12:22-25 HCSB Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels in festive gathering, (23) to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to God who is the judge of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, (24) to Jesus (mediator of a new covenant), and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel. (25) See that you do not reject the One who speaks; for if they did not escape when they rejected Him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven.

Derashot:

1. We must love Mount Zion as Melchizedek/Christ loves it.

2. Mount Zion is where Salvation came. Mount Zion is where Jesus died for our sins. Mount Zion is our “escape hatch”.

· Joel 2:32 HCSB Then everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved, for there will be an escape for those on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, as the LORD promised, among the survivors the LORD calls.

3. We must take comfort and hope in the fact that He has been involved in establishing His kingdom for millennia.

4. Israel should not be divided and the Golan Heights must remain in Israel’s possession.

· Joel 3:1-2 HCSB Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, (2) I will gather all the nations and take them to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. I will enter into judgment with them there because of My people, My inheritance Israel. The nations have scattered the Israelites in foreign countries and divided up My land.

· Ezekiel 36:1-7 HCSB "Son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say: Mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD. (2) This is what the Lord GOD says: Because the enemy has said about you, 'Good! The ancient heights have become our possession,' (3) therefore, prophesy and say: This is what the Lord GOD says: Because they have made you desolate and have trampled you from every side, so that you became a possession for the rest of the nations and an object of people's gossip and slander, (4) therefore, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become plunder and a mockery to the rest of the nations all around. (5) "This is what the Lord GOD says: Certainly in My burning zeal I speak against the rest of the nations and all of Edom, who took My land as their own possession with wholehearted rejoicing and utter contempt, so that its pastureland became plunder. (6) Therefore, prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: This is what the Lord GOD says: Look, I speak in My burning zeal because you have endured the insults of the nations. (7) Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I swear that the nations all around you will endure their own insults.

5. We must understand, like Abram, that this holy Priest/King deserves:

a. Our worship

b. Our tithes

c. Our offering of righteous lives

d. Our offerings of humble faith

e. Our offerings of justice enacted and fought for

6. We must look forward to the coming of our Priest/King.

7. We must work every day to further His kingdom.