Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible — In Biblical Context
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God." — Genesis 14:18 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Melchizedek is one of the most enigmatic figures in Scripture. He appears briefly in Genesis 14 as both king of Salem (later Jerusalem) and priest of God Most High. After Abraham's victory over four kings, Melchizedek brought out bread and wine and blessed him. Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. What makes Melchizedek so significant is that he held both the office of king and priest — a combination that foreshadowed Jesus Christ. The Book of Hebrews devotes considerable attention to Melchizedek, explaining that Jesus is a priest forever 'after the order of Melchizedek' (Hebrews 7:17). Unlike the Levitical priesthood which was based on genealogy, Melchizedek's priesthood had no recorded beginning or end, making him a type of Christ whose priesthood is eternal. Some scholars believe Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, while others see him as a historical figure whom God used as a prophetic type. Either way, his role in Scripture points unmistakably to the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical system.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Genesis 14:18, sits inside Genesis 14. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God."
Supporting Passages
"For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."
"The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
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