King of Righteousness

Melchizedek is one of the most mysterious people in the Bible. He appeared one day in the life of Abram (renamed Abraham in Gen 17) and was never heard from again, and yet, Melchizedek is given a place of prominence in the Book of Hebrews.

The meeting between Abram and Melchizedek was most unusual. Abram had just rescued his nephew Lot, defeated a formidable army, and regained the freedom of a large number of captives. If there was any doubt in Abram’s mind about who the victory belonged to, Melchizedek set the record straight by reminding Abram that it was God who delivered the enemies into his hand.

Melchizedek (at the very least) was one of a small group of God-honoring people who came in contact with Abram and the Jews, but were not Jewish themselves. But the mystery grows deeper as we learn more about Melchizedek!

Here is what we do know about Melchizedek (from Genesis, Psalms, and Hebrews):

1. He was obviously (at the very least) a God-fearing man whose name means “king of righteousness” (Heb 7:2). 
2. Not only was Melchizedek a king, but he was also a priest of God Most High (’el ‘elyon, which is an ancient name for Yahweh, Ps 78:35). What is so curious about this is the fact that the offices of king and priest do not typically belong together. This observation alone should raise our awareness and interest.
3. He recognized God as the Creator of heaven and earth.
4. He reminds Abram that the victory belongs to God (Gen 14:19).
5. He brought out bread and wine—interesting symbolism when seen in the light of the New Testament and the Lord’s Supper (Gen 14:18, 1 Cor 11:23-26).
6. He pronounced a blessing over Abram (Gen 14:19). 
7. He is said to remain a priest forever (Ps 110:4).
8. He was without mother and father (i.e., genealogy, Heb 7:3).
9. His priesthood has no record of beginning or ending (Heb 7:3).
10. He was a king of God long before the nation of Israel came into existence (Jacob’s name is changed to Israel in Genesis 32, and, 1 Samuel tells us that Israel’s first king was Saul), and a priest of God before the regular priesthood began (the office of priest begins with Aaron in Exodus 28–29).
11. He is called “King of Salem” in Genesis 14:18, but Hebrews 7:2 tells us this means “King of Peace.” Are we to understand Salem as place (i.e., Salem/Jerusalem), or, as a description (i.e., King of peace from Heb.), or as both?
12. He received a tithe (tenth) from Abram’s spoils (Gen 1:20). This is the first instance of tithing in the Bible.

There are three main theories regarding the identity of Melchizedek.

1. Melchizedek Was Simply A Historical Person. This view holds that Melchizedek was a respected king of the region around Salem (Jerusalem). When Abram gives him a tithe (a tenth of his spoils), he was showing Melchizedek the respect he deserved. The main problems with this theory are the facts that: 1) he is called both priest and king (offices that don’t generally belong together); 2) he will remain a king forever; and, 3) he is said to have no genealogy. While Melchizedek may have been a historical figure, Psalms 110 shows us that he is much more than just a historical figure.
   
   
2. Melchizedek Was A Typological Figure. This view holds that Melchizedek (while still a historical figure) served as a “type” of Christ. Those who hold this view, point to others in the Bible, like Joseph (also from the Book of Genesis) who serve as a picture or representation of Christ. For example, Joseph: was a beloved son of his father (Mt 3:17; cf. Gen 37:3); was rejected by his own people (Jn 1:11; 7:5; 15:24; cf. Gen 37:4-5); became a slave (Phil 2:7); provided salvation for his people (Mt 1:21; Gen 45); etc. Several other Old Testament figures also act as “types” (prefigurations or shadows) of Jesus, anticipating his character, roles, or actions. Other examples of typological figures would include Moses (the mediator/deliverer), David (the shepherd king), Isaac (the sacrificial son), and Noah (the representative of a new creation). Those who hold this view suggest that Melchizedek serves as an illustration for us of what Christ himself is like: a king, a priest, the righteous one, the one who brings blessing, etc.
   
   
3. Melchizedek Was A Pre-Incarnate Christ. This view takes a highly theological approach and suggests that Melchizedek was the physical appearance of Christ on earth in the Old Testament. This is not to suggest that Jesus literally took on flesh and lived as the man “Melchizedek” (Jesus does not actually take on flesh until the incarnation where he is born of a woman), but that Jesus did temporarily assume the “appearance” or the “form” of a man—much like the depiction of the Holy Spirit taking the appearance of a dove at Christ’s baptism (Mt 3:17). The Holy Spirit did not become a dove, but took the appearance or the form of a dove. The divine taking the appearance of a man (or a dove) is often called a Theophany (a God appearing), but if Melchizedek is actually “an appearance of Christ” in the Old Testament, it is probably more accurately referred to as a Christophany.

1. There is no doubt that King David presents Melchizedek as a “type” of Christ. Psalm 110 is considered by biblical scholars to be a Messianic Psalm, depicting Jesus Christ himself. This theme is also repeated by the writer of the Book of Hebrews, where both Melchizedek and Christ are considered kings of righteousness and peace. By citing Melchizedek and his unique priesthood as a type, the writer of Hebrews shows that Christ’s new kingship and priesthood are superior to the previously established roles of king, and far above that of the old Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:1-10). While this might suggest that Melchizedek was only a typological figure (view #2 above), it also lends itself to the argument that Melchizedek was an Old Testament appearance of Christ (view #3 above).
   
   
2. Hebrews 6:20 says that Jesus “has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. The word order (Greek: taxis) indicates a “continued and uninterrupted” succession of priests holding this office. However, we know that there was not (nor has there ever been) a long, uninterrupted succession of priests between Melchizedek and Christ—unless Melchizedek and Christ are actually one and the same. If Melchizedek was the pre-incarnate Christ, there has been a continued, uninterrupted order of priest that was eternally vested on Christ and Christ alone, and has been continuous and uninterrupted. Jesus alone is the one and only eternal high priest and king.
   
   
3. Hebrews 7:3 says that Melchizedek is “without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.” The question is whether the author of Hebrews means this actually or figuratively. If the description of Melchizedek is merely figurative, then the details of having no genealogy, no beginning or end, and a ceaseless ministry are simply mysterious statements that stretch the typology to its utmost limits and should be viewed as hyperbole. However, if the description of Melchizedek in Hebrews is literal, then it is difficult, if not impossible, to see how this description could properly be applied to anyone but Jesus Christ. No earthly king “remains a priest forever,” and no human is “without father or mother” or “beginning or end.” If Genesis 14 and the Book of Hebrews describe a “Christophany” (a Christ appearing), then these passages fall in line with what we know about Jesus elsewhere, and the Old Testament and New Testament are aligned in such a way that we see Jesus actively working throughout history. We can see that Jesus, the Son of God, came to give Abram his blessing (Gen 14:17-19); appeared as the King of Righteousness (Rev 19:11, 16); is the Everlasting Father and Prince (i.e., King) of Peace (Isa 9:6); established a covenant of bread and wine (1 Cor 11:17-20); is without beginning or end (Rev 1:8, 11; 21:6; 22:13); and, is the Mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5). If Melchizedek was a Christophany, then Jesus statement in John 8:58 that “before Abraham was, I Am” would not only be a profound declaration that signifies his eternal pre-existence (Col 1:15-20), but Jesus could give a specific example of his appearance to Abraham (Gen 14), and argue that he was far greater than Abraham, Moses, any priest, and that he is the author of a better covenant (Heb 1—8).

Ultimately, I don’t think we can be dogmatic regarding this issue. At a minimum, Melchizedek was a “type” of Christ, and quite possibly, Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. I lean towards the latter opinion. If this was, indeed, a Christophany (an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament), it is just one of many places where this occurs.

Have you ever wondered what Christ was up to between the creation of the world (Jn 1:1-4, 14; Col 1:15-20) and his incarnation (Mt 1:16-25; Lk 2:1-7; Phil 2:7-8)? These passages would demonstrate for us that Jesus has been intricately involved in all of life for all of time.

There are at least fourteen (or more) other possible Christophanies in the Old Testament. These are often found in the stories which talk about the “Angel of the LORD” or “Messenger of Yahweh.”

1. When Hagar fled to the wilderness during her pregnancy (Genesis 16:7-14)
2. When Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:11-19)
3. When Jacob had a vision regarding the speckled flock (Genesis 31:11-13)
4. When Jacob wrestled all night (Genesis 32:24-30; Hosea 12:3-5)
5. When Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph (Genesis 48:15-16)
6. When Moses saw the burning bush (Exodus 3:2- 4:5; Acts 7:30-38)
7. When the Egyptians were separated from the Israelites on the banks of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:19)
8. When it was time for the Israelites to move forward in the wilderness (Exodus 23:20-23)
9. When Balaam was called by King Balak (Numbers 22:21-38)
10. When Israel renewed its covenant with God prior to Joshua’s death (Judges 2:1-5)
11. When Gideon was called into service (Judges 6:11-24)
12. When the birth of Samson was announced to his parents (Judges 13:2-23)
13. When Joshua met the commander of the Lord’s Army (Josh 5:13—6:2) 
14. Daniel’s friends in the fiery furnace (Dan 3:3-27)

Whatever your conclusion might be, we know that Jesus is the scarlet thread that runs throughout the Old and New Testaments. He is: the seed of the woman (Gen 3:15); the blessing to all nations (Gen 12); the ram in the thicket (Gen 22); the Passover lamb (Ex 12); the Star of Jacob (Num 21); the Bronze Serpent (Num 24); the Rock (Deut 32:4); the Kinsman Redeemer (Ruth 2:1); the Good Shepherd (Ps 23); the Stone the builders rejected (Ps 118); Immanuel (Isa 7:14), Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6); the Lord Our Righteousness (Jer 23:6), the Faithful One (Lam 3:22-23), the Branch (Zech 3:8), the Desire of All Nations (Hag 2:7), the Son of Righteousness (Mal 4:2), and so much more. God’s plan has always been to rescue mankind through the King of Righteousness—Jesus Christ.