Some Thoughts About Melchizedek

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

"Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6; 7:17,21)

The significance of the question, "Who is Melchizedek?" comes from the fact that Jesus is made a high priest after his order. Most of what we learn of Melchizedek is found in Hebrews chapters 5-7 and he is referenced to teach us concerning Jesus Christ, our High Priest. Melchizedek is not some obscure character in the Bible, although he seldom finds his way into the average preaching agenda. However, the Scriptures actually exhort us to "consider how great this man was" (Heb 7:4). That is our aim here - to consider how great Melchizedek was and in so doing, better understand Jesus, who was made "after the similitude of Melchisedec" (Heb 7:15).

The Genesis Account. All of the record of Melchizedek is found in only 3 verses in the book of Genesis. Abraham had just defeated Chedorlaomer, king of Elam in order to rescue his nephew Lot who had been taken captive along with many others in Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham "brought back all the goods, and also brought again his [nephew] Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people" (Gen 14:16). Kings from other nations came to visit Abraham to congratulate him and offer him gifts. Among them was Melchizedek.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, "Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth, and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand." And he gave him tithes of all. (Genesis 14:18-20)

This is the account...all of it. And it may seem somewhat insignificant at first glance but this encounter, and Melchizedek himself, becomes a focal point in the epistle to the Hebrews, in doctrine of Christ our High Priest, and in the necessity of a new covenant.

The Psalmist Speaks. In reference to Melchizedek, the psalmist records a statement made by God to His Son, Jesus. It is recorded in the one hundred tenth psalm.

The Lord said unto my Lord, "Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion: rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: Thou hast the dew of Thy youth." The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." The Lord at Thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of His wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, He shall fill the places with the dead bodies; He shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way; therefore shall He lift up the head. (Psalm 110)

The Father, here, appoints the Son as "a priest for ever". This is a promise made with an oath (Heb 7:21). God had determined that His Son would be like Melchizedek, "a priest of the most high God" on the basis of an appointment - "the word of the oath" (Heb 7:28) rather than the way priests were appointed under the law. Under the law priests were made priests by being born into the tribe of Levi and the high priests were descendents from Aaron. But Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi, yet was still a high priest. This is similar to Melchizedek. Thus, "after the similitude of Melchizedek there [arose] another high priest, who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For He testifieth, 'Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek'" (Heb 7:15-17).

The Apostles' Doctrine. While the book of Genesis records the actual account of Abraham's interaction with Melchizedek, and the psalms recorded the decree, it was the apostle's who really opened up the significance of this man. The book of Hebrews speaks of Melchizedek in chapters 5 and 7 because the book of Hebrews is declaring to us that "we have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man" (Heb 8:1-2). Melchizedek is mentioned because he is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. If it weren't for Jesus being our high priest, we would have never heard of Melchizedek.

Here are some of the things the apostles' doctrine has declared to us concerning Melchizedek:

• He blessed Abraham. "And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better" (Heb 7:7). This shows us that Melchizedek was better than Abraham.
• Abraham gave him tithes. The law teaches us that it was the Levites, the priesthood, that received tithes from their brethren. But Melchizedek was not from Levi, in fact, he was before Levi. This shows us that he was a high priest, not according to the Law, but according to his call from God. The implications of this is that the Levites, who would descend from Abraham, actually paid tithes to another high priest. (Heb 7:4-10)
• He was a priest of a different order. This shows the impotence of the Levitical priesthood. It could not make men perfect. Men needed another high priest, one after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb 7:11)
• A change in priesthood means a change in law. When the priesthood changed, in the ordination of the Levites as priests rather than the firstborn males, it marked the beginning of what we call the old covenant. For, the Levitical priesthood was part of the Law of Moses. But when a priest from another order, of Melchizedek and not Levi or Aaron, arose - that is, Jesus Christ - this too marked a change in the law. When Jesus entered into the more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, the new covenant began. (Heb 7:11-28) 
• He was the king of righteousness. The name "Melchizedek" means "king of righteousness". "Melchi", meaning "king" and "zedek" meaning "righteousness. (Heb 7:2)
• He was the king of peace. "Salem" means "peace". Melchizedek was the king of Salem and therefore, the "king of peace". (Heb 7:2)
• He had no genealogy. Melchizedek was "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life" (Heb 7:3). The absence of the record of this man's life, either beginning or ending, shows us that he was "made like unto the Son of God". Not that he was eternal but the lack of his record was a type of Jesus.

Was Melchizedek Jesus? Based upon the last three bullet points, many have concluded that Melchizedek was Jesus in the flesh before Jesus was born. He was an apparition. Being that the Scripture does not expressly say that he was Jesus or that he wasn't Jesus, I will give my opinion: I think Melchizedek was a type of Jesus, but not Jesus.

Reasoning based upon the translation of his name is not sufficient. Melchizedek, being a type, was a king of peace and a king of righteousness. But Jesus would be THE king of peace and THE king of righteousness. His name alone does not make him Jesus any more than Adonaizedek's name makes him Jesus. ("Adoni" means "Lord" and again, "Zedek" means "righteousness". This man too, was the king of Jerusalem, the "city of peace").

Reasoning based upon the absence of his genealogy also gives us a good type of Jesus but we shouldn't conclude that Melchizedek WAS Jesus from this, as shown above. He was made LIKE UNTO the son of God in this was but was not THE SON OF GOD. Jesus would actually be eternal and live for ever and be qualified to be "a priest for ever" who is able to save for ever those who draw near to God through Him for He "ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25).

It was "in the fulness of the time" that God "sent forth His Son" and this was when Jesus of Nazareth was born. He was "made of a woman" and "made under the law" (Gal 4:4). Melchizedek would not fit this description. There are many things very significant about "the word" being "made flesh" and dwelling among us (Jn 1:14). For when this occurred the Scripture could be fulfilled that His name would be called "Immanuel" meaning "God with us". Can this be said of Melchizedek?

Melchizedek was a type, or foreshadow, of Jesus. And a great one at that. This is the declaration of Hebrews 5 and 7. For Jesus, like Melchizedek, was a king and a priest. But Jesus was of a much higher order just as the substance is always better than the type. For in Jesus the Scripture is fulfilled that says,

Behold the Man whose name is THE BRANCH; and He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of the Lord; even He shall build the temple of the Lord, and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. (Zechariah 6:12-13)

Behold, Jesus the Christ. He is a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus Came to do the Father's Will

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

"I have come...to do Thy will, O God" (Heb 10:7)

When Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14) He did so with a purpose - to do the will of His Father. He would not be preoccupied by seeking worldly prominence or prestige. He would not be deterred from His purpose in order to attend to the many needs of men. He had bigger things to do. Our problems, frankly, are not big enough for Him. One account reveals a man who approached Jesus with his family and financial problems and Jesus replied, "Man, who made Me a judge or a divider over you?" (Lk 12:14). Men don't need Jesus for such matters and He didn't stoop to address them, for they were not His work. He came to do the will of God, not man. 

He came to do the things which no one else could do. He came to "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb 9:26). He came to "give His life a ransom for many" (Mt 20:28). He came to bring justification, "peace" and "access...to grace" (Rom 5:1-2). He came to reconcile the world to God (2 Cor 5:19). He came to "give eternal life" to whomever God gave to Him (Jn 17:2). These things are far greater than clothing, money, family and the like. These are unseen things, spiritual things, and as such, eternal things. 

Jesus came to accomplish the will of God. He did the will of God when He was on earth saying, "it is finished" and "I have finished the work Thou hast given Me to do" (Jn 17:4). And, He is still accomplishing that will today, from the right hand of the Majesty on high. He is now "bringing many sons to glory" (Heb 2:10). He is now "bringing us to God" (1 Pet 3:18). He is now mediating the New Covenant and making intercession for the saints. He is a Good Shepherd leading the people of God beside still waters and into green pastures. 

While many preach "a Jesus" today that primarily solves all of our problems and wants us healthy, wealthy and wise - one who is focused on fulfilling our desires...it is the real Jesus that accomplished the desires of God. The real Jesus pleases the One who sent Him. The real Jesus does the will of the Father and in so doing, He brings salvation to man - for that is the will of God, that none should perish but all come to repentance. That is the Jesus, I am talking about! For if in the end, the will of God is not done, it really doesn't matter what else happens. But then, of course, Jesus did the will of God and satisfied His Father (Isa 53:10). Now that God is pleased, we can enjoy lives of blessing and favor from Him. 

A Reminder of God's Power and Rule

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

He alone is God. He dwells in unapproachable light. He is "able to save forever" those who draw near to Him through Christ. He is able to "make a way" in your wilderness. He is able to present you faultless and unblameable with exceeding joy before His throne. This is who God is. Do you know Him?

He alone is able to save and destroy. He alone is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He speaks, and things happen. The hearts of kings are in His hand and He can turn them which ever way He pleases. He is able to make all things work together for your good. He is able to make dead things live. He is able to make the blind see. He is able to make light shine out of darkness. He determines something and no one can annul it. No purpose of His can be thwarted. He is a very present help in the time of trouble. He is our refuge and strength. This is who God is. Do you know Him?

He can cause you to walk in His statutes. He can give you the desires of your heart. He can make the mountains into plains, the crooked places straight, and a sea of water as dry ground. When your hungry, He can provide manna from heaven. When you are thirsty, He can provide water from a rock. When you are stuck in miry clay, He can lift you up and set your feet upon a rock. When you are weak and weary, He can cause you to mount up with wings as eagles. This is who God is. Do you know Him?

He is a shelter in the storm. He is a covert from the wind. He is a sun in the cold and a shield in the heat. He is mighty. He is righteous. He is compassionate and gracious. His lovingkindness abounds from generation to generation. He is faithful and He has made many precious and magnificent promises. He is a consuming fire. He is a loving Father. He is light. He is love. He is the judge. And He is the One with whom we have to do. This is who God is. Do you know Him? 

One Thing

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

We live in a culture that moves fast. Multi-tasking is now a chief skill. But there is still the need for keeping the main things the main things. While the world will seek to distract you and gain your attention, be determined to set your mind on "one thing" - that is, the main thing.

DAVID - "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple" (Ps 27:4). David had a large family and was king of Israel. No doubt, there were many things that were requiring his attention and yet, he still sought after just "one thing". It was his goal, his aim, to dwell in the presence of God forever. He did not want simply have an affection for the temple, he had an affection for God. He wanted to behold the Lord's beauty. Moses had the same desire when he beseeched the Lord, "show me Your glory". With this "one thing" mentality David found great comfort and blessing and we are not surprised to learn that he was, indeed, "a man after mine own heart" according to God.

PAUL - "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Php 3:13-14). The apostle Paul was a busy man and had a past that could have haunted him. He referred to himself as the "chiefest of sinners" in one place. But he would not be distracted by what happened before. He described his life as consisting of "one thing" - that is, forgetting what lies behind him and pressing on to what lies ahead, even Christ Jesus his Lord. He would not be moved from this quest and it governed his every moment. In an effort to finish his course and complete his mission he would spend every moment striving to make it to heaven and bring as many people with him as possible. He had "one thing" on his mind.

JESUS - "And Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but [only] one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her'" (Lk 10:41-42). While Martha was concerned about "many things" it was Mary who was honored for her "one thing" mentality. Martha was busy with "religious activity" (if you will) serving the Lord, preparing a meal, tending to the house. But it was Mary that was drawing near to Jesus, Himself. God is always the point of true religious activity. Where God is pushed to the background, you are only left with distractions (even if they are done in the name of Jesus). Jesus does have preeminence in these days - first place in all things. He is the "one thing" that is needful. When He is speaking, the good thing to do is to be still and hear. 

Do not be led astray today. Only one thing is necessary. When our lives come to a close we will give an account of what we did with this life. You want to be able to say, "I sought after one thing. I sought after the Lord my God". And take heart, for those who diligently seek Him, will find Him. 

The Help of His Countenance

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." (Psalm 42:5)

David, here, exhorts his own soul to hope in God and to rise up from its downcast state. He is able to do this because he is fully cognizant of the help available to him. No believer has to remain downcast. The potency of the provision of God will lift up the soul that is down cast; and that, simply by the help of His countenance.

God's favorable look upon one of His children is able to lift them out of the miry clay and set their feet upon a rock. It is sort of like the outraying of His glory warms the soul. Many a soul has been exalted by the help of His countenance, that soul could be you today.

Countenance. A person's countenance is the outward expression of their thoughts toward something or someone. This may be displayed by facial expression or body language - some sort of visible expression or appearance. For example, when Cain's offering was not accepted by God he "was very wroth, and his countenance fell" (Gen 4:5). His being wroth was displayed by his fallen countenance. Likewise when Laban found out that his cattle and daughters were now Jacob's his countenance demonstrated that he was no longer in favor of Jacob. "And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and behold, it was not toward him as before" (Gen 31:2). By this Jacob knew it was time to leave Laban's company.

David, here, spoke of the help of God's countenance. He was declaring that if God would look favorably upon him, if God's goodness and provision would be toward him, than he would indeed be delivered from all of his enemies. The vaccilating soul can find stability and strength, even quietness and peace, when God's countenance is lifted up toward him.

A Countenance Like None Other. If God is for you, there is none who can harm you. But if the Lord is against you, there is none to deliver you. His countenance is so potent and powerful that it can save or destroy. Simply by His appearance men are either upheld or torn down.While those who have offended Him will "perish at the rebuke of [His] countenance" (Ps 80:16), those who have found mercy shall be saved "by the light of [His] countenance" (Ps 44:3).

It is God's preference to save men by the light of His countenance rather than slaying them by His rebuke. More of His glory is seen in salvation than in condemnation. God, therefore, is seeking those whom He might look favorably upon but, as in the case of Israel, He seldom finds them.

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro througout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong inthe behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars." (2 Chronicles 16:9)

God is still this way. He is still looking for those whom He might look favorably upon. Let it be you! The help of His countenance with uphold and strengthen you.

An Appropriate Request. If you find yourself downcast, if your knees are feeble and your hands hang down, ask God to shine His countenance upon you. You will not be sorry. He is able to show Himself strong in your behalf. God has revealed the necessity of such a request when He commanded Moses to instruct Aaron and his sons to bless the people in view of this. He literally put the following words into their mouths:

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

Those still in the body and still inhabiting a present evil world are faced with much tribulation. They have to contend with enemies within and enemies without. Yet God is pleased to cause men to overcome such distresses because He is glorified in it. Let the saints of God declare with great faith, "There be many that say, 'Who will shew us any good?' Lord, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us" (Ps 4:6). Salvation is realized when God responds favorably to such a request.

Favor and Help. Dwelling in the light of God's countenance is a most blessed state. It is a place of provision, peace and joy. Thus it is written, "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound; they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance" (Ps 89:15). Make it your aim to be one of those people and you too shall praise Him for the help of His countenance.