Genesis 14:17-20; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:5-6,10; Hebrews 6:20-7:22

The type and anti-type principle found between Melchizedek [Melchisedec, KJV] and the Christ is clearly set forth by the inspired penman of the book of Hebrews, “If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedeck, and not be called after the order of Aaron,” (Hebrews 7:11).

The historical account of Melchizedek is recorded in Genesis 14:17-20. Abraham had fought and conquered the forces of Chedorlaomer, who had spoiled Sodom and Gomorrah and had abducted Lot and taken his goods [perhaps including family members and/or servants of Lot (Genesis14:12,16)]. Upon Abraham’s return with what had been stolen, he was met in the valley of Shaveh by the king of Sodom, (Genesis 14:17). Melchizedek also met Abraham, (Genesis 14:18). Melchizedek was the king of Salem and the priest of God; he brought to Abraham, bread and wine (Genesis 14:18). Abraham received a blessing from Melchizedek and he also blessed God Almighty, who had given victory to Abraham over the invading armies from the north, (Genesis 14:19-20). After being blessed, Abraham paid a tenth of the goods; or a tithe, to Melchizedek, (Genesis 14:20).

The next and only other Old Testament reference to Melchizedek is found in a psalm of David, “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek,” (Psalm 10:4). David declares by inspiration that God has sworn that there is a priesthood, like unto Melchizedek’s, that is for ever.

The Hebrews writer clearly explains the correlation between Jesus and Melchizedek. The following is a brief look at those points:

Melchizedek

King of Righteousness (Hebrews 7:2)
King of Salem or peace (Hebrews 7:2)
Priest of God (Hebrews 7:1)
Both king and priest (Hebrews 7:1-3)
No Biblical genealogical record (Hebrews 7:3)
No Biblical record of birth / death (Hebrews 7:3)
Not of the seed of Aaron (Hebrews 7:6)
Greater than Levite priests (Hebrews 7:6-9)
Continual priesthood (Hebrews 7:3)

Christ

Rules in righteousness (Hebrews 1:8)
Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6-7)
High priest of God (Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 8:1)
King and Priest (Zechariah 6:12-13)
Divine, no human origin (John 1:1-3,14)
Eternal, no beginning or end (John 8:58; Revelation 1:8)
Born of the tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:14)
Greater than Aaron and Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:26-28)
Unchanging and everlasting priesthood (Hebrews 7:24-25; Ephesians 3:11)

The priesthood of Melchizedek gave us a foreshadowing of the eternal priesthood of the Christ. Melchizedek was a great man, “Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils,” (Hebrews 7:4). Thanks be to God that our High Priest is so much, “better,” “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament…For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” (Hebrews 7:22, 26-28).

John Rose