Who Was Melchizedek?

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Christina

New Member
Apr 10, 2006
10,885
101
0
15
Who Was Melchizedek?Melchizedek is not so much a name as it is a title or designation of honor. It is a position or office that has to be filled by a worthy candidate. The term is a transliteration of two Hebrew words, melek and tsedeq. The Hebrew melek means king and tsedeq means righteousness. Therefore, the term "melchizedek" means literally, "king of righteousness." Because a king is always preeminent in his jurisdiction, whoever Melchizedek was, he had to be preeminent in righteousness. He had to be the "king" of righteousness.What is Righteousness?In Psalm 119:172, David equates the keeping of God's commandments with righteousness. On the other hand, the apostle John relates unrighteousness to sin (1 John 5:17). Therefore, since sin and righteousness are opposites, complying with God's commandments defines righteousness and violating His commandments defines sin."Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). " "If we confess our sins to God, He is faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). ""If we say that we have not sinned, we make God a liar and His word is not in us" (1 John 1:10).Paul said that it is not possible for the carnal [the natural] mind to be subject to God's law (Romans 8:7). Because the law cannot produce righteousness in us, in that it is weak through the flesh, God sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, to condemn sin in the flesh so that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in those who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:3-4). Paul said that the law is not against the promises of God, for if there had been a law which could have given life, righteousness should then have come by the law. But, the Scripture, he said, has concluded all under sin so that the promise, by faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe (Galatians 3:21-22).Paul also said that it has been proven that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. No human is inherently righteous – no, not one (Romans 3:9-10). All have sinned and have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). All of our righteousness' are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).God described three men: Noah, Daniel, and Job as being righteous. But, He said that their righteousness could not be extended or imputed to others (Ezekiel 14:14-16). Not one of the three was a source of righteousness for others, and God never referred to any one of the three as being the King of Righteousness.None RighteousJesus said no one, including Himself, is inherently good [righteous] (Matthew 19:17, Luke 18:19). Paul explained that it was only through the power of the indwelling presence of God's Spirit that Jesus was able to offer Himself to God without spot (Hebrews 9:14). In other words, God's Spirit was the source of Jesus' righteousness. Since "Melchizedek" was the epitome of righteousness, and no human including Noah, Daniel, and Job is inherently righteous, it is evident that the King of Righteousness could not have been human. Had He been human, Melchizedek would have been the same as Aaron or anyone else, i.e. a sinner.As the King of Righteousness, Melchizedek was the image of God's Spirit, see Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 1:3.Without FatherMalachi said that the Sun of Righteousness would arise with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2). Malachi was precluded from using the word "son" because that would have implied that the One who became Jesus was someone other than Melchizedek. The term "Son" would have suggested that Jesus was in some way a son or a descendant of Melchizedek. Actually, the prophetic Sun of Righteousness and the King of Righteousness is the same person, Jesus Christ. Malachi said the Sun of Righteous would arise, and he meant that in a literal sense. Christ will descend from the sky, but before He descends, He will have to ascend (see Psalm 82:8). In Hebrews 7:3, Paul says that Melchizedek was without father or mother, i.e. He had no parents. Paul's statement should be taken literally because he was, in fact, emphasizing the deity of Melchizedek.Every human, including Adam, has had a father (Luke 3:38). All the angels have the same father as Adam, and they are referred to many times in Scripture as sons of God. The One who became Jesus Christ is the father of all life except for one human life, His own. The Most High God is the Father of Jesus (Luke 1:32). But, God was not the father of Melchizedek. Paul is clearly saying that Melchizedek, like the Most High God, was without parents. Neither of them had beginning of days nor end of life. The two of them had always lived and there had never been a time that each of them had not lived. Melchizedek had always possessed life inherent. Life was not given to Him, He was not anyone's son. Micah said, "But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, out of you will come forth unto Me [One] to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth [have been] from old, from eternity" (Micah 5:2). However, Melchizedek was willing to relinquish His immortality (John 10:18) so that He could become not only the King of Righteousness, but also the Lamb of God. Jesus succinctly put it this way, "Before Abraham was, I Am" (John 8:58). In order to serve as God's Priest, Melchizedek presented Himself in a form similar to what would later be His human form (Hebrews 7:3). Before His birth, however, He was not the Son of God. He looked like the Son of God would later look, but He was not the Son of God until He became human.Today I Have Begotten YouIn the year 6 BC, Gabriel appeared to Mary in the sixth month of the Hebrew year to inform her that she had been chosen by God to bear a son. She was told that she should name her son, Jesus (Luke 1:26-31). Mary consented (Luke 1:38). Jesus was conceived on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri 1, 6 BC. This date corresponds to late September of our calendar. Jesus was born nine months later in June of 5 BC. Jesus' human conception was the fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 2:7, Hebrews 1:5). Because the Son promoted God's righteousness and hated iniquity, God said to Him, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, a scepter of righteousness is the scepter [symbol] of your Kingdom" (Hebrews 1:8-9). Melchizedek, who had been the King of Righteousness, became the Son of God and the fulfillment of the scepter promise of Genesis 49:10.God Has Anointed YouEvery priest taken from among men is ordained to serve on behalf of men in things pertaining to God so that he may offer gifts and sacrifices for sin. No one takes this honor to himself, he must be called of God, as Aaron was (Hebrews 5:1, 4). So also, Christ did not glorify Himself to be made a high priest, but He who said to Him,"You are My Son, today I have begotten You" said also in another place, "You are a priest forever, after the order [the facsimile] of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:5). Melchizedek served as the Priest of the Most High God. Because He had loved righteousness and hated iniquity, God made Him a Son and anointed Him with the oil of gladness above His brethren (Hebrews 1:9). The word translated "anointed" is the Greek chrio which refers to contact between the one being anointed and the one doing the anointing. The Greek word Christos, translated "Christ" is derived from chrio. The ChristThe contact (anointing) is described in Luke 3:22 as the Holy Spirit (the One who fathered Jesus, Luke 1:35) descending upon Him in a bodily shape like a dove. The Son was anointed to become the author of salvation to all who obey Him, being called of God as High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:9-10). Jesus Christ became God's High Priest after [like] Melchizedek because perfection and salvation were not attainable through the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:11). Christ was made a Priest forever by an oath of the Most High God (Hebrews 7:20-21). It is His righteousness which is manifested in God's saints (Romans 8:4). The church shares in the priesthood of Christ and the resurrected saints will, like Him, forever be kings and priests after the order of Melchizedek (Revelation 5:10).He LivesJesus Christ is the Sun and the King of Righteousness, He is the Melchizedek, the one and only King of Righteousness. "Now consider how great this Person was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. Truly, the sons of Levi who have received the office of the priesthood have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the Law, that is, from their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham. But He, whose genealogy is not counted from them, received tithes of Abraham and He blessed him who had the promises.. "It is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning the priesthood. (Hebrews 7:14). And without any contradiction, the less is blessed by the greater. So now men who die receive tithes, but then He [Jesus] received them, of whom it is witnessed that He lives" (Hebrews 7:7-8). "On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb bringing the spices they had prepared, and certain others were with them. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb and they entered in, but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. They were perplexed about this. Two men in shining garments stood nearby. The women were afraid and bowed their faces to the ground. The men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:1-5).It is He who lives (Hebrews 7:8). Written by: Jim Bowen
 

jtartar

New Member
Mar 14, 2008
133
0
0
85
Hello, In the Hebrew Scriptures, the only place where we are introduced to Melchizedek is at Gen 14:18-20. This is just after Abram is returning from recovering his goods and Lot, who was taken by Chedolaomer and four other kings. Melcjizedek was a King-Priest of Salem. He was not a Jew, so he was not a priest in the line of Aaron. Notice that he blessed Abram and that Abram gave him a tenth of all the goods. We learn more about just who, and how important Melchizedek is, at Heb 7:1-17. Here we are given the reason why he was a symbol for Jesus. Notice verses 2-6 where we are told that Melchizedek was King of Righteousness and King of Peace, that he had no beginning and no end, so that he would remain a Priest forever. Of course the old Melcjizedek did die, but because there is not a record of his death recorded in the Holy Scriptures, Melchizedek remains without a geneological record or a recorded end of life. All this symbolized Jesus, Heb 7:18-28. Jesus will be a King-Priest forever, Heb 7:17. Jesus also was not of the tribe of Levites as Aaron was, so he could not be a King while on earth, under the Mosaic Law Covenant, Heb 7:12-14, 8:4.
 

HammerStone

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Feb 12, 2006
5,113
279
83
36
South Carolina
prayerforums.com
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Where do you get that he was not a Jew, even using that in the incorrect sense? All we are told is that he is the King of Salem, literally meaning King of Peace. I fail to see how we know he is not an Israelite, yet at the same time say that there is not genealogy given?
 

Benoni

New Member
Aug 16, 2009
498
13
0
124
Western NY
Melchizedek speaks of a King and Priest. David to was a King; but look a little closer at King David where was the Ark of God when King David lived on Mount Zion. Was it in the Tabernacle of David a tent at Mount Zion, or was it it its traditional spot in the Tabernacle in the Wilderness? Then read Acts 15:16. Awesome Mystery here (Mystery(Gk) sacred secret) used 27 times in NT.
 

Bibliocentrist

New Member
Mar 15, 2008
147
2
0
50
Australasia
I don't mean to detract from the spiritual/practical side/purpose of the frst post, but some historical grasping(s) and other angles:Some thing Mz was Shem (cf "bones reburied at golgotha"), some think he was preincarnation JC. (Some try to connect with Philitis (&/or Imhotep) of 4th dynasty tho that more likely Israel[ites]/Joseph/Abe.) Noah &/or Abe were called righteous / in righteous hall of fame.Salem is supposed to be Jeru-salem, though some dispute this.Melchizedek relates to Zedek (Messiah), Zedekiel ("Jupiter" angel). [Zedekiah would be a related type of JC.] Others theoretically in/directly connect Sadducees, Zadok, Dikaios, Teacher or Righteousness, James (the) Just(us).(Frazer mentions similar king names like Adonizedek. There is a Sydyk in Phoenician myth.)In DSS there is Melkiresha "k of wickedness" versus Melchizedek.maybe priest/salem/peace & king/zedek/righteousness/[war?] represent to comings of JC or 2 messiahs (royal/judahite/davidic & priestly/levite/aaronic)? [cf Savitri Devi's lightning & sun.]malach can be either messenger/angel or king.an imortant piece of info i the name El Eliyon "most high G-d"....Don Richardson has Mz as part of the pre-Abrahamic/-Mosaic true religion (vs Babel), like Chuck Misler calls Abe a "gentile". (Cp Noahides.)priestkings were common in early ancient times in Sumeria etc.who Mz was may partly be worked out by who the other 4 vs 5 kings were in Gen 14. Consider this excerpt/extract of info from some of my articles:quote: " -> Chedorlaomer was early, Not "Ur 3 to Babylon 1/Old Hittite":Chedorlaomer has long defied attempts at discovery except perhaps for one inscription(s) translated by Pinches. It is believed that the names of Chedorlaomer etc are found in this inscription(s). However the translation of the name(s) &/or the (which) period is disputed. [We may-be see not necessarily very convincing the correspondence with "kudur/kutir/cheder + lahmil/lah(gu)mal/lagamar/lakamar".]The orthodox placement of Abe/Chedorlaomer in Ur3-Babylon1 is too late. Abe was only 200-500 yrs after the Flood, at the end of longevity and beginnings of history.The only really close name in Sumerian/Elamite lists for Chedor-laomer is Uruash-Khad/Ur-Nanshe/Ur-Nina of Lagash [2] dynasty who Waddell identifies with Ur-nungal/Ur-lugal of Uruk 1 dynasty, [&/or else Utul-kalama the next king?] Amraphel may then be Akurgal/Amadgal. Lidda on 'Ur-nina plaque' may be Lot. Shuedinhum/Sirihum maybe Sodom/Siddim, (or Salem, or Elam, or Shechem).Chedor-laomer could be Horus-Nar-mer or Shudur-kip of 1st dynasty of Egypt....(Perhaps the king Sheddad ben Ad and Luqman of Arabian?)Would appear to agree with recent and old finds of early "prehistoric" sites/strata in Elam (see Cambridge, Natl Geographic, All Empires.) "(Also related are: Shem-re (1st/2nd/3rd dyn), Solymites [compare Iranian Sayrima/Salm (in Iraj/Arya & Tur war)].
 

gervais

New Member
Aug 3, 2009
104
16
0
69
jtartar;70643]Hello said:
Melchizedek = King of Righteousness. And who is the King of Righteousness but Christ Himself. Christ is King and Priest by lineage. Christ was of the tribe of Levi and of the tribe of Judah, Read Luke 1
 

gervais

New Member
Aug 3, 2009
104
16
0
69
Benoni, "There is Christ the body, Christ the head." What does that have to do with the discussion of Melchizedek?
 

Benoni

New Member
Aug 16, 2009
498
13
0
124
Western NY
Melchizedek was a King and Priest notice the following passages: Obadiah 1:21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion (the high places of Ruleship in the kingdom) to judge the mount of Esau (Flesh); and the kingdom shall be the LORD's.Notice the word saviors……Revelations 6:1 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Notice the plural on Kings and Priest Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)View commentary related to this passageActs 15:14 Simeon [a] has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name. (A) 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written: 16 After these things I will return and will rebuild David's tent, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins and will set it up again, 17 so that those who are left of mankind may seek the Lord— even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does these things,
 

kkboldt

New Member
Dec 6, 2007
107
0
0
63
Benoni;72105]Melchizedek was a King and Priest notice the following passages: Obadiah 1:21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion (the high places of Ruleship in the kingdom) to judge the mount of Esau (Flesh); and the kingdom shall be the LORD said:
has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name. (A) 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this' date=' as it is written: 16 After these things I will return and will rebuild David's tent, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins and will set it up again, 17 so that those who are left of mankind may seek the Lord— even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does these things,[/QUOTE']Hi Benoni,This is something I've looked into myself. What I've found is that "Melchezidek" is not a "name", but the name of the priestly order beginning with Adam and ending with Jesus.How do we know this? Psalms 110:4 (KJV) "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."Hebrews 5:5 "So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.Hebrews 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."---------------Now what does an "order" suggest? That there were other priest/kings who were of the order, right? Just as the Levite priesthood was passed down from generation to generation.Jesus is referred to as the "first and last Adam" by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapter 15.In Luke, chapter 3, we have the geneology or lineage of Jesus. The last verse reads:Luke 3:38 "[Jesus] ....Which was [the son] of Enos, which was [the son] of Seth, which was [the son] of Adam, which was [the son] of God."-----------Here it suggests that Adam is also called "the son of God". So, if Adam was the first, then the priesthood began with Adam and naturally passed down from generation to generation until we reach Jesus.Seth, Adam's son, would have been next in line. And if you follow the geneology above in Luke, chapter 3, you'll see who comes after that.Therefore, who would have been still living around the time of Abraham?Some suggest it was Shem, Noah's son. But Noah was also considered a "priest of God". Then God said he would dwell in the tents of Shem. Therefore, Shem would inherit the priesthood next. We know the Patriarchs all lived very long lives. It is possible that Shem and Noah were still alive at the time of Abraham if you follow the biblical chronology.After that, the Bible is painfully brief. But there is another source that Shem may have been the Melchizedek priest at the time of Abraham. And that is the pseudiepigraphical book of Jasher. There have many versions of Jasher that have been floating around throughout the centuries. But there is one "authorized" version by the Jews themselves. As we know, the book of Jasher is mentioned in both the book of Samuel and the book of Judges.Book of Jasher, Chapter 9, where Abram goes to live with Noah and Shem after fleeing from Nimrod who ordered all male children under the age of 2 years to be murdered.http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/apo/jasher/9.htmAnd here Abraham is gathered with Noah and Shem again. Remember Noah and Shem lived a very long time... hundreds of years.http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/apo/jasher/23.htmhttp://www.pseudepigrapha.com/faq/ShemMelchizedek.htmlhttp://www.bibletruthonline.com/melchizedek.htmhttp://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?letter=S&artid=592Many of the Jews to this day, tell us that Shem was the Melchizedek priest and "king of Salem" whom Abraham broke bread and wine with in Genesis. Wouldn't it make sense that both Noah and Shem were priests and kings?Then next would have been Abraham, then Isaac, then Jacob, then Joseph. And we know that Joseph was both a king and priest while living in Egypt. Now I understand that there are many theories and some theologians think that Melchizedek was the LORD himself. But after much reading, when ever the LORD appeared, the Bible states, the "Angel of the Lord," which is who appeared to Moses at the bush. Which we know of course, was God himself or a theophany of God.Kim :)
 

Benoni

New Member
Aug 16, 2009
498
13
0
124
Western NY
Sorry been on vacation.Well at least you did a little homework not like many. I do agree with somewhat what you are saying but there is more.Yes Melchisedec speaks of a priestly order and BUT Jesus is the for-runner not the end of that priestly order. But just like you have Christ the head you have Christ the body and I will add, as the overcomers in the Book of Revelation. 1 Corin 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world (age) are come. example Example: NT:5178 a : Strong’s: tupikos (toop-ee-kos'); an adverb related to NT:5179; found only in 1 Cor 10:11: as a warning, by way of example, typologically (i.e. figuratively, as a prophetic type, a typological interpretation of Scripture)The priesthood of Melcheszedek is somewhat of a hidden message in scripture.The Priesthood of Aaron was a natural priesthood and scripture of this natural priestly order speaks as an spiritual example. But just like in the OT The priest and Levite would then take the sacrifice to the brazen altar which was situated just inside the gate, sacrifice it unto the Lord, and the sinning Israelite could go away free--until he sinned again. BUT they could he go into the sanctuary itself, for that was reserved for the priests. This was no arbitrary arrangement on God's part. God's heart longed for a whole nation of kings and priests, and in the fullness of time He would create such a nation. God had promised them: "Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" (Ex. 19:6). Because of their disobedience they could not attain to it then, and the promise remained unfulfilled. When the true Sacrifice was made, and an unchanging priesthood was established in Christ, the promise was once again brought forward from God's heart: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Pet. 2:9). It is by the overcomers who will be both King and priest under the order of Melchezidek we learn this in the following verses . Yes Adam was a “son of God” Psalm 82; but Adam fell and the blood and sheep and goats was not sufficient sacrifice. Revelations 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Acts 15:16-1816 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:17 That the residue (remainder) of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the worldKJVDo you even understand what the Tabernacle of David was all about.In with by Christ George
kkboldt;72345]Hi Benoni said:
order[/B] beginning with Adam and ending with Jesus.How do we know this? Psalms 110:4 (KJV) "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."Hebrews 5:5 "So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.Hebrews 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."---------------Now what does an "order" suggest? That there were other priest/kings who were of the order, right? Just as the Levite priesthood was passed down from generation to generation.Jesus is referred to as the "first and last Adam" by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapter 15.In Luke, chapter 3, we have the geneology or lineage of Jesus. The last verse reads:Luke 3:38 "[Jesus] ....Which was [the son] of Enos, which was [the son] of Seth, which was [the son] of Adam, which was [the son] of God."-----------Here it suggests that Adam is also called "the son of God". So, if Adam was the first, then the priesthood began with Adam and naturally passed down from generation to generation until we reach Jesus.Seth, Adam's son, would have been next in line. And if you follow the geneology above in Luke, chapter 3, you'll see who comes after that.Therefore, who would have been still living around the time of Abraham?Some suggest it was Shem, Noah's son. But Noah was also considered a "priest of God". Then God said he would dwell in the tents of Shem. Therefore, Shem would inherit the priesthood next. We know the Patriarchs all lived very long lives. It is possible that Shem and Noah were still alive at the time of Abraham if you follow the biblical chronology.After that, the Bible is painfully brief. But there is another source that Shem may have been the Melchizedek priest at the time of Abraham. And that is the pseudiepigraphical book of Jasher. There have many versions of Jasher that have been floating around throughout the centuries. But there is one "authorized" version by the Jews themselves. As we know, the book of Jasher is mentioned in both the book of Samuel and the book of Judges.Book of Jasher, Chapter 9, where Abram goes to live with Noah and Shem after fleeing from Nimrod who ordered all male children under the age of 2 years to be murdered.http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/apo/jasher/9.htmAnd here Abraham is gathered with Noah and Shem again. Remember Noah and Shem lived a very long time... hundreds of years.http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/apo/jasher/23.htmhttp://www.pseudepigrapha.com/faq/ShemMelchizedek.htmlhttp://www.bibletruthonline.com/melchizedek.htmhttp://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?letter=S&artid=592Many of the Jews to this day, tell us that Shem was the Melchizedek priest and "king of Salem" whom Abraham broke bread and wine with in Genesis. Wouldn't it make sense that both Noah and Shem were priests and kings?Then next would have been Abraham, then Isaac, then Jacob, then Joseph. And we know that Joseph was both a king and priest while living in Egypt. Now I understand that there are many theories and some theologians think that Melchizedek was the LORD himself. But after much reading, when ever the LORD appeared, the Bible states, the "Angel of the Lord," which is who appeared to Moses at the bush. Which we know of course, was God himself or a theophany of God.Kim :)