1. Who is Melchizedek?
Melchizedek first appears in Genesis 14:18–20:
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram...”
From this, we learn that:
He was king of Salem (likely ancient Jerusalem; “Salem” means peace).
He was also priest of God Most High (El Elyon)—a unique dual role of king and priest.
He blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave him a tenth (tithe) of everything.
His name Melchizedek (מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק) means “King of Righteousness”, and Salem means “Peace,” so he is symbolically King of Righteousness and Peace.
2. Why Did He Bring Bread and Wine?
There are several layers of meaning:
A. Ancient Near Eastern Context
Offering bread and wine was a customary act of hospitality and covenant fellowship.
By bringing these, Melchizedek was honoring Abram’s victory, refreshing him, and signifying peace—not war—between them.
B. Priestly and Symbolic Meaning
As “priest of God Most High,” the act prefigured a sacred meal or offering.
Bread and wine later became symbols of divine blessing and covenant—connecting to God’s provision and sustenance.
C. Prophetic and Messianic Meaning
In Christian theology, Melchizedek is seen as a type or foreshadowing of Christ.
Psalm 110:4: “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 7 explains that Jesus’ priesthood is not from Aaron’s line but from Melchizedek’s—eternal, heavenly, and righteous.
The bread and wine prefigure the Lord’s Supper—Christ’s body and blood given for salvation.
Melchizedek thus anticipates Jesus, the eternal King of Peace and Priest of God Most High, who blesses humanity through His sacrifice.
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