High Priest & King
17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And praise be to God Most High,
who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Genesis 14:17-20
Here we have a fascinating little moment in the midst of the Abraham arc of Genesis. Abram has just won a battle where he rescued his kinsman Lot. And out of nowhere comes this King and Priest of God Most High, Melchizedek. He brings bread and wine and blesses Abram. Then Abram gives this King a ‘tithe’ in homage/recognition.
So what’s going on here?
Well, it’s hard to tell. It really is kind of out of left-field leading some commentators to think it is a later inclusion in the text. But this isn’t necessary. However, it is fascinating.
To see how, let’s take a deeper look at his names and titles. Firstly, he is called Melchizidek - which literally means ‘King of Righteousness’. Secondly, he is King of Salem - which means ‘shalom’ or peace. It’s also most likely the city that will later be called Jerusalem. So He is King of Righteousness, King of Peace and King of Jerusalem (which will later be the City of God).
Seeing something here? He is also a High Priest of the King Most High. Later in the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews will pick this up. And no surprises where he goes.
Jesus is the King of Righteousness and Peace who comes out of ‘nowhere’ and now serves as our High Priest forever by means of the sacrifice of His blood. He has made a once and for all offering for sins for those who trust in Him. We give Him the sacrifice of our whole lives and enjoy His blessings forever.
Genesis is cool.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father for His grace and blessings in Jesus Christ. Give thanks for Jesus who is our righteousness and peace. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others give Him the sacrifices He deserves.
18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And praise be to God Most High,
who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Genesis 14:17-20
Here we have a fascinating little moment in the midst of the Abraham arc of Genesis. Abram has just won a battle where he rescued his kinsman Lot. And out of nowhere comes this King and Priest of God Most High, Melchizedek. He brings bread and wine and blesses Abram. Then Abram gives this King a ‘tithe’ in homage/recognition.
So what’s going on here?
Well, it’s hard to tell. It really is kind of out of left-field leading some commentators to think it is a later inclusion in the text. But this isn’t necessary. However, it is fascinating.
To see how, let’s take a deeper look at his names and titles. Firstly, he is called Melchizidek - which literally means ‘King of Righteousness’. Secondly, he is King of Salem - which means ‘shalom’ or peace. It’s also most likely the city that will later be called Jerusalem. So He is King of Righteousness, King of Peace and King of Jerusalem (which will later be the City of God).
Seeing something here? He is also a High Priest of the King Most High. Later in the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews will pick this up. And no surprises where he goes.
Jesus is the King of Righteousness and Peace who comes out of ‘nowhere’ and now serves as our High Priest forever by means of the sacrifice of His blood. He has made a once and for all offering for sins for those who trust in Him. We give Him the sacrifice of our whole lives and enjoy His blessings forever.
Genesis is cool.
For Today:
- What are you enjoying about Genesis so far?
- Have a read of Hebrews 5 & 7.
- Reflect on your sacrifices for Jesus.
Pray:
Praise the Father for His grace and blessings in Jesus Christ. Give thanks for Jesus who is our righteousness and peace. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others give Him the sacrifices He deserves.
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