5100 Melchizedek

“King of Righteousness”: king and priest of Salem, who blessed Abraham. David assumed Melchizedek’s role as king and priest of Jersualem for himself and his descendants. Jesus Christ succeeded to this role and became a high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek was both king and priest

As a king, Melchizedek entertained Abraham Ge 14:18 See also Heb 7:1

As a priest, Melchizedek blessed Abraham Ge 14:18-19

Abraham acknowledged Melchizedek as a priest of the Lord Ge 14:20,22 Melchizedek here points ahead to Jesus Christ, who is also priest and king.

The status of Melchizedek

David appropriates Melchizedek’s office and authority for himself and his descendants Ps 110:1-2,4 The word “order” here means “in succession to”, meaning that Christ assumes the status and function of Melchizedek.

The Davidic Messiah (Christ) inherits the office of Melchizedek Mt 22:41-44 pp Mk 12:35-37 pp Lk 20:41-44 Jesus Christ was at that time being acclaimed as the “Son of David” and by implication here claims to be the Messiah. See also Mt 20:30 pp Mk 10:47 pp Lk 18:35-39; Mt 21:9 pp Mk 11:10; Mt 21:15; Ac 2:34

Jesus Christ as high priest after the order of Melchizedek

Heb 5:8-10; Heb 6:19-20 Only the high priest could sacrifice for the sins of the nation in the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.

The characteristics of the order of Melchizedek Heb 7:2-3 Melchizedek’s order of priesthood was one of kingship, peace and righteousness; it did not depend on genealogical descent (unlike the Levitical priesthood); it is eternal, without known beginning or end. See also Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6; Heb 6:20; Heb 7:21

The uniqueness of Jesus Christ’s high priesthood in the order of Melchizedek Heb 7:6-7 Melchizedek was superior to Abraham and therefore to the Levitical priesthood descended from Abraham; Ps 110:4 The priesthood is secured by God’s oath. See also Heb 6:17-20; Heb 7:16,20-22,26-27; Heb 8:1-2

Jesus Christ’s high priesthood makes the Levitical priesthood obsolete Heb 8:13 See also Heb 7:11,18-19; Heb 8:7-13

See also