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NASB | Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 14:18 Melchizedek king of Salem (ancient Jerusalem) brought out bread and wine [for them]; he was the priest of God Most High. |
Bible Question:
Who is Melchizedek? Some say he was a mortal man who was a king. Others say he was A preincarnate Christ. It seems to me that if I look at Hebrews 7:1-2 it would support the view of a preincarnate Christ. Any input on this question would be greatly appreciated. In Christ, tgc |
Bible Answer: Hi, tgc! Here's a copy of my previous response on that topic: There are several takes on Melchizedek… What I understand from the Scriptures is that He is Christ Jesus: When Abram returned from defeating Chedor-Laomer and the kings who had been on his side, the king of Sodom came to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the Valley of the King). Melchizedek king of Salem brought bread and wine; he was a priest of God Most High. He pronounced this blessing: Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High for putting your enemies into your clutches. And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (Genesis 14:17-20) We have several revelations within these verses: * Melchizedek is king of Salem (Salem could be short for Jerusalem)--traditionally Salem is identified with Jerusalem * Melchizedek offered bread and wine to Abraham--similar to our Lord’s supper (Matthew 26:26-29) * Not only was Melchizedek king of Salem, but he was also a priest of God Most High--he was officiating, two different titles, for which there was no nation/people to officiate over since not even Jacob, who’s name change would become synonymous with the people of God (Israel), was born. * It would take hundreds of years before tithing would come into effect in Israel, yet Abraham generously offers a tenth of all the plunder. Hebrews 7:1-10, 13-17 connects Melchizedek with Christ: both kings, both priests, both without beginning or ending… Further there is a kinship in question… that of Salem (Jerusalem), the city of the king of peace… then there‘s the breakdown of Melchizedek‘s priesthood: he is not a descendant of Aaron (house of Levi)--as Jesus is not--and he has the authority of the Most High--as Jesus is the authority of the Most High (I and the Father are One!). Here’s one final passage--somewhat like the icing on top: Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my Day; he saw it and was glad. The Jews then said, ’You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!’ Jesus replied: In all truth I tell you, before Abraham ever was, I am. (John 8:56-58) Could Jesus not have been speaking of the meeting that took place why back when? There is no other place in the Bible where Abraham and Jesus meet! God Bless! Angel |