Melchizedek (Christ typology)

Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20)

After Abraham came back from fighting enemy armies to free his nephew Lot, Melchizedek (king of Salem) met him on the road with a gift of bread and wine. Abraham recognized him as a fellow believer and priest of the true God by giving him one tenth of his earnings, which was the king’s share (see 1 Samuel 8:15, 17).

Hebrews 8 tells us what it means for Jesus Christ to be our High Priest, and Ephesians 1:3 tells us believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing.

---

MELCHIZEDEK / CHRIST (Typology)

• Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness.” / Jesus Christ is the Righteous One (Acts 3:14; Jeremiah 23:5-6).

• Melchizedek was king of Salem (Jerusalem). The word “salem” means peace (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:2). He was king before David. / Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and the rightful king of Jerusalem for all time.

• Melchizedek was a priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:18) before Aaron and the Levitical priesthood. (Aaron and his sons were ordained as the priestly family for Israel in Leviticus 8.) / Christ’s High priesthood precedes and is superior to any other priesthood – that is, the priesthood of Aaron in Leviticus 8 and of Melchizedek in Genesis 14 (see Hebrews 7:4-10).

• Old Testament priests offered blessings for God’s people (see Numbers 6:22-27). / As High Priest (Hebrews 7:4-10), Christ blesses God’s people with every spiritual blessing. (Ephesians 1:3).

• Melchizedek blessed Abraham on God’s behalf (Genesis 14:19-20). / Christ blesses us, Abraham’s spiritual children (Galatians 3:29).

Category: Typology