Sermon Central
-
Character Study Of Melchizedek Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 24, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Melchizedek is a unique and mysterious biblical figure who serves as a type of Christ. His dual role as king and priest, his eternal priesthood, and his blessing of Abraham all point to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest and King of Righteousness.
CHARACTER STUDY OF MELCHIZEDEK – MYSTERIOUS PRIEST-KING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 14:18-20
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all."
Supporting Texts:
Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:6, Hebrews 7:1-3, Hebrews 7:24-25, Matthew 26:26-28
INTRODUCTION:
Melchizedek is one of the most mysterious figures in the Bible. He appears suddenly in Genesis 14 as the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He blesses Abraham and receives tithes from him, then disappears from the narrative. However, his significance extends beyond this brief encounter.
In Psalm 110:4, he is mentioned as a type of the eternal priesthood, and the New Testament, particularly the book of Hebrews, draws a parallel between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ. His role as both king and priest foreshadows the unique ministry of Christ. Understanding Melchizedek helps us grasp the concept of Jesus' eternal priesthood and His role in our salvation.
1. MELCHIZEDEK AS KING AND PRIEST
a) King of Salem (Genesis 14:18)
Melchizedek was the king of Salem, which is believed to be ancient Jerusalem. The name "Salem" means peace, suggesting that he was a righteous ruler in a land of peace.
b) Priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18)
Unlike other kings of his time, he was also a priest. This was unusual because, in Israel, the offices of king and priest were separate.
c) He blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:19-20)
Melchizedek pronounced a blessing upon Abraham, recognising that God had given him victory in battle.
d) He received tithes from Abraham (Genesis 14:20)
Abraham gave him a tenth of all he had, showing recognition of his spiritual authority.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus is also both King and High Priest (Revelation 19:16, Hebrews 4:14-15).
2. MELCHIZEDEK’S PRIESTHOOD COMPARED TO LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD
a) His priesthood was before the Law (Genesis 14:18)
Melchizedek served as a priest long before the Levitical priesthood was established through Aaron.
b) He was not from the tribe of Levi (Hebrews 7:1-3)
Unlike the priests of Israel, Melchizedek had no recorded genealogy or tribal connection.
c) His priesthood was eternal in nature (Hebrews 7:3)
The Bible does not mention his birth or death, symbolising an eternal priesthood.
d) The Levitical priesthood was temporary (Hebrews 7:11-12)
The priesthood of Aaron depended on human succession, but Melchizedek’s priesthood was unique.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:17).
3. MELCHIZEDEK AS A TYPE OF CHRIST
a) His name means "King of Righteousness" (Hebrews 7:2)
This title reflects Christ’s nature as the Righteous King (Jeremiah 23:5-6).
b) He was the "King of Peace" (Hebrews 7:2)
Just as Melchizedek ruled over Salem (peace), Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
c) He offered bread and wine (Genesis 14:18)
This foreshadows Jesus' institution of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-28).
d) His priesthood continues forever (Hebrews 7:24-25)
Jesus’ priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is eternal and does not pass from one person to another.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus intercedes for us continually as our High Priest (Hebrews 7:25).
4. SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM MELCHIZEDEK
a) True righteousness and peace come from God (Romans 14:17)
Melchizedek’s name and kingdom remind us that only in God do righteousness and peace exist.
b) The importance of honouring God’s representatives (Hebrews 7:4)
Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek shows the principle of giving to God’s work.
c) Jesus Christ is our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Melchizedek points us to Christ, who intercedes for us.
d) God’s plan is greater than human systems (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Melchizedek’s priesthood existed before the Law, showing that God's ways surpass human institutions.
e) Biblical Example: Just as Melchizedek was a unique priest, Jesus' priesthood surpasses all others (Hebrews 8:6).
5. THE MYSTERY SURROUNDING MELCHIZEDEK
a) No recorded genealogy (Hebrews 7:3)
The Bible does not mention his parents, birth, or death, making him a mysterious figure.
b) He appears suddenly and disappears (Genesis 14:18-20)
Unlike other biblical figures, Melchizedek has no background or continuation in the Old Testament.
c) Some believe he was a Christophany
Some scholars suggest Melchizedek was an appearance of Christ before His incarnation.
d) Others believe he was a historical king-priest
He may have been a real ruler whom God used as a foreshadowing of Christ.
e) Biblical Example: Like Melchizedek, Jesus' divine origins are beyond human understanding (John 1:1-2, Micah 5:2).
CONCLUSION:
Melchizedek is a unique and mysterious biblical figure who serves as a type of Christ. His dual role as king and priest, his eternal priesthood, and his blessing of Abraham all point to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest and King of Righteousness. His story teaches us the importance of divine leadership, honouring God, and understanding Christ’s eternal role in our salvation.
