Hebrews 7:1

Hebrews 7:1

This chapter is holy ground!

We previously met Melchizedek in chapter 5:6, I make no apologies for repeating the introduction given there. Melchizedek was a King Priest of God Most High at Salem in the days of Abraham. As such, this man was appointed to a higher order than even Aaron and his sons and all the other High Priests of Israel. The roles of priest and king were not given to any man apart from Melchizedek, a curious figure about whom we know very little. However, Abram (yet to be named Abraham) saw and believed enough to honour the man and make tithes to him. (See Genesis 14:18-20) 

It is remarkable that when the two men met, outside the walls of ancient Jerusalem, the priest king brought out bread and wine. We read, “He was priest of God Most High and he blessed Abram”. We need to emphasise the extraordinary status held by this man for the offices of king and priest have been held by none other than Christ Himself. Zechariah had a vision of Christ who he calls Joshua/ Yeshua, he is a priest who wears a crown and who will build the temple of the Lord. He will rule as a king, but he will also act a priest from his throne “And there will be harmony between the two!” Zechariah 6:9-15. Zechariah is speaking of the Messianic King Priest who was yet to come but who was prefigured by Melchizedek. Apart from the above, we know nothing of this enigmatic man. 

The city of Jerusalem at the time of Abram was known as Jebus, and was occupied by a tribe called the Jebusites who were descended from Noah’s grandson Canaan, they remained there until David drove them out 1,000 years later! In Hebrew the name changed to “Yerushalem”. Thus, the mystery deepens, for Melchizedek is named as the King of Salem which means “peace” or “Completeness” and obviously connects with “Shalom!” The Jews traditionally taught that he was Shem, the son of Noah, who was still alive at the time! Yeru in Hebrew means cornerstone or foundation stone. So, Jerusalem is the cornerstone of peace or completeness. It was, of course, to this city Abraham returned, many years later, to offer his son as a sacrifice to God, on Mount Moriah. Was this the original site where the two men met and shared bread and wine?

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