Hebrews 7:3

Hebrews 7:3

Who is Melchizedek?

This enigmatic verse explains that there is a reason why we know so little about Melchizedek. We all know how important genealogies were to the Israelites, they were a fundamental part of their culture. Originally, every man, woman and child knew their family tree, from what tribe they originated and the tract of land that belonged to them. In the Book of Genesis each character that is mentioned is accompanied at some point by their genealogy so that there might be no doubt as to where they fitted into the history of Israel. Thus, it is intriguing to meet someone whose father and mother are not named, we know nothing about the ancestors of Melchizedek, we do not know when or where he was born, whether he was married and had children or when and where he died. There is absolutely no information available about this man. However, the veracity of his existence is never in doubt, if Abraham, the father of Israel, said he met him and conversed with him, then there can be no argument as to his being a genuine, living person. 

It seems that the mystery is deliberate, for this King / Priest prefigures Christ Himself. Jesus Christ is an enigma, we know very little about His origins, although He was human. He never married or produced children, He was seen after His resurrection but then disappeared from sight into the heavens, where, we are told, His reign as King and Priest will last for ever. So, was Melchizedek a manifestation of Christ, a Christophany? No! The writer of Hebrews wants to make this very clear. Melchizedek “resembled the Son of God.”

I wonder if there is a case for arguing that if Melchizedek resembled the Son of God, He was actually Yeshua, but before Yeshua was born to this world as God’s Son? He therefore came as the Word of God and Abraham worshipped Him, but His incarnation as the Son was yet to be? Notice that the verse ends with the words, “he remains a priest forever.” Surely that can only be said of Jesus Christ? It’s a mystery but one day we will know! 

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