Earlier in chapter 14, Abrams nephew Lot had been captured by an invading force. The invading force was comprised of four kings and their armies, probably a large number of men. Abram assembled 318 of his servants, to go to battle against them and free Lot. 318 men against 4 armies.
Now, I'm sure these 318 men were trained in warfare, they weren't just farm hands. Abram had some knowledge of warfare too, he divided his army and attacked for two sides during the night. Good move. He also had God on his side. Lot and the people were freed and the "spoils" from Sodom retrieved. After returning home, Abram meets Malchizedek.
Malchizedek, the king of Salem, aka Jerusalem, priest of God Most High. Now, kings could not be priests and priests could not be kings. Except Malchizedek. Malchizedek means "King of Righteousness".
Hebrews 7:3 states "There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God." Some believe, as I do, this is another "Christophany", Jesus appearing on earth in the Old Testament. I say another, because I believe the first was in the Garden of Eden when God walked with Adam and Eve. Since no one has ever seen God, God in human form, Jesus, walked in the Garden with Adam and Eve.
Now here's the best part of Chapter 14. Look what Malchizedek brings when he blesses Abram, bread and wine. Malchizedek brings communion. This is long before the first Passover and even longer before the Last Supper where the act of communion was first instituted. If I could go back to any event in history for an experience of my choice it would be to this moment, to receive communion from Jesus Himself. How awesome would THAT be! And the very FIRST communion at that!
Genesis 14:18-20 NLT
Melchizedek Blesses Abram
18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.”
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
Blessings, Cecilia
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