Melchizedek Blesses Abram
17After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High— 19and he blessed Abram and said:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth,
20and blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
21The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.”
22But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.”
Where did Melchizedek come from? We don’t know but we do know he was a king and a priest of the Most High which was forbidden for kings of Israel. This is why Uzziah was struck with leprosy when he tried to do the work of a priest. (2 Chronicles 26:16-23)
Melchizedek was not related to Abram or other known covenant people of God.
Because of the following verses some believe it was a Christopwoney. (An Old Testament appearance of Jesus.)
Psalm 110:4 The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 7:3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
“The question cannot be said to be settled completely… otherwise, the identity of Melchizedek would have been agreed on by Bible scholars long ago” (Morris)
“22But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,”..... indicates Abram made a vow to the Lord God Most High.
“Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.” They were Amorites, so with the custom of the time, they could take their portion.
Who was Melchizedek? We just don’t know.
Blessings, David
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