The Melchizedek Priesthood

In the book of Genesis, there is an event that brings about a mysterious meeting that has not been fully explained and rarely examined. The incident occurs after Abram successfully rescues his nephew Lot and the people of Sodom from the king of Elam who attacked Sodom and kidnapped the people. Upon Abram’s return, he meets with the king of Sodom to hand over the captives. However, another king also attends the meeting, one who had never been mentioned before.

His name is Melchizedek (mel-kiz-e-dek) (in Hebrew Malki Tzedek) which means “king of righteousness.” Not only is his name rather interesting but he does not seem to have a father or mother. His lineage is not mentioned, yet Abram pays great homage to him. He apparently is the king of a place called Salem which means “peace.” In trying to determine where that might be, there is consensus among Bible scholars that the place was where Jerusalem is today. It is obvious that “salem” is part of the name “Jerusalem.”

The book of Jasher, a parallel text to this story, refers to Melchizedek as Adonizedek meaning the “Lord of righteousness.” Aside from that there is no difference from the Torah account, but as to the identity of who Melchizedek is there is division between Judaism and Christianity. 

For the most part Judaism says that Melchizedek is really the youngest son of Noah – Shem. Ancient writings, including Jasher, say that Shem was a priest of the Most High and that he was mentor of sorts to all of the patriarchs including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Apparently, Shem lived out his final days in the region we call Jerusalem today. There is no supporting data to accept this idea and there is no reason to challenge the Jewish point of view if you are Jewish. They argue that the central character in the Torah at this point is Abram, not Melchizedek. However, they do credit Melchizedek as being a special priest and they agree that there is mystery and intrigue about him.

Christianity on the other hand sees something much more profound in the person of Melchizedek. The reason is pretty straightforward. Melchizedek brought wine and bread to the meeting and blessed Abram in a dramatic way. Abram responds to this blessing by paying tithes to Melchizedek. Abram apparently thought that Melchizedek was a very important person by accepting his hospitality and blessing. The account in Genesis is precise and specific.

 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all. GEN 14:18-20

Christianity sees Melchizedek as a manifestation of God Himself. They see this manifestation as the person of the Messiah blessing Abram because of his work of salvation and redemption (freeing the captives). In particular, the book of Hebrews in the New Testament repeats the story from Torah and offers the same explanation I have given but advances the argument pointing to the Messiah.

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. HEB 7:1-3

As I said before, there is mystery and intrigue in the Genesis account of Melchizedek. It originates in the failure to explain where Melchizedek comes from and who his parents are. Virtually all of the ancient Biblical characters have a credentialed testimony. Melchizedek stands out as an exception. When the writer of Hebrews wrote this reference about Melchizedek, comparing him to the Son of God (the Messiah), it wasn’t the first time this thought emerged. The people of Israel had many thoughts and hopes for who the Messiah would be and what He would do. There are other mysterious characters in the Tanach (Old Testament Scriptures) where similar comparisons are made to manifestations of God and the Messiah. For example, the angel that wrestled with Jacob and the man who directed Joseph to his brothers are but two such instances. There is a “messianic theme” in these instances and it seems consistent with Yeshua of Nazareth (the Son of God) coming to us as the Messiah.

The book of Hebrews offers a second point supporting the argument that Melchizedek was a manifestation of the Messiah.

Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. HEB 7:4

But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. HEB 7:6-8

The writer of Hebrews asserts that by Abram paying tithes proves that Melchizedek was greater than Abram and that these tithes were not just given to another mortal man. Rather, these tithes were given to one who lives on (immortal). The argument is further re-enforced by reference to Psalms 110. 

Psalms 110 is a very powerful Psalm of David speaking to his future descendant, the Messiah. Here is that Psalm in its entirety.

(A Psalm of David.) The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; in holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. He will drink from the brook by the wayside; therefore He will lift up His head. PSA 110:1-7

This Psalm is clearly about the Messiah descending from David, being seated at the right hand of Almighty God, and coming to destroy the enemies of God. In the middle of this description is the reference to Melchizedek! The Messiah has been declared to be the priest of God Most High in the same manner as the person Melchizedek who met Abram in the book of Genesis.

But what does it mean that He is a Priest of God Most High (after the order of Melchizedek)? Most of us have a basic idea of what priests are and what they do from the story of Aaron and his sons (the Levitical Priests). From there we know that Aaron and his sons were specifically chosen by God, anointed, and served an intermediary role for their brethren receiving and presenting gifts to God from the sons of Israel.

According to Torah, a man was not permitted to set up his own altar and present his own offering without the oversight of the Levite priests directing the matter. This was established when the Torah was given with the instructions for the Tabernacle. Apparently, God wants an intermediate person between Him and the one coming to Him. Aaron and his sons were chosen for this purpose. So it is not at all strange that God would do this same thing when Abram offered tithes. But remember this also, Abram and Melchizedek lived prior to the instructions given in the Torah through Moses. Melchizedek is the first instance of this intermediary person, allowing us and God to do business together.

One of the most profound definitions of the Messiah, one that was emphasized by Yeshua Himself, is that the Messiah is an intermediary between God and men. This was emphatically stated by Yeshua concerning Himself.

Yeshua said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” JOH 14:6

Yeshua’s statement is inherently correct simply from the definition of a priest. In fact, a Levite priest could essentially make the same statement of himself while performing his duties as a priest. Many Christians have quoted this passage asserting Yeshua but have been unaware of His priestly role and authority.

Priests are the only persons who have authority to declare an animal to be a suitable sacrifice. The person bringing the animal is simply doing that—he wishes to offer the animal as a gift to God, to be a sacrifice. But it is the priest who declares that the animal is fit to be a sacrifice and ensures that it is presented correctly before the Lord.

If Yeshua is the Lamb of God sacrifice (a gift brought by God), then He must be God to bring Himself and He must be a Priest of God Most High to offer the sacrifice to God correctly. Yeshua’s priesthood in Melchizedek is essential to accomplish that.

At the beginning of Yeshua’s ministry, John the Baptist (who was a Levitical priest) declared Yeshua to be the “Lamb of God.” But then Yeshua had to offer Himself as a lamb to the slaughter. He was the sacrifice from God Himself and the intermediary priest to make the presentation to God. No man could do it because He was the sacrifice for all men for all time.

Being a Priest of God Most High after the order of Melchizedek is essential to the presentation of the Messiah’s sacrifice. It should be no wonder any longer why Abram saw the wisdom in paying tithes and offering gifts through Melchizedek to God.

Now let us go back to Abram’s experience and examine a bit closer the gift of wine and bread offered by Melchizedek.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine...

One of the most emphatic commandments of the Torah concerning sacrifices is the regulations for the altar itself. According to the Torah, there is a morning and an evening offering that must be completed for the altar to be acceptable to God. The daily offering, called the tamid, consists of lamb, bread, and wine. When Melchizedek brought the bread and wine it wasn’t just a quick lunch. These are essential elements God has specified for His table (His altar) on a daily basis. This represents a table set and ready to show hospitality.

This is also part of the testimony of Abraham. The works of Abraham include hospitality and this is the very definition of God’s altar (a table of hospitality) set for others with bread and wine. The priests ate from this same table in their service. Is it therefore any wonder that God likes to meet with His people and hold a feast?

The hospitality of bread and wine was a prerequisite to receive the tithe of Abram and it set the tone of God’s hospitality toward Abram as he came. The same has been done for us by Messiah Yeshua. He is the “lamb,” the drink and bread that satisfies. The hospitality of God, His gift, is freely offered to us at His table.

Since Melchizedek has set the standard for priests and the precedent for the altar service, is he so important and so profound that he has replaced the Levitical priests and made them essentially null and void?

The writer of Hebrews seemed to think so. Christianity as a whole does not hold the Levite priests in any further esteem, but did God do away with the Levites when the Messiah, a priest after the order of Melchizedek, offered Himself as the “Lamb of God?”

Here is the argument from the book of Hebrews.

The Messiah descended from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. The Levites were made priests by Moses and God’s anointing whereas Yeshua was made a priest by an oath from God. “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” The argument is made that the Levites and the Law of Moses were weak and useless (nothing was made perfect by the Law); therefore, the oath made concerning Yeshua is superior, perfect, and forever. The book of Hebrews’ conclusion: the Law has been changed.

For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. HEB 7:12 

For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. And inasmuch as it was not without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”); so much the more also Yeshua has become the guarantee of a better covenant.  HEB 7:17-22

Hold on! Wait a minute... Let’s examine this argument a bit closer. There are several statements made here that are just NOT true.

First, the priesthood has NOT been changed. The priesthood of Melchizedek came before the Levites. When God established the Levites He did not change anything about Melchizedek’s status. Therefore, there is no change of the Law and it is not necessary to change the Law with the Messiah coming to do the work of redemption. And, on this point, the Messiah is emphatic, stating that He did not come to abolish or annul any part of the Law.

Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished. MAT 5:17-18

For the record, heaven and earth are still here. Therefore, according to Yeshua, nothing in the Law has been changed.

Secondly, the commandments of God are NOT “weak and useless.” Referring to God’s instructions in righteousness as such is tantamount to blasphemy and false teaching. However, men are sometimes weak and useless. The Apostle Paul, referring to the very Scriptures that the writer of Hebrews is talking about said this.

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Messiah Yeshua, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 2TI 3:16-17,4:1-2

For the record, the New Testament did not even exist when Paul wrote this! He was referring to the Law! Therefore, the Apostle Paul has not declared any part of the Law done away with.

Finally, the writer of Hebrews argues that the Messiah and His priestly order had eliminated (replaced) the Levitical priests and that there is no more need to follow them or do what they do. He concluded the book of Hebrews on this point:

Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were thus occupied were not benefited. HEB 13:9

The writer of Hebrew is telling believers of Yeshua not to follow the instructions of the Law (varied and strange teachings to Gentiles) and the Levities priests for gifts to be brought to the altar nor to eat the ceremonial foods such as “unleavened bread,” nor fasting on the Day of Atonement. The church fathers have been teaching this for centuries. 

This teaching is false according to Moses, Yeshua, and Paul.

Consider again in Psalm 110 where the Messiah is promised to be the Son of David and to sit at the right hand of Almighty God. The prophet Jeremiah cites this promise, stating there will never be a lack for a man to sit on David’s throne. He is referencing that the Son of David is eternal as the Messiah. But listen to what the prophet says right after that powerful statement about the Messiah.

In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she shall be called: “the Lord is our righteousness.” For thus says the Lord, “David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; and the Levitical priests shall never lack a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to prepare sacrifices continually.” JER 33:16-1 

This passage completely refutes the argument in the book of Hebrews concerning the Levitical priesthood. The priesthood of Melchizedek does not negate nor diminish one bit or part of the Levitical priesthood. They work together. One does not replace the other! The Levites will serve the altar of God in the Messianic kingdom continually. They did not go away and will never go away. Melchizedek set the standard for the Levites to serve.

But here is the clincher on the matter. Do you remember the meaning of the name Melchizedek and parallel name Adonizedek given in the book of Jasher? Look again at what Jeremiah said about David’s throne never being empty and Levites serving before it. We will call the city of the king with the Levites serving continually “Melchizedek” the King is our righteousness, “Adonizedek” the Lord is our righteousness. The Messiah will be there in the temple in the city of the king.

By the way, He will have bread and wine waiting for us when we bring our gifts. 

Thank you, Lord, for making me one of the descendants of Abraham. I am pleased to offer my tithes to Messiah Yeshua, the Priest of the Most High God.