Lorain County Free-Net Chapel

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~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~


Question: I would like to know who Melchisedec was, where was his origin, and most of all what was his divine purpose in the Old Testament. I absolutely believe there is more to Melchisedec than what I read. To be completely honest, I have my own opinion and belief concerning this, however I would like your input on this subject.

Answer: A study of the "mysterious" Melchisedec is quite a challenge indeed, and as you already have an opinion, this could be quite fun for a continuing dialog between students of the Bible.

I have chosen rather than complicating the matter and bringing up the various ideas regarding this great individual, to stick to some basics. Of course, I agree with you that there is more to Melchisedec than what we can read on the surface. As to his origin and where he came from we can really go in several directions. There is a traditional belief that states he was none other than Shem, the son of Noah. However, the Holy Spirit chose to leave those details out of the Scriptures. There are no records of his father or mother, his birth or death. I choose to trust the Holy Spirit, Who left such items out as unnecessary for us to be concerned with. The greater concern would be his purpose or that which he represented.

The Scripture does give us those things the Holy Spirit felt essential to the profit of Bible readers (All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable). We know that he was a priest and king of Salem. He met with Abraham and blessed him, and Abraham gave him tithes. The fact that he crossed paths with Abraham and that Abraham gave him honor indicates his greatness. The characteristics revealed concerning him are clearly typical of a greater King and Priest as seen in Christ Himself. As we look at Melchisedec as a type of Christ we can see more clearly the reason for the silence pertaining to these other details rendering them unessential to the greater plan of God. The priesthood of Melchisedec was unlike the Aaronic priesthood that would later come during the time of Moses. That priesthood was passed down through the descendants of Aaron, but Christ's priesthood, like that indicated in Melchisedec, cannot be transferred to anyone else for there is no equal.

I feel he was placed in Scripture to give us a shadow of the coming Christ, who had no earthly father in his humanity, and in regard to His deity, no mother. Christ being infinitely greater is worthy of all honor.

There is much more that could be added, but given the nature of this site we will keep it brief.


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