The Mysterious Melchizedek

In the study of Hebrews, the “order of Melchizedek” is first mentioned in Chapter 5, verse 6  and then again at the end of Chapter 6. Last year, @HOME Bible Study was in the book of  Genesis. In Genesis 14:18-20, Abraham encounters Melchizedek after rescuing his nephew  Lot from military capture. One of our questions in this week’s lesson was “Who is Melchizedek, and where did he come from?” Some in the study thought he was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Himself (Christophany) and some thought he was a real man. We all agreed he was  an enigma! Considering Hebrews Chapter 7 is all about Melchizedek, I decided to dig deeper. 

Some theologians think Melchizedek is a Theophany. A Theophany is a physical manifestation of Deity. Theophanies are never given a formal name, and are never mentioned with a specific geographical location. Melchizedek is obviously a proper name, and scripture tells us that he is the King of Salem. Theophanies always disclose God as the messenger. There is no  moment in Genesis in which Abraham acknowledges that he is in the presence of God. I think  we can conclude that Melchizedek is not a Theophany. 

Many theologians believe Melchizedek is a Christophany because he is a Christ-like figure.  Like Jesus, Melchizedek is both a king and a priest. He is described as “king of peace” and a “king of righteousness.” Like Jesus, he remains a priest forever. The author of Hebrews says  that Melchizedek is “without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or  end of life.” Taken literally, this would mean Melchizedek is an eternal being. It is easy to see  why many think Melchizedek is actually a Christophany. 

Or, is he a man? In Hebrews 5:1, the author says that every priest is chosen “from among  men.” A priest must be true humanity to represent the human race before God. Jesus had to  become a man in order to serve as our perfect priest. In Genesis, Abraham must have either  known Melchizedek or heard of his priesthood because he gave him a tenth of everything he owned. In Psalm 110:4, the psalmist says, “You (Christ) are a priest forever after the order (manner) of Melchizedek.” Jesus resembles Melchizedek because both are kings, both are priests forever, and both do not have genealogy tracing back to Aaron. I am making the conclusion that Melchizedek is a real man. 

I am looking forward to the Hebrews 7 lecture to hear how this is explained! Please comment on Instagram what you, or your discussion group, concluded about the mysterious Melchizedek.

By Rose Toner