October 23 – Hebrews 7:1-3. Melchizedek.

October 23 – Hebrews 7:1-3. Melchizedek.

This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.

Melchizedek is mentioned in the Old Testament twice.  Once in Genesis 14:18-20 as the King of Salem and priest of God Most High, the second time in Psalm 110:4.

What you won’t find in the Old Testament is actually any mention of Melchizedek’s parentage or lineage, the beginning or end of his life or the end of his priesthood.

In today’s literature, we assume that when something isn’t mentioned, then the author doesn’t think we need that information.  When the author of Hebrews was writing and in OT literature, if something wasn’t mentioned, it was actually assumed that it wasn’t mentioned for a reason.

So, if the author of Genesis didn’t mention Melchizedek’s lineage or genealogy, that meant he didn’t have one.  If his birth and death wasn’t mentioned, there was every probability that neither of those things occurred.

This is really difficult for us to comprehend, but is the point of reference for the author of Hebrews as he sets about what will occur in the next chapters.  Jesus Christ is the new High Priest.  Like Melchizedek, his parentage isn’t as important as the moments of his life.  He existed before time and continues to exist into eternity.  This priestly order is vastly different than that of the Levites.