< Genesis 14 >

Abram became a powerful personage in the land of Canaan and was successful, with armed servants, in rescuing Lot when he was taken captive with the people of Sodom by invaders from the far side of the Euphrates. At this time a most significant event occurred on his return. He was met by Melchizekek who was “the priest of the most high God”. Melchizedek brought bread and wine and blessed Abram, and Abram honoured Melchizedek with a tenth of the spoils.

The apostle explains (Hebrews 5:5-10)Hebrews 5:5-10XWaiting for response the importance of this record by connecting it with a prophecy concerning Jesus, in the Psalms, of God’s words to him when he went to heaven after his resurrection Psalm 110:1,4.Psalm 110:1,4XWaiting for response Jesus is therefore now a priest at God’s right hand as a priest of the order of Melchizedek.

The apostle also identifies some important points in the purpose of God from these scriptures including the fact that, as Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, the priesthood of Christ must be superior to the order of priesthood later occupied by Abram’s descendants in the line of Aaron under the Law of Moses. These priests were required to make sacrifices regularly and continually for the sins of God’s people, which were effective only for a short while; whereas Jesus made just one sacrifice, of himself, to give forgiveness of sins for ever (Hebrews 10:10-14).Hebrews 10:10-14XWaiting for response

The name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness” and his title “king of Salem” means “king of peace” and the apostle points out the significance of the order of these names and titles for in God’s purpose there must first be righteousness and only then can there be peace: “To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace” Hebrews 7:2.Hebrews 7:2XWaiting for response