Melchizedek the Priest
1 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, 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace." 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever. 4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people--that is, their brothers--even though their brothers are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor. (NIV)First we find in verse 3 that he didn't have any recorded Mother, Father, no birth record or death date. He had no genealogy ever recorded.
He was the King of Salem or King of Peace and called the King of righteousness, as mentioned in verse one. He is also mentioned in Genesis 14:18. Concerning Abraham and giving of a tenth of everything. So, this tells us that Abraham paid tithe to Melchizedec, making Melchizedec greater than Abraham.
It also mentions that Melchizedec was a Priest of God while Abraham lived, that they met while Abraham was returning from a military victory. (Hebrews and Genesis.
Melchizedek was a man and was counted greater than Abraham. Therefore, counted greater than Levite priest, the offspring of Abraham. Notice a tenth of the spoils of war from Abraham was given. It was customary to give this to those you would worship, and while Abraham is not worshiping Melchizedec, he is honoring his commitment to God and his works (Melchisedec) is preforming in Gods name. Melchizedek was a great priest, and recognized as such...just not in the order of Levi! Like Christ.
In order for Jesus to bring us a new covenant through His death, that final unblemished sacrifice from the Old covenant and law. It needed to be based on a new order. Not the old order of Aaron, Levitical law but a new Priest order. One from the lineage of Melchisedec, this made it necessary to change and abolish the old law.
Because Christ lead by example, through the order of Melchisedec, it paves our way to be the priest and disciples we must be for Christ.
Until next time.....
Blessings,
Cslabash
