Who was Melchizedek?


Melchizedek, or Melchizedek, was a biblical character who was God's king and priest in Abraham's time.

According to the Book, he blessed Abraham and received his tithe from him. His name was even compared to that of Jesus in the New Testament, due to the role of priest.

The character has a mystery, as the Bible does not provide many details about the then king of the city of Salem, which was probably the early Jerusalem. Thus, its origin or death is not known.

There are several speculations about Melchizedek's sudden appearance, and his mysterious disappearance.

Some scholars consider him to be Enoch, an angel, the Holy Spirit, and even an apparition of Christ pre-incarnate.

Melchizedek and Abraham

In the Old Testament, Melchizedek appears to Abraham when he went to fight some kings who captured his nephew Lot. After the victory, the priest and king met him with bread and wine.

Melchizedek and Abraham
Melchizedek and Abraham

Afterwards, Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and then Isaac's father gave him the tithe of all his spoils.

All that is known about the priest comes from this episode, located in Genesis 14:18-20.

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Melchizedek and Jesus

God, in Psalm 110:4, promised a new priest, according to the order of Melchizedek. Jesus would be that priest.

Furthermore, in Hebrews 7, Jesus is compared to Melchizedek and both bear some similarities.

Among these points, the fact that Abraham recognized him as superior can be highlighted. Likewise, Jesus is superior to Abraham, as he is God.

Also, both were not of Levi's bloodline. According to the Law of Moses, only the Levites could serve as priests.

Despite this, Melchizedek was born before Levi and Jesus was of the lineage of Judah, which had no priests.

The Melchizedek Religion

There are some controversies regarding the official religion of Melchizedek. According to the Bible, he served the Most High God, yet scholars raise objections on the matter.

Some believe the king worshiped Baal, who was called “the supreme god” in the Canaanite pantheon. Others claim that he did not worship a single god but the god of gods, the creator of heaven and earth.

See too:

  • Who was Mary Magdalene?
  • Who was Tiradentes?
  • Who was Freud?
  • Who was Frida Kahlo?
  • Who was Jezebel?

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