Last night as I was reading the scripture, I came across an interesting Bible personality Melchizedek. I read and heard about him a few times through ministerial work. I realized there are few mentions of him in the Bible, which prompted me to research how many times is Melchizedek mentioned in the Bible?
There are ten mentions of Melchizedek in the scripture. The Bible mentions him once in the book of Genesis, once in Psalms, and eight times in the book of Hebrews. There are few mentions of Melchizedek in the scripture. Nonetheless, his stature and profile have a significant impact on the scripture.
After the research, I learned more about Melchizedek, which I will share in the write-up below. Melchizedek appears a few times in the scripture, which I have also highlighted. In the scripture, there is the mention of the order of Melchizedek. I will inform you of what it means. Also, learn where in the Bible it mentions Melchizedek. Read on to find out more.
Who was Melchizedek in the Bible?
According to the scripture, Melchizedek is a high priest and the King of Salem. In Hebrews 7:1-10, the Bible gives us the impression of who Melchizedek is. It describes him as the King of Salem, a priest of the Most High God. The scripture suggests that he was the King of righteousness and peace. As you read on, the Bible implies that he does not have parents and resembles the Son of God. It insinuates he had no genealogy.
The scripture gives us the impression that he is great, as Abram acknowledged that and gave him a tithe. Only specific people received tithe, those belonging to Levi’s genealogy. Despite not being one of his descendants, he received one. Melchizedek blessed Abraham; as the scripture implies, the superior blessed the inferior. In this case, it insinuates Melchizedek is of a higher rank compared to Abram.
Where is Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek appears in three books in the Bible: Genesis, Psalm, and Hebrews. Genesis introduces us to Melchizedek, who appears once in the whole book. As the scripture implies, they link Melchizedek with Abram. Melchizedek meets Abram and blesses him. Here he seems to be a high priest and King of Salem.
The next mention of Melchizedek was in Psalm 110:4, where David implies that the Messiah will be of the order of Melchizedek. The scripture alludes that Christ’s kingship will last eternally as Melchizedek’s high priesthood.
Also, we get mentions of Melchizedek in Hebrews 5:8-10, 6:20, and 7:1-10. In these instances, the Bible does not mention anything different; it alludes that Christ is a high priest of the ‘Order of Melchizedek.’ Like the book of Psalms, the scripture links Melchizedek to the rule of Jesus and his priesthood.
The first mention of Melchizedek in the Bible
The first mention of Melchizedek is in Genesis 14:18-20. As the scripture implies, Melchizedek met Abram when he returned following the defeat of Chedorlaomer. Melchizedek brought wine and bread to Abram and spoke about blessings in his life. Abram gave a tenth of his acquisitions to Melchizedek in honor of him being a high priest, a high rank. There are no mentions of Melchizedek further in that chapter, and next, we read of him in the book of Hebrews.
What happened to Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a high priest, as the scripture implies. There are few mentions of him in the Bible. However, we learn that he blessed Abram and took his tithe. We understand that only superiors may be able to do so. Therefore, Melchizedek was Abram’s superior. In Genesis 14:18-20, the scripture gives the narration and first mention of Melchizedek in the Bible. Apart from this incident, the scripture does not highlight more about Melchizedek.
Bible verses about Melchizedek
In Genesis 14:18-20, Melchizedek meets Abram after defeating Chedorlaomer and taking back what they took from him. Abram gives a tithe to Melchizedek, who the Bible implies is the high priest and King of Salem.
In Hebrews 5:8-10, the verse describes Jesus and implies that Jesus suffered to save us despite being God’s only son. And through all this, the scripture suggests that Jesus is a high priest through the order of Melchizedek, which was exceptional.
In Hebrews 6:20, the scripture implies that Jesus has been sent before us as our High Priest and forerunner. It also suggests that he went ahead to open up the way, and he sits in the presence of God like no other but as the High Priest.
In Hebrews 7:1-10, the scripture describes Melchizedek. It implies that he was a high priest and King of Salem. The Bible tells how great he was that he blessed Abram. Also, the verse insinuates he had no parents and genealogy.
In Psalm 110:4, the verse mentions the order of Melchizedek. The scripture implies that Christ’s kingship will last forever, as that of the High Priest Melchizedek.
What is the order of Melchizedek?
The order of Melchizedek appears thrice in the scripture, Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 6:20, and Hebrews 5:8-10. These verses link Jesus with Melchizedek, who the Bible describes as a high priest. Melchizedek priesthood is eternal, which differs from Aaronic, which has an end. The order of Melchizedek is a different priesthood and does not include hereditary succession.
The scripture implies Melchizedek has no genealogy, which sets him apart. In Hebrews 5:8-10, the scripture alludes that Christ is part of the order of Melchizedek. It means that Christ is of the higher priesthood. Given that Jesus was God’s son, it agrees with what the scripture suggests as he went to heaven and remained a high priest eternally.
Unlike the Melchizedek priesthood, Aaronic can be traced to Aaron’s lineage. In the latter, there may be priests from the past and present and those who will belong to Aaron’s lineage in the future. However, Melchizedek had no origin, and there may be none that followed.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.