"Melchizedek" is a mysterious figure who briefly appeared on the stage of human history [Gen 14:18-20] and then disappeared. Centuries later, his name was mentioned again by David [Ps 110:4]. Then, many centuries later, he reappears in the book of Hebrews. One thing is clear: God designed the details of his life in such a way that he could become a wonderful foreshadowing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In these first three verses of Chapter 7, we learn some historical facts about him. We are reminded that he was both "King" and "Priest" in one person. He was simultaneously "King of Salem" (later Jerusalem) and "Priest of God Most High." He was the political and spiritual leader of his people. This is, of course, God's ideal—there being no separation between the sacred and the ordinary. When sinful humans rule, it becomes necessary to separate church and state. Only when Christ reigns in righteousness will it be possible to unite the sacred and the ordinary [Isa 32:1-17].
"Melchizedek" met "Abraham" when he "returned" from a military victory and "blessed him." The significance of this act is explained only in [Verse 7]. If we had only the Old Testament, we would never grasp the profound meaning of these seemingly insignificant details.
 | Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-09-14 Source: Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck |
Melchisedec met Abraham when returning from the rescue of Lot. His name, “King of Righteousness,” doubtless suitable to his character, marked him as a type of the Messiah and his kingdom. The name of his city signified “Peace;” and as king of peace he typified Christ, the Prince of Peace, the great Reconciler of God and man. Nothing is recorded as to the beginning or end of his life; thus he typically resembled the Son of God, whose existence is from everlasting to everlasting, who had no one that was before him, and will have no one come after him, in his priesthood. Every part of Scripture honors the great King of Righteousness and Peace, our glorious High Priest and Savior; and the more we examine it, the more we shall be convinced, that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-3
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 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; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
 | Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source: Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry |
And at that time there was a righteous king called Melchisedek, in the city of Salem, which now is Jerusalem. This was the first priest of all priests
 | Author: Theophilus of Antioch AD: 184 |
If not on the ground of equity and righteousness, (in the observance) of a natural law? Whence was Melchizedek named "priest of the most high God".
(without genealogy), of whom neither the beginning nor the end has been comprehended, nor can be comprehended.
 | Author: Tertullian of Carthage Rank: Author AD: 220 |
Paul wishing to show the difference between the New and Old [Covenant], scatters it everywhere; and shoots from afar, and noises it abroad, and prepares beforehand. For at once even from the introduction, he laid down this saying, that to them indeed He spoke by prophets, but to us by the Son c. i. 1, 2, and to them at sundry times and in various manners, but to us through the Son. Afterwards, having discoursed concerning the Son, who He was and what He had wrought, and given an exhortation to obey Him, lest we should suffer the same things as the Jews; and having said that He is High Priest after the order of Melchisedec Hebrews 6:20, and having oftentimes wished to enter into [the subject of] this difference, and having used much preparatory management; and having rebuked them as weak, and again soothed and restored them to confidence; then at last he introduces the discussion on the difference [of the two dispensations] to ears in their full vigor. For he who is depressed in spirits would not be a ready hearer. And that you may understand this, hear the Scripture saying, They hearkened not to Moses for anguish of spirit. Exodus 6:9 Therefore having first cleared away their despondency by many considerations, some fearful, some more gentle, he then from this point enters upon the discussion of the difference [of the dispensations]. 2. And what does he say? For this Melchisedec, King of Salem, Priest of the Most High God. And, what is especially noteworthy, he shows the difference to be great by the Type itself. For as I said, he continually confirms the truth from the Type, from things past, on account of the weakness of the hearers. For (he says) this Melchisedec, King of Salem, Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the Kings, and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all. Having concisely set down the whole narrative, he looked at it mystically. And first from the name. First (he says) being by interpretation King of righteousness: for Sedec means righteousness; and Melchi, King: Melchisedec, King of righteousness. Do you see his exactness even in the names? But who is King of righteousness, save our Lord Jesus Christ? King of righteousness. And after that also King of Salem, from his city, that is, King of Peace, which again is [characteristic] of Christ. For He has made us righteous, and has made peace for things in Heaven and things on earth. Colossians 1:20 What man is King of Righteousness and of Peace? None, save only our Lord Jesus Christ.
 | Author: John Chrysostom Rank: Bishop AD: 407 |
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
