Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 68

"The Lord has sworn and will not relent, 'You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.' " Psalm 110:4

Text: Genesis 14:1-24

AN INTRIGUING PERSONALITY

After Abram returned victoriously from his battle against the coalition of four kings, he was met by Melchizedek. We have an interesting account of this meeting.

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine;
He was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said:
‘Blessed be Abram of God Most High
Possessor of heaven and earth.
And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.’
And he(Abram) gave him (Melchizedek) a tithe of all.”

GENESIS 14:18-20

The following things may be observed concerning Melchizedek.

1. The name “Melchizedek”

The word is made up of two other words. “Melchi” derives from the word “melek” meaning “King”. “Zedek” is derived from “tsaddik” meaning “righteousness”. His name was of great symbolic significance. He was “King of Righteousness”.

2. He was King of Salem

“Salem” is a variation of “Shalom” which means “peace”. Thus Melchizedek was both King of Righteousness and King of Peace!

3. Priest of the Most High

We have an interesting statement here! God already had a special “priesthood” going long before the Levitical priesthood commenced in the days of Moses!

4. The Blessing given to Abram

Melchizedek, mysteriously appeared “out of nowhere”. As priest, he represented the Lord, called “The Most High God” here!

Melchizedek became ” a type of Christ”. He prefigured the High Priestly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ (Cf. Hebrews 7)


THE RESPONSE OF ABRAM

Abram had a very sharp spiritual perception of things. He recognized the priesthood of Melchizedek. He knew that God must have sent him there to welcome him and to congratulate him. Abram did the right thing! He was most thankful that he returned alive! He had defeated an army many times larger! He gave an offering to the Lord through Melchizedek! He gave him “a tithe”. This was his way of recognizing and acknowledging the Lord’s hand in his outstanding victory in battle!