Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Hebrews

Hebrews 
Day 
Day 171

"Melchizedek, king of Salem..."

Text: Hebrews 7:1

THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

Reference to Melchizedek was made a number of times in Hebrews. We are introduced to him in the following texts.

“You are a priest forever according to the order
of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 5:6

“Called by God as High Priest, according to the order
of Melchizedek”
Hebrews 5:10

“Where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus,
having become High Priest forever according to the order
of Melchizedek”
Hebrews 6:20

Three times, the phrase “order of Melchizedek” is mentioned! The significance must not be missed.

1. The priesthood of Melchizedek may be described as “an order”.

a) It is a recognized ministry.
b) It is a divinely approved ministry.
c) It is an everlasting ministry.
d) It is in operation even now.

2. The priesthood of Melchizedek has a priestly hierarchy.

a) There is a High Priest.
b) That High Priest is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

THE HISTORICAL MELCHIZEDEK

Who is this Melchizedek? The first mention of Melchizedek is found in Genesis.

“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.”
Genesis 14:19-20

The historical Melchizedek was both a king and a priest. He greeted Abram after his successful attempt in rescuing his nephew Lot with special words of blessing.