King of Righteousness

Heb 7:1 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. 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

What a mysterious and interesting character we have in Melchisedec. We first read his account in Gen. 14:18, and then in Psalm 110:4. The Lord purposely leaves us somewhat in the dark concerning this great king and priest.

Some say he is a Christophanes, an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. This is a tenable argument when you consider the following:

He is known as the King of righteousness, "King" capitalized in the text. The rabbis expounded this title to "matsdie eth Yoshebaiv," “The Justifier of those who dwell in him;”

He is also known as King of Salem, both words capitalized. As the King of Salem, he is called by the Hebrews writer, the King of peace.

Moreover, this priest and king is said to be without father and without mother, without beginning of days, nor end of life. No mortal can claim this lack of pedigree. The pre-incarnate Christ can claim each description.

In appearance, he was made like unto the Son of God. We recall the heavenly guest walking in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, how that the king looked therein and said he saw a fourth man in the fire who appeared to be the Son of God.

Additionally, Melchisedec abides as a priest continually. Strange wording concerning any mortal, unless you consider the words of Heb. 6:20 ...Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

It is interesting that Jesus said of himself in John 8:56 that Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

However, it would seem a bit strange that Christ Himself be used as a type of Himself.

There are those who conclude that Melchesidec was merely "a Canaanite king, who reigned in Salem, and kept up religion and the worship of the true God; that he was raised to be a type of Christ, and was honoured by Abraham as such." -- Mt Henry

So much more can be said concerning this great king and priest, how he so ably typifies our great King and High Priest Who is eternal. He is Righteousness and Peace to Whom we pay our tithes. He blesses us so and makes intercession for us at the right hand of the Father.