Genesis Profiles

MELCHIZEDEK

Genesis 14:17-20

Do you like a good mystery? History is full of them! They usually involve people. One of the most mysterious people in the Bible is the king of peace, Melchizedek. He appeared one day in the life of Abraham (then Abram) and was never heard from again. What happened that day, however, was to be remembered throughout history and eventually became a subject of a New Testament letter (Hebrews).

This meeting between Abram and Melchizedek was most unusual. Although the two men were strangers and foreigners to each other, they shared a most important characteristic: Both worshiped and served the one God who made heaven and earth.

This was a great moment of triumph for Abram. He had just defeated an army and regained the freedom of a large group of captives. If there was any doubt in his mind about whose victory it was, Melchizedek set the record straight by reminding Abram, “Blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand” (Genesis 14:20). Abram recognized that this man worshiped the same God he did.

Melchizedek was one of a small group of God-honoring people throughout the Old Testament who came in contact with the Jews (Israelites) but were not Jews themselves. This indicates that the requirement to be a follower of God is not genetic but is based on faithfully obeying his teachings and recognizing his greatness.

Do you let God speak to you through other people? In evaluating others, do you consider God’s impact on their lives? Are you aware of the similarities between yourself and others who worship God, even if their form of worship is quite different from yours? Do you know the God of the Bible well enough to know if you truly worship him? Allow Melchizedek, Abraham, David, and Jesus, along with many other persons in the Bible, to show you this great God, Creator of heaven and earth. He wants you to know how much he loves you; he wants you to know him personally.

Strengths and accomplishments	The first priest/king of Scripture—a leader with a heart tuned to God Good at encouraging others to serve God wholeheartedly A man whose character reflected his love for God A person in the Old Testament who reminds us of Jesus and who some believe really was Jesus
Lesson from his life	Live for God and you’re likely to be at the right place at the right time. Examine your heart: To whom or what is your greatest loyalty? If you can honestly answer God, you are living for him
Vital statistics	Where: Ruled in Salem, site of the future Jerusalem Occupation: King of Salem and priest of God Most High
Key verses	“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; . . . now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils” (Hebrews 7:1, 4).

Melchizedek’s story is told in Genesis 14:17–20. He is also mentioned in Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5—7.