Who Was Melchizedek and Why Is He So Significant?
The seventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews stands as one of the most theologically rich and complex passages in the entire New Testament, centering on the mysterious figure of Melchizedek and his profound relationship to Christ’s priesthood. Unlike the Aaronic priesthood, which was established through tribal lineage and the Law, the priesthood of Melchizedek presents a eternal, superior order—a truth the author of Hebrews leverages to demonstrate the supremacy of Jesus Christ.
The narrative returns to the ancient encounter found in Genesis 14:18-20. After Abraham’s military victory, he was met by Melchizedek, the king of Salem and “priest of God Most High.” This figure blesses Abraham and receives a tithe from him. The author of Hebrews highlights three critical characteristics that define Melchizedek’s uniqueness and, by extension, the nature of Christ’s priesthood:
- His Name: “Melchizedek” translates to “king of righteousness.”
- His Title: “King of Salem” means “king of peace.”
- His Genealogy: The Scripture intentionally omits any record of his father, mother, genealogy, birth, or death. This literary silence is interpreted not as a historical oversight but as a theological device, making him a “type” or foreshadowing of the Son of God—a priest who remains “without beginning of days or end of life.”
This lack of a recorded end is central to the argument for an eternal priesthood, setting the stage for the presentation of Jesus as a high priest forever.
The Superiority of Melchizedek’s Order Over the Levitical Priesthood
Hebrews 7 meticulously builds a case for the superiority of the Melchizedekian priesthood by analyzing the interaction between Abraham, Levi, and Melchizedek. The author’s logic is profound and layered:
The Principle of the Lesser Blessing the Greater: In the ancient world, the act of blessing was an acknowledgment of superiority. Melchizedek blessed Abraham, indicating his higher status.
The Principle of the Greater Receiving Tithes from the Lesser: Abraham, the patriarch of the entire nation of Israel and the great-grandfather of Levi, paid a tithe to Melchizedek. The author argues that, in a sense, Levi—and the entire priestly line that would descend from him—was “still in the loins of his ancestor” Abraham when the tithe was paid. Therefore, the Levitical priesthood, through Abraham, acknowledged the superiority of Melchizedek by submitting to him the tithe.
This argument is devastating to the old covenant system. It proves that a priesthood entirely separate from the tribe of Levi and the Law of Moses not only existed but was recognized as greater by the very father of the Jewish faith. If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood, there would have been no need for another priest to arise in a different order.
Jesus Christ: The Perfect High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek
The theological groundwork laid by examining the Old Testament narrative culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 7 makes the direct and powerful connection:
- A Priest Forever: Psalm 110:4, a messianic prophecy, is quoted: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'” Jesus fulfills this oath perfectly. His resurrection and eternal life mean his priesthood is permanent and unchangeable.
- The Power of an Indestructible Life: The Levitical priests served based on a legal requirement about physical descent, but their ministry ended with their death. Jesus, however, became a priest “not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.” His resurrection is the ultimate validation of his eternal priesthood.
- A Permanent Priesthood Means Complete Salvation: This is the practical application for the believer. Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Consequently, “he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” The Christian’s salvation is not partial or tentative; it is complete and eternally secure because it is grounded in the endless intercessory work of an eternal high priest.
The Contrast of the Two Priesthoods
The Abrogation of the Old Law and the Better Hope
The arrival of this new, eternal priesthood necessarily brought about a change in the law itself. The Law of Moses was entirely integrated with the Levitical priesthood; one could not function without the other. Since the priesthood has been unequivocally changed to a new and superior order, the law must also be set aside.
The author clarifies that the Law was weak, useless, and made nothing perfect. It was a temporary guardian, pointing toward something greater. It has now been superseded by the introduction of a “better hope”—the hope of complete salvation through Jesus Christ, which allows us to draw near to God with full assurance.
This new covenant is enacted on God’s own oath, which is far greater than the regulations of the Law. Jesus is the guarantee of this better covenant. God’s sworn promise ensures its efficacy and permanence in a way the old law never could.
Practical Application: Drawing Near to God with Confidence
The deep theology of Hebrews 7 is not meant for academic exercise alone. It has a powerful and immediate application for the life of every believer. The portrayal of Jesus as our eternal high priest provides unparalleled comfort and confidence.
He Always Lives to Intercede: The Christian never prays alone. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is actively and continually interceding for his people before the Father. This means our prayers are heard, our failures are covered, and our standing before God is secured by his advocacy.
He Saves Completely: The salvation Jesus offers is not a one-time event that leaves us to our own devices. It is a complete salvation—past, present, and future. From the moment of faith until eternity, the believer is upheld by the power of an indestructible high priest.
He is the Perfect High Priest: Unlike human priests, Jesus is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He does not need to offer sacrifices for his own sins before he can represent us. He is the perfect mediator, uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Therefore, the call of Hebrews 7 is to look away from any other source of hope or righteousness and to fix our eyes, our faith, and our entire confidence on Jesus Christ, our great high priest after the order of Melchizedek. He alone is able to bring us into the presence of God, fully accepted and completely saved.