Melchizedek: Priest of the Most High

“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.” – Genesis 14:18

Introduction

The figure of Melchizedek appears only a few times in Scripture, yet his role and significance are profound. He is introduced in Genesis 14 as a king and priest, referenced in Psalm 110 as a foreshadowing of an eternal priesthood, and explained in depth in Hebrews 7 as pointing to the everlasting priesthood of our Lord Jesus. Though he stands somewhat mysterious, Melchizedek serves as a divine revelation of God’s eternal plan to provide an unchanging and perfect priesthood for His disciples.

As disciples of Jesus, understanding the meaning of Melchizedek strengthens our faith in God’s eternal covenant and deepens our appreciation of the ministry of Christ as our High Priest.

Melchizedek in Genesis: The First Priest of the Most High

The first mention of Melchizedek is found in Genesis 14:18-20:

“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.”

Here, Melchizedek is described as king of Salem (meaning peace) and priest of the Most High God. His role is unique because in the Old Testament, kings and priests were typically separate offices. But Melchizedek embodied both—pointing forward to the perfect union of kingship and priesthood in Christ.

Notice also his offering: bread and wine. These elements foreshadow the sacrificial meal that Jesus would later institute with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood. Melchizedek’s ministry was not merely historical—it was prophetic.

Melchizedek in Psalms: A Prophetic Shadow

King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, connects the Messiah with Melchizedek in Psalm 110:4:

“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”

This verse reveals three powerful truths:

God Himself established this priesthood—it was not man-made.
It is eternal—“a priest for ever.”
It is after the order of Melchizedek—meaning it transcends the temporary priesthood of Aaron.

David, centuries before Christ, was declaring that the Messiah would be a priest, not according to the Levitical law, but in the eternal pattern of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek in Hebrews: The Fulfillment in Christ

The book of Hebrews gives the fullest explanation of Melchizedek’s significance.

“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; 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; 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.” – Hebrews 7:1-3

Here, the writer highlights Melchizedek’s uniqueness:

King of Righteousness (Melchi-zedek literally means “king of righteousness”).
King of Peace (Salem = peace).
Without recorded genealogy, symbolizing an eternal priesthood.

These characteristics make him a type of Christ, pointing to Jesus, who is both King and Priest, righteous and eternal.

Further, Hebrews 7:23-24 contrasts the Levitical priests with Christ:

“And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.”

Unlike mortal priests who died, Christ’s priesthood is unchanging and everlasting.

Lessons for Disciples

As disciples, the story of Melchizedek teaches us deep truths about our faith:

Our High Priest is Eternal
Just as Melchizedek’s priesthood pointed to eternity, Christ’s ministry is everlasting. Disciples can rest assured that His intercession never ceases.
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” – Hebrews 7:25
Christ’s Priesthood is Superior
Abraham, the father of faith, gave tithes to Melchizedek, acknowledging his greatness. This reveals that Christ’s priesthood is higher than any earthly system of worship or tradition.
Disciples are Called into Peace and Righteousness
As King of Righteousness and King of Peace, Melchizedek points us to the life that Christ calls His disciples to live. We are to walk in righteousness and pursue peace with all men.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
God’s Covenant is Unshakable
The Lord swore and will not repent: Jesus is a priest forever. Disciples can have complete confidence that God’s promises are unchanging.
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” – 2 Corinthians 1:20

The Bread and Wine: Symbol of Covenant

When Melchizedek brought out bread and wine, it was not random. It foreshadowed the covenant meal Jesus would share with His disciples:

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” – Luke 22:19-20

As Melchizedek ministered with bread and wine, so Jesus ministered the new covenant with His own body and blood. Every time disciples partake of the Lord’s Table, they proclaim that Jesus is both King of Righteousness and King of Peace, the eternal Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Application for Disciples Today

Draw Near with Confidence
Because Christ is our High Priest, disciples can boldly approach God.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Trust in His Intercession
Unlike earthly priests, Christ continually prays for His disciples. When we feel weak or abandoned, we can remember that our High Priest is interceding for us right now.
Live as Priests and Kings
Through Christ, disciples share in His priesthood.
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Give God the First and Best
Abraham gave Melchizedek tithes of all. Disciples today are called to honor God with their first fruits, time, talents, and resources.

Conclusion

Melchizedek may appear briefly in the Bible, but his significance is eternal. He stands as a shadow and type of the greater High Priest—Jesus Christ—who is both King of Righteousness and King of Peace, eternal in His ministry, unchanging in His covenant, and faithful in His intercession.

As disciples, we rejoice that we serve a Priest who never dies, a King who rules in righteousness and peace, and a Savior who gave Himself as bread and wine for our redemption. Truly, the order of Melchizedek points us to the everlasting hope we have in Christ, our eternal High Priest.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” – Hebrews 13:8