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 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 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 God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your 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 requirements 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 for 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, Creator of Heaven and earth. He wants you to know how 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
- God at encouraging others to serve God wholeheartedly
- A man whose character reflected his love for God
- A person on 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 and 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 for Melchizedek
- Where: Ruled in Salem, site of the future Jerusalem
- Occupation: King of Salem and priest of God Most High
Key Verses for Melchizedek
“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him… Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!” (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.
Recommended Bible Study Resources
ESV Study Bible – Study Bibles give you a deeper understanding of God’s Word with tools for life application like commentary, maps, charts, concordance, and study notes. Search our popular translations- NIV, ESV, NKJV, KJV and more!
Believer’s Bible Commentary: Second Edition – A Bible commentary is a written, systematic series of explanations and interpretations of Scripture. Commentaries often analyze or expound on individual books of the Bible, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Some commentary works provide analysis of the whole of Scripture.
The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible – The best concordance for word study! This exclusive new edition of a legendary classic puts generations of biblical research at your fingertips. A valuable tool for pastors, teachers, and students of the Bible.
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – This classic word study resource allows you to study the meaning of biblical words in the original languages without spending years learning Greek or Hebrew. A great resource for students, seasoned pastors, and anyone who enjoys biblical word studies–even if they have little to no formal training in Hebrew or Greek.
Halley’s Bible Handbook – The beloved and classic Bible companion has been thoroughly updated, while retaining its time-honored features and Dr. Halley’s highly personal style, to offer even greater clarity, insight, and usefulness.
Click here to print or download the Bible character Study “Melchizedek – King of Righteousness“
