‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’ (Hebrews 7:21)

‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’ (Hebrews 7:21)

Melchizedek - the original “International Man of Mystery”

Melchizedek, whose name literally means, “king of righteousness,” is quite an enigmatic figure in the Old Testament. He is the Priestly King of Salem or “Uru-salem” (meaning City of Peace), which is believed to be the ancient name of Jerusalem.

Melchizedek is first mentioned as if he seemingly comes forth out of nowhere: an archetypal image of a true anomaly. He appears on the battlefield after Abraham’s great victory, bestowing gifts of Bread and Wine and offering prayers and benedictions unto God on behalf of Abraham and his kinsmen. Abraham then offers back to Melchizedek a tenth (or “tithe”) of the spoils he has won; thus, showing the pre-eminence Abraham placed upon this pious figure. The account of this can be read in Genesis 14:18-20.

In the Book of Hebrews, Melchizedek is called a “King of Righteousness” and a “King of Peace,” terms which are also ascribed to Jesus Christ. Melchizedek’s mysterious lineage: “He is without father or mother or genealogy and has neither beginning of day nor end of life but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever” (7:3), also parallels the mystery of Christ’s eternal presence before the beginning of time and creation.

For these reasons alone, the Church has always taught that Melchizedek, this unique “man of mystery,” pre-figures the ultimate “priest-king” prophesied in Psalm 110:4, Isaiah 11:4-9, and Zechariah 6:9-15. He is viewed as an allegory of Jesus Christ Himself: The One and Only True High Priest, Who continuously offers us Bread and Wine as His own consecrated Body and Blood. Therefore, Jesus through His own acts of ministry, offering, and self-sacrifice, reminds us that He truly is “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

Fr. John