October 3 | Hebrews 7:1-10

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Oct 2
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Melchizedek: King and Priest

By Terry Gustafson

Many years ago, Mary and I were teaching a Sunday school class. One of the phrases we had the kids memorize was: The New is in the Old contained; the Old is in the New explained. While this is true throughout Scripture, it is perhaps most evident in the book of Hebrews. The numerous direct quotes from the Old Testament, along with text that expands / explains stories in the Old Testament, make Hebrews a book where one is constantly returning to Old Testament texts to understand the background.

In previous chapters, the author of Hebrews has made the case that Jesus is greater than the angels / heavenly beings and He is greater than Moses. Prior to today’s reading, the author has referred several times to Jesus being “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek” (5:6, 10; 6:20), which is a quote from Psalm 110:4. So who is Melchizedek?

The story of Melchizedek is in Genesis 14:17-24. Abram (Abraham) had just rescued his nephew Lot from the hands of Kedorlaomer king of Elam and three other kings. Upon his return, Abram is met by two kings, the king of Sodom and Melchizedek king of Salem. What does Scripture tell us about Melchizedek?

His name is a combination of two Hebrew words, melek, “king,” plus tzedeq, “righteousness”. i.e., King of Righteousness.
He is king of Salem. Salem is possibly a shortened version of Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2). And it is associated with the Hebrew word for peace, shalom.
He is priest of God Most High (El Elyon).
He brought out bread and wine as an offering.
He blessed Abram.
Abram gave him a tenth of everything, a tithe.

In today’s reading, the author of Hebrews also makes the point that Melchizedek is “Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.” (7:3) And the author makes the case that the priesthood of Melchizedek (eternal) is greater than the Levitical priesthood (mortal), in that Abraham, from whom Levi descended, gave Melchizedek a tithe and Melchizedek (the superior) blessed Abraham (the inferior).

Why does it matter that Jesus is “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek?” The priesthood of Melchizedek is a “type” / foreshadowing of the eternal high priesthood of the righteous Son of God, who is truly the king of righteousness and who brings true peace. Therefore, we can “draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22)

PRAYER

Repeat the following breath prayer throughout the day:

(Breathe in) Jesus, our great high priest and king

(Breathe out) May we draw near to You in full assurance of faith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TERRY GUSTAFSON

My wife, Mary, and I have been attending UALC for about 13 years. We have two grown daughters and one grandchild. I am a retired professor of chemistry at Ohio State, where I served many years as the faculty advisor to the IVCF graduate student chapter and as a member of the Faculty Christian Fellowship. I currently have the privilege of serving on the UALC Council.