City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

‘For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. ‘

–Hebrews 7:1-3 ESV

‘After [Abraham’s] return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. ‘

–Genesis 14:17-20 ESV

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses from Hebrews 7 reference Melchizedek, a mysterious figure first mentioned in Genesis 14 when he blessed Abraham following Abraham’s victory over kings. There’s a lot to unpack here. 

Firstly, Melchizedek is unique because the Bible refers to him as a king and a priest. This makes Melchizedek unique in that those roles are usually distinct and separate. Throughout scripture there was a clear separation between the roles of king and priest. There were things that a priest could do that a king couldn’t, and vice versa. 

For example, King Uzziah could not honorably perform priestly duties in the temple: 

‘They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God.” ‘

–2 Chronicles 26:18 NIV

That Melchizedek acted as both a king and priest points to our priestly king, Jesus, who sits at God’s right hand in rulership and who intercedes to God on our behalf. 

Secondly, Melchizedek represented righteousness and peace. He is king of righteousness (because his name “Melchizedek” means king of righteousness) and he is king of Peace (because the name of the city he ruled “Salem” means peace). This again points to Jesus, who makes us right and at peace with God, ourselves, other people, and creation. 

It’s also worth noting that Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham apportioned to Melchizedek a tenth of everything. What a great picture of a believer’s relationship with God. As God blesses us, we get to give and be a part of His mission to bring heaven to earth. 

Finally, the scripture tells us Melchizedek is without a father or mother or genealogy. It even goes so far as to say that he resembles the Son of God and continues as a priest forever. This speaks to the eternal attributes of Jesus and how we can rely on Him forever. 

What I find particularly encouraging about all of this is how intentional God is in showing us from the start in Genesis and the Abrahamic covenant, that we need Jesus. I think the mysteriousness of Melchizedek shows us that he’s only a picture of or a pointer to someone who is very real and tangible, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Application

How does God remind you of your need for a relationship with Christ? Who in your life points to Jesus? How can you show someone Jesus today? What would that look like? Prayerfully consider the answers to these questions and keep on shining for Jesus, our kingly priest. 

Prayer

Father God, I’m so thankful I have a high priest who not only understands me, but died for me. Jesus is the priest and the lamb. Lord, thank You for empowering me to be and do all that You are calling me to. In Jesus’ name, amen.