In Hebrews 7:1-3, Paul reveals five comparisons between Melchizedek and Christ to enable his readers to understand Christ’s priestly office.
First, Melchizedek was both a king and a priest. He was the king of Salem, later known as Jerusalem.
The term Salem (šā·lēm) means peace. Melchi (malkî), the first part of Melchizedek, comes from the Hebrew term mālak, meaning king. Zedek (tṣedeq), the second part of his name, is a Jebusite dynastic title.
Zedek (tṣedeq) means right or righteousness. Hence his name means king of righteousness. He was also a priest of the Most High God. As a king-priest, Melchizedek ruled in righteousness (tṣedeq) and peace (šā·lēm). Christ is also a king and priest who will reign with righteousness and peace.
- For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like (aphomoióō) the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. - Hebrews 7:1-3
First, Melchizedek was both a king and a priest. He was the king of Salem, later known as Jerusalem.
- His tabernacle is in Salem; His dwelling place also is in Zion. - Psalm 76:2
The term Salem (šā·lēm) means peace. Melchi (malkî), the first part of Melchizedek, comes from the Hebrew term mālak, meaning king. Zedek (tṣedeq), the second part of his name, is a Jebusite dynastic title.
- Now it came about when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai, and had utterly destroyed it… - Joshua 10:1
Zedek (tṣedeq) means right or righteousness. Hence his name means king of righteousness. He was also a priest of the Most High God. As a king-priest, Melchizedek ruled in righteousness (tṣedeq) and peace (šā·lēm). Christ is also a king and priest who will reign with righteousness and peace.
- For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. - Isaiah 9:6-7
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