The Mystery of Melchizedek- Genesis 14:17-24

Chapter fourteen began with an enormous battle involving nine kings and the unimaginable victory of Abram. Abram, along with his allies Mamre, Eschol, and Aner, retrieve all the captives and their possessions, including Abram’s nephew Lot.

What we learned about was how God was fulfilling His promises to Abram (from 12:1-3). What we see in the second half of chapter 14 we will see the mystery of Melchizedek. Perhaps you have no idea who Melchizedek is, or maybe you have some different views. While there will always be some mystery to Melchizedek, ultimately his purpose, not that different from John that baptist (see John 3:30), Melchizedek points us to Christ. Which, if we are considering our own lives, should be what we do as well.

I. Two Kingdoms Represented- 14:17-20b

What we see first is that there are two kingdoms represented. In reality, true, biblical reality, there are always two kingdoms represented. The kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. As a whole, 1 John demonstrates this reality by the constant comparison between God and His children and the devil and his children.

The king of Sodom represents the kingdom of darkness, while king Melchizedek represents the kingdom of God. Now, we are looking back on the passage from New Testament times, meaning we have additional revelation (i.e., truth) that these individuals did not (for example, see Eph. 3:1-6 and Paul’s insights into the mysteries of Christ). However, as we read this passage, I think it will become evident whom these two individuals serve.

A. The King of Sodom—the kingdom of darkness

The king of Sodom (more about that when we get to chapters 18-19) comes to Abram without anything. We will deal with his response momentarily, but I want you to consider the kingdom that this king is representing. We learn about the kingdom of darkness throughout Scripture. However, one passage in particular reveals a wealth of concise information regarding this kingdom: 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world---the desires of the flesh, and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life—-is not from the Father but is from the world.”

1. The kingdom of darkness focuses on satisfying the flesh

2. The kingdom of darkness focuses on pleasing the eyes

3. The kingdom of darkness focuses on physical goods

One example provides us with an illustration of this kingdom’s operation: the pornography industry. It pleases the sexual appetite (a natural experience when practiced biblically), it pleases the eyes (think of advertisements), and it makes human beings into a commodity.

One more point to address before moving on to Melchizedek. Notice that he comes to meet Abram, even though he threw himself into the bitumen pit (14:10). Now, this leader is running to the victor. The kingdom of darkness is led by cowards.

B. The king of Salem—the kingdom of God

Along with the king of Sodom comes this king of Salem, Melchizedek. From our account, we learn several interesting facts about Melchizedek. First, he is king of Salem, and Scripture and archaeology connects this to Jersualem. (Psalm 76:2) This city, as you know, will have enormous significance as the story line of Scripture progresses.

Second, he brings out bread and wine to Abram. While bread and water were a normal custom, wine speaks of generosity. (Though there is an interesting connection to the Eucharist, or Lord’s Supper, it is not a strong argument). Compared to the king of Sodom, who came empty handed, Melchizedek brings out a reward of sorts to Abram.

Third, Melchizedek is a priest of the most High God. Now, in the storyline of Scripture, we realize the Levitical priesthood has not been created or ordained by God. Yet, here is a man who is a priest of God. Simply put, a priest ministers to the people on behalf of God and speaks to God on behalf of the people. What is remarkable, however, is that Abram is God’s chosen vessel through which He would bless the nations (12:3). Yet, God is still working with this individual as His priest.

Fourth, he blesses Abram. Genesis 12:3 demonstrates the wisdom in blessing Abram. Melchizedek was being kind in his treatment of Abram.

Fifth, and finally, Melchizedek praises God for the victory that he provided for Abram. Melchizedek rightly recognizes God’s work on Abram’s behalf. Though these do not show up in this order in the text, we can describe the kingdom of God in this way:

The kingdom of God centers on God

The kingdom of God blesses others

The kingdom of God draws others into it

II. Two Responses Revealed- 14:20c-24

The two kings represented two kingdoms, the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Those two kingdoms are variously represented throughout Scripture (i.e., the Canaanites, Egyptians, mixed multitude). However, moving from the kingdoms, we come to individuals. Here we focus on Abram and the king of Sodom. These responses demonstrate the kingdom to which an individual belongs. This, in turn, provides an excellent diagnostic tool to check your own heart and life.

A. Abram’s Response- a God-centered life

After Melchizedek’s blessings, Abram gives a tithe to him. He pays back to God a little of what God pays to him through the victory. He later responds to king of Sodom’s statement that he did not want the king to “make him rich.” He made an oath to the Most High God that Abram would not take any of Sodom’s possessions. He did not want the king to claim that he made Abram rich. C.H. Mackintosh says it like,

“A man who was ‘blessed’ of God did not need to take aught from the enemy; and if ‘the possessor heaven and earth’ filled his vision, ‘the goods’ of Sodom could have but little attraction.” C.H. Mackintosh (72)

Notice how God-centered Abram’s life is. Can this be said of us? Are we God-centered? Do our lives demonstrate that we think of God in our victories? Do our victories provide opportunities to praise God and give Him glory? A God-centered life does this.

B. The King of Sodom’s Response- a material-centered life

Notice the difference between Abram and the king of Sodom. The king of Sodom demonstrates a material-centered life. First, he offers no thanks to Abram. He is completely silent about Abram’s victory, even though Melchizedek praises God!

Second, he commands Abram to give him the people. The contrast between Melchizedek and this king could not be greater. His demeanor is focused on the materials of this life. There is no request, no plea, no gratitude. He does not heed the warning in 12:3, “him who dishonors you I will curse.”

Furthermore, this king seems to have an ulterior motive in granting Abram the spoils of war. As we will eventually see, Sodom is not known for its generosity, nor for its far treatment of people. We are not sure of the reason, but we know that it is wicked.

We need to constantly check our hearts for this propensity for a material-centered life. We can ask ourselves, how do I handle financial and other material blessings? Am I centered on myself, my desires, my comfort? Or, do I see the importance of being a blessing to others (12:2)?

III. One Type Revealed- Heb. 7:26-28

Now, before we move on to the next chapter in Abram’s life (literally and metaphorically), we need to briefly discuss the NT’s teaching on Melchizedek. As we would be left to wonder about this Melchizedek (especially because he is mentioned in Psalm 110:4). There is obviously more than meets the eye, but what?

To this we turn to Hebrews 7:26-28. The author of Hebrews begins his discussion of Melchizedek in chapter 5, but limits his discussion, stating, “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” In other words, this is not easy to understand and requires spiritual maturity.

With that said, we will only scratch the surface, and I hope generate a greater love for the First Testament and help us see Christ in all the Scriptures (Luke 24:27).

A. Melchizedek’s priesthood pointed to the perfect and perpetual Priesthood of Christ- 7:26-28, 23-25

The Levitical priests and the Melchizedekian priesthood could not approach God without a sacrifice because they were themselves sinners. Christ’s priesthood, however, depended upon his own righteousness (which was perfect).

His priesthood is also perpetual. He stands on our behalf forever. God would as soon cease to be God before Christ stopped interceding for His chosen. While Melchizedek is a wonder in the 14th chapter of Genesis, he points toward and typifies the wonders of the high priest, Jesus.

B. Melchizedek’s priesthood demonstrates the humanity of Jesus- 5:1-4

Remember, chapter five begins the discussion of the connection between Melchizedek and Christ. However, the author of Hebrews does so in order to demonstrate the humanity of Christ. At times, we emphasis the deity of Christ (rightly so!). However, we can emphasize Christ’s humanity to the detriment of his humanity.

The author of Hebrews notes “He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness.”

Mark Jones, in his book Knowing Christ, writes, “Our salvation depends on his humanity as much as it depends on his deity: we cannot do without one or other nature in the person of Christ.”

This is one of the most wonderful aspects of the incarnation! Do you ever struggle to do right because you are exhausted? Jesus knows what that feels like. Have you ever been emotionally drained? Jesus experienced that. Jesus is fully human, without sin to be sure, yet fully human nonetheless.

CONCLUSION

Melchizedek is certainly a mystery. Theologians still disagree and discuss who he is. His mysterious appearance disappears as quickly as it appears, though Scripture certainly picks up on this man in Psalm 110 and Hebrews 5-7.

But this interaction offers us a glimpse into the two kingdoms and the two responses. Let us consider our own understandings of life in this world, of our hearts, and our responses based on the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth.