Genesis 14 provides a quick glimpse on an enigmatic character that the writer of Hebrews focuses in on. This chapter begins be describing the build up to armed conflict between kingdoms and the eventual invasion of the land surrounding Sodom. Lot is captured in the conflict, and Abram gives chase to recover Lot and with great skill regains Lot, all the others taken, along with all the goods plundered. And returning to his homeland, he is met by two individuals, the king of Sodom and the king of Salem.
As Abram returned from his victory over Kederlaomer and his allies, the king of Sodom came out to meet him…Then Melchizedek the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought him bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has helped you conquer your enemies.”
Then Abram gave Melchizedec a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
The king of Sodom told him, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”
Abram replied, “I have solemnly promised the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich!’”
Genesis 14:17-23Genesis 14:17-23
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
Abram Is Blessed by Melchizedek 17 Abram returned after he had defeated King Chedorlaomer and the other kings. Then the king of Sodom went to meet Abram in Shaveh Valley, which is also known as King's Valley. 18 . King Melchizedek of Salem was a priest of God Most High. He brought out some bread and wine 19 and said to Abram: “I bless you in the name of God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 All praise belongs to God Most High for helping you defeat your enemies.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. 21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “All I want are my people. You can keep everything else.” 22 Abram answered: The Lord God Most High made the heavens and the earth. And I have promised him 23 that I won't keep anything of yours, not even a sandal strap or a piece of thread. Then you can never say that you are the one who made me rich.
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The king of Sodom doesn’t stand out in this story. though he makes commands, he is not in charge. But the character of Melchizedec is exciting and different. Who is this man that would receive offerings from Abram? What is God doing, preparing the people with this singular mention of the roles of priest and king in one person? Remember that this is before the nation of Israel has been freed from bondage in Egypt, before the rule of the judges, even before the rule of the first kings of Judah and Israel. There is no priesthood designated by the law of Moses, as God has not yet made a covenant with the people of Isreal – Israel not yet even being born!
The writer of Hebrews makes much of this man. Melchizedec as both king and priest is a forerunner for Jesus – who is both priest in the heavenly sanctuary and Lord, king of God’s people and eternal ruler over creation. The fact that never once is mentioned a lineage stands out to a people who thought so much of priesthood. The priests under the Mosaic law were required to be able to prove their heritage. Nothing of the sort is mentioned with the king of Salem. Even the fact that there is a priest to the Most High God before the law prepares the people to recognize that the priesthood, the whole entire sacrificial system, is meant for a time and place and points to something greater.
I’m always amazed at the way God uses patterns to share with us his truth. Spanning the Testaments, he provides examples in the Old and then shares fulfillment in the New. He prepares the people for truth they are not yet able to receive. The whole story here points to God. God is blessed as the one responsible for the victory. God is the one who must be obeyed. Abram has a keen awareness of where his strength lies.
As we near the end of our look at the book of Hebrews, we once again need to remember the call to persevere. We are encouraged to do so because we are the people of God. We act under the authority and power of the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. How would your day look different if you acted with that kind of authority – as if every breath and every step was on mission, acting as God’s representative? Would you say less or more? Would the content of your words be different? What about your actions?
Would we be so prone to sin and excusing our sin if we took God’s authority seriously? if we counted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf and considered the steps he took to even now defend us before God’s throne? I think the world would have a whole different view of Christianity – of a people serious about God, about mercy and justice, about lifting up those who have fallen and rescuing those who are captive to their sin.
Thank you Jesus, for rescuing us. Guide us each day as we grow in love for you, as we come to recognize your voice better and more accurately represent your presence before our family and friends. Build a strong love within our community, based on your leadership and example. Your will be done, Lord!
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