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And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth." Wherever in Scripture Melchizedek is spoken of, it is as a type of Christ (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5., 6., 7.). We may so regard him here, and consider his act in its typical light. Outwardly the transaction was of little mark. A band of men under Chedorlaomer carried off Lot, along with other spoil, from Sodom. Abram, on learning this, armed his household, pursued the invaders, routed them, and set the captives free. On his return Melchizedek, the head of a tribe near the line of march, came out to offer refreshment to his men; and as priest of his tribe he blessed Abram. Whether the type was understood by Abram or Melchizedek matters not. These things are written for our learning. We see in them Christ bestowing his blessing.

I. THE OCCASION OF THE BLESSING. After conflict. Our Lord the antitype of Melchizedek, as King of peace (Isaiah 9:6; cf. Luke 2:14; John 14:27). Yet the Christian life is emphatically one of warfare (Ephesians 6:11-13; 2 Timothy 2:3; cf. Genesis 32:24; 1 Peter 5:8; also Revelation 2., 3. - "to him that overcometh," &c.). The nature of that fight is against temptations to unbelief. The fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). The renewal under Christ of the battle lost in Eden (2 Timothy 4:7; 1 John 5:4). Circumstances may vary. The trial may be apparent or not. There may be no outward suffering, no visible hindrance. But what a struggle is implied in 2 Corinthians 10:5. It is the struggle against unbelief; to resist the power of things seen; to overcome "How can these things be?" to realize habitually the "city which hath foundations" (cf. Philippians 3:20); to rest on God's promises in simplicity (Philippians 3:7). As often as this struggle is honestly waged a blessing is bestowed (James 1:2; cf. Matthew 7:13; Matthew 16:24; Acts 14:22). We naturally love spiritual ease, but trial is better (Psalm 119:71).

II. THE SOURCE OF THE BLESSING. "The most high God, possessor," &c.

1. All blessing is from God. We acknowledge this; but Isaiah 10:13 is a natural feeling. We instinctively look to second causes; yet without this "looking upward" we cannot truly pray, "Thy will be done;" we cannot really live a Godward life. Compare Melchizedek's words with our Lord's (John 14:13-16; John 16:23), and their fulfillment in his receiving for men (Psalm 68:18) all needful gifts - forgiveness, sonship, right to pray, means of grace, opportunities of work.

2. All creation used by him as means of bestowing his blessing (cf. Romans 8:28). Sorrows (Romans 5:3; Hebrews 12:11) and joys (Romans 2:4) are alike instruments of good (cf. Psalm 116:12; Psalm 119:67).

III. THE FRUIT OF THE BLESSING. Closer walk with God. The events of this chapter were followed by more vivid spiritual manifestations to Abram. And thus our spiritual life advances. The blessing is God's free gift; but through conflict with evil the soul is prepared to receive it (cf. Psalm 97:10). As in natural life powers are increased by exercise, or rather by God's gift on this condition, so in the spiritual the conflict of self-denial, our Savior's blessing, and the "spirit of adoption" are inseparably linked together. "Grace for grace" should be the Christian's motto; ever pressing onwards. And as we can assign no limits to God's blessing, so neither is there any limit to our nearness to him. - M.

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KJV: And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

WEB: He blessed him, and said, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth: