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I. CONSIDER THE HISTORICAL FACTS OF THIS NARRATIVE.

1. Melchizedek makes his appearance at the close of the first war recorded in the annals of the human race. Abraham was on his journey home from the rescue of Lot, and had reached a place called the King's Dale, when his meeting with the priest took place.

2. Who was Melchizedek? There is an old tradition of the Jews to the effect that he was Shem, the son of Noah, Shem being his personal name, Melchizedek his official designation. This, however, is improbable, since(1) it is unlikely that Moses, who has hitherto spoken of Shem by his proper name, should here veil his identity under a different one;

(2) it seems unlikely that Abraham and Shem could have been co-residents in the same land without intercourse;

(3) it is unlikely that a man whose pedigree was distinctly known should have been selected as a typical instance of a man whose pedigree was altogether unknown. We are therefore limited to the conclusion that he was a Canaanitish prince, who retained the uncorrupted faith of his forefathers.

3. What was the secret of his peculiar greatness? His names suggest an explanation. He must have been eminently righteous to have earned such titles as "King of Righteousness" and "King of Peace." He stood alone in his office, as priest of the Most High God. He was known by undeniable tokens as the man whom God had consecrated to be His priest.

II. CONSIDER THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS NARRATIVE OF MELCHIZEDEK.

1. He was a symbol of the mystery connected with the Saviour's person.

2. He shadowed forth important truths in relation to Christ as our Priest. His priesthood was distinguished for its antiquity, its catholicity, its independence.

3. Melchizedek was the prefiguration of Christ as the King of His people.

4. The story seems to be a typical picture of Christ exercising His ministry of benediction.

(C. Stafford, D. D.)

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KJV: And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

WEB: Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High.