Dictionary of Bible Themes "King of Righteousness": king and priest of Salem, who blessed Abraham. David assumed Melchizedek's role as king and priest of Jersualem for himself and his descendants. Jesus Christ succeeded to this role and became a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. Genesis 14:18Melchizedek was both king and priest See also As a king, Melchizedek entertained Abraham Hebrews 7:1Genesis 14:18-19 As a priest, Melchizedek blessed Abraham Genesis 14:20,22Abraham acknowledged Melchizedek as a priest of the LORD Melchizedek here points ahead to Jesus Christ, who is also priest and king. Psalms 110:1-2,4The status of Melchizedek David appropriates Melchizedek's office and authority for himself and his descendants Matthew 22:41-44The word "order" here means "in succession to", meaning that Christ assumes the status and function of Melchizedek. The Davidic Messiah (Christ) inherits the office of Melchizedek pp Mk 12:35-37 See also pp Lk 20:41-44 Matthew 20:30Jesus Christ was at that time being acclaimed as the "Son of David" and by implication here claims to be the Messiah. Matthew 21:9pp Mk 10:47 pp Lk 18:35-39 Matthew 21:15Acts 2:34 pp Mk 11:10 Hebrews 5:8-10; 6:19-20Jesus Christ as high priest after the order of Melchizedek Hebrews 7:2-3Only the high priest could sacrifice for the sins of the nation in the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. The characteristics of the order of Melchizedek See also Psalms 110:4Melchizedek's order of priesthood was one of kingship, peace and righteousness; it did not depend on genealogical descent (unlike the Levitical priesthood); it is eternal, without known beginning or end. Hebrews 5:6; 6:20; 7:21Hebrews 7:6-7 The uniqueness of Jesus Christ's high priesthood in the order of Melchizedek Psalms 110:4Melchizedek was superior to Abraham and therefore to the Levitical priesthood descended from Abraham See also Hebrews 6:17-20; 7:16,20-22,26-27; 8:1-2The priesthood is secured by God's oath. Hebrews 8:13See also Jesus Christ's high priesthood makes the Levitical priesthood obsolete Hebrews 7:11,18-19; 8:7-13See also 1205 God, titles of2206 Jesus, the Christ 2215 Jesus Christ, Son of David 2306 Christ, high priest 5075 Abraham 5085 David 5368 kingship 7376 high priest 7412 priesthood 7766 priests 8445 hospitality 8488 tithing |
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