The title "King of Salem" is most notably associated with Melchizedek, a mysterious and significant figure in the biblical narrative. Salem is traditionally identified with Jerusalem, a city that holds profound historical and theological importance throughout the Bible.

Melchizedek in Genesis

Melchizedek first appears in Genesis 14:18-20, where he is introduced as the "king of Salem" and "priest of God Most High." This dual role as both king and priest is unique and sets Melchizedek apart as a type of Christ, prefiguring the Messiah's own dual office. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying: 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." (Genesis 14:18-20)

This passage highlights Melchizedek's role in blessing Abram (later Abraham) and receiving a tithe from him, indicating his spiritual authority and significance.

Theological Significance

Melchizedek's appearance is brief yet profound, as he is presented without genealogy, birth, or death, which the author of Hebrews later emphasizes to illustrate the eternal priesthood of Christ. Hebrews 7:1-3 elaborates on this:

"This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.' Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time."

The epistle to the Hebrews draws a parallel between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ, emphasizing the eternal and superior nature of Christ's priesthood, which is not based on lineage but on the power of an indestructible life.

Connection to Jerusalem

The identification of Salem with Jerusalem is supported by Psalm 76:2 , which states, "His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion." This connection underscores the city's central role in God's redemptive plan, as Jerusalem becomes the focal point of Israel's worship and the eventual site of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

Typology and Christology

Melchizedek's role as king and priest serves as a typological foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is both the King of Kings and the Great High Priest. The absence of recorded lineage for Melchizedek in Scripture is seen as a deliberate design to highlight the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood, which transcends the Levitical order.

In summary, the King of Salem, Melchizedek, is a pivotal figure whose brief appearance in the Old Testament carries deep theological implications, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the eternal King and Priest.