Melchizedek’s Priesthood Order — Hebrews 5

Melchizedek was the king of Salem during the time of Abraham, and his origins suggest a divine nature. The author of Hebrews uses his mysterious existence and eternal priesthood to explain the high-priestly office of Jesus Christ, who came from the tribe of Judah rather than the Levitical lineage.

The Order of Melchizedek 31

The “order of Melchizedek” means “in the line of Melchizedek.” It is an expression used by the author of Hebrews to emphasize that the eternal high-priestly office of Jesus Christ has a divine origin. This stands in contrast to the Old Testament priesthood, which was established according to the Levitical bloodline.

The Order of Melchizedek (order of Melchizedek)

Melchizedek was the king of Salem (Jerusalem) in the time of Abraham. Because his parents, genealogy, and date of birth are unknown, he resembled a divine being. When Abraham returned after defeating the coalition of four kings from the north of Canaan, Melchizedek welcomed him and blessed him in the name of God Most High, and Abraham gave him a tenth (tithe) of all the spoils. (Gen 14:18-20)

The psalmist regarded this Melchizedek as an eternal priest personally appointed by God (Ps 110:4). Although he was neither a divine being nor the Son of God, he had been granted both the office of high priest and the office of king by God. This portrait of Melchizedek closely resembled Jesus, who, coming from the tribe of Judah rather than the tribe of Levi, became the eternal high priest and the King of kings.

For this reason, the author of Hebrews confesses that Jesus Christ is the king and high priest who came according to the order of Melchizedek. (Heb 5:10; ch. 7)

Source: Dictionary of Biblical Cultural Backgrounds

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