Bible Dictionaries
Melchizedek

Holman Bible Dictionary

(mehl kiz eh dehk) Personal name meaning “Zedek is my king” or “My king is righteousness.” Priest and king of Salem, a city identified with Jerusalem.

Old Testament When Abraham returned from the Valley of Siddim where he defeated Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and the kings aligned with Kedorlaomer, Melchizedek greeted Abraham with bread and wine. He blessed Abraham in the name of “God Most High.” In return, Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

Melchizedek and Abraham both worshiped the one true God. Abraham also appeared to recognize the role of Melchizedek as a priest. Psalm 110:4 refers to one who would be forever a priest in the “order of Melchizedek.” This messianic psalm teaches that the leader or ruler of the Hebrew nation would be able to reflect in his person the role of priest as well as the role of king.

New Testament The writer of Hebrews made several references in Hebrews 5-7 to Jesus' priesthood being of the “order of Melchizedek” as opposed to Levitical in nature. The author of Hebrews cited Psalm 110:4 . For the writer of Hebrews, only Jesus whose life could not be destroyed by death fit the psalmist's description of a priest of the “order of Melchizedek.”

Judith Wooldridge