In Hebrews Seven we are introduced to a mysterious figure named Melchizedek, who was king of Salem (Jerusalem) in the days of Abraham. His name means King of Righteousness, and since Salem means peace he is also called the King of Peace.

Many have suggested that Melchizedek is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ in pre-incarnate form (theophany). The meanings of his name are one reason for this suggestion, as well as some other information (or lack thereof) regarding this biblical character. First, he has no father or mother, no genealogy, and no beginning or end of days (v. 3). This could simply mean that there is no record of his birth, death, father, and mother. Remember that to be a legitimate priest in the Levitical system you had to be able to establish your genetic credentials. Besides, Christ did have an earthly father and mother, as well as a detailed genealogy, which would seem to distinguish Him from  rather than identify Him with Melchizedek. Also, when it says he was made like the Son of God it indicates he it a type of Christ, which logically assumes he is not Christ.

Another interesting fact mentioned in the original story of Melchizedek (but not in Hebrews) was that he came out to meet Abraham with bread and wine (Gen. 14:18). Although in the original context this means simply that the two enjoyed a meal together, it is difficult to ignore the typology of the body and blood of Christ.

Finally, there is the business of the tithe. This text has been used to prove that the practice of tithing (giving 10% of one’s income to the local church) was instituted with Abraham, and as such predates the Mosaic Law and is binding on Christians. Of course the reason tithing is mentioned here is to show that Melchizedek was “greater” than Abraham (v.7).  But consider this also: this was a one-shot deal and is nowhere mentioned as an ongoing practice. Abraham had just returned from rescuing his nephew Lot in the battle of the kings. When he returned he gave a tenth, not of his regular ongoing income, but of the spoil of a single battle. The spoils were given to an individual and not a church. This episode is the last we hear of Melchizedek or of Abraham tithing. The fact is that the New Testament nowhere commands Christians to tithe. The tithe in Israel was actually a tax imposed on the people under the theocracy. If anything it teaches that civil government should exact no more than 10% of the income of its citizens. The New Testament teaches cheerful voluntary proportionate giving, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

The main point of the discussion of Melchizedek here in Hebrews Seven is to show that Christ, like the King of Salem, is a priest of a different and superior order than those serving under the Levitical system.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 2:44 pm and is filed under Hebrews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.