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			{{Short description\|Priest-king role in Abrahamic religions}}
	{{other\|Melchizedek (disambiguation)}}
			], 1464–67\|alt=]]
			The '''priesthood of Melchizedek''' is a role in ], modelled on ], combining the dual position of king and priest.<ref>''Israel's Messiah in the Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls'' – Richard S. Hess, M. Daniel Carroll, (2003), page 67: "However, many monarchs of the ancient Near East did participate in the cult to a degree that certainly exceeded the term. ...David clearly is connected to the priesthood, although it is the priesthood of Melchizedek rather than the priesthood of ..."</ref>

			==Hebrew Bible==
	The '''Melchizedek priesthood''' is the name of several priesthoods.
			{{main\|Melchizedek}}
			] is a king and priest appearing in the ]. The name means "King of Righteousness" – a name echoing kingly and priestly functions.<ref>Adele Berlin, ''Religion and Politics in the Ancient Near East,'' (1996), page 59: "The fusion of names is common in the ancient Near East.(footnote 27). ...We might even wonder if the relationship of the names Melchizedek and Zadok is that of the king/priest stripped of its royalty (the root mlk) but retaining its sacerdotal function (the root sdq)."</ref> He is the first individual to be given the title '']'' (priest) in the ].

			=== In Psalms ===
	==The Melchizedek priesthood in scripture==
			{{main\|Psalm 110}}
			In the ] the Book of Psalms 110:4 names Melchizedek as representative of the priestly line through which a future king of ]'s ] line was ordained. <ref>{{Cite book\|url=https://my.bible.com/bible/100/PSA.110.NASB1995?parallel=1#:~:text=The%20LORD%20hath,order%20of%20Melchizedek\|title = Psalms 110 \| NASB1995 Bible \| YouVersion}}</ref> Alternatively, it is suggested this term was here intended to be treated as an ]d improper noun, and thus translated as ''rightful king'' rather than left as a proper name ''Melchizedek''; this interpretation is taken by some modern translations, such as the New ].{{cn\|date=September 2021}}

			==In Judaism==
	From the day that ] brought the Torah/the Law down from Mount Sinai it was the tribe of ] which was commissioned to serve as priests before ], the God of ]. This continued on into the era of the Kings of Israel. ], King of Salem, a contemporary of ], was not from the tribe of Levi and in fact pre-dated the patriarch Levi by two generations. The ] and the ] affirms that Melchizedek was "priest of God Most High." (Genesis 14:18) King David in the ] refers to the future King of kings or Messiah as a "priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." (Psalm 110:1-4.) Judaism traditionally identifies Melchizedek (''lit.'' "My king is righteous") with ].
			{{See also\| Righteous Priest}}
			<!---------PLEASE DO NOT DEPART FROM ENGLISH WIKIPEDIA SPELLING CONVENTIONS- PLEASE DO NOT USE REFS FOR PLACING COMMENTS-->
			The ] stipulates that only the male descendants of ] be commissioned to serve as ]im priests before ] and the Jewish nation. This commission is believed in Judaism to be "a ]" and not eligible for replacement by other ].

			Judaic ] (exegesis) identifies Melchizedek with ] the son of ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/13541-shem\|title=SHEM - JewishEncyclopedia.com\|website=www.jewishencyclopedia.com\|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref> Although the ] affirms that Melchizedek was "priest of God Most High" (Genesis 14:18), the ] and ] maintain that the priesthood held by ], who pre-dated the patriarch Levi by five generations (Melchizedek pre-dates Aaron by six generations; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Levi, Kehoth, Amram, Aaron), was given in his stead to Abraham who, in turn, passed it on to his patrilineal descendants, Isaac and then to Jacob. Midrashic literature attributes this transition as a consequence due to Melchizedek preceding the name of ] to that of God, such as in the ] to Genesis,<ref>Tractate Nedarim</ref> while some Jewish commentators, such as ], write that Melchizedek gave the priesthood to Abraham willingly.
	Melchizedek is referred to again in ] 5:6-10; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:1-21: "Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"; and Hebrews 8:1. The writer to the Hebrews points out that Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham. Since Levi was as yet unconceived by Abraham when he gave tithes to Melchizedek then it follows that the priestly office of Melchizedek is greater than the priesthood of Levi.

	<blockquote>And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises" (Hebrews 7:5-6).</blockquote>
	<blockquote>If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law" (Hebrews 7:11-12).</blockquote>
	] 7:3 in the ] refers to Melchizedek as a king "without father or mother or genealogy," a reference which some Christians take as a type of Christ.

			], in his '']'', explains that ] separated his son ] from his other sons and appointed him to instruct and teach the ways of "service to God", specifically the servicial methods used by his forefather ], to his brothers. He also instructed his sons to perpetuate this status of Levi ("Shevet Levi") for eternity (Maimonides, Avodah Zorah 1:15). For the prelude of this choice see ] to Genesis 32:25, and/or ] ch. 37. In midrash, it is written that ] the son of ] the son of Levi was the spiritual leader of the sons of Jacob ("Israel") during their Egyptian Bondage.{{Citation needed\|date=August 2011}} Following his death, his post was assumed by his son Aaron.
	==Interpretations of the Melchizedek priesthood==

			At the time of the erection of the ], the bible says that God commanded Moses to appoint Aaron and his sons to the Jewish priestly service as a precondition to God revealing his ] amongst the nation of Israel:
	] find the roots of their priesthood in the tradition of Melchizedek. (CCC 1544) In ] 14:18, Melchizedek offers a sacrifice of bread and wine. Christ therefore fulfilled the prophecy of Ps 110:4, that he would be a priest "after the order of Melchizedek," at the ], when he broke and shared bread with his ]. Catholics take seriously Christ's command that the Apostles should "do this in memory of Me." As such, the Church continues to offer sacrifices of bread and wine at ], as part of the ] of the ].

			{{quote\|And Aaron and his sons I will sanctify to serve me and I will dwell amidst the sons of Israel and I will be to them a God, and they will know that I (am) God their Master that took them out from the land of Egypt (in order that) I (will) dwell in their midst\|Exodus 29:44-46}}
	Some ] ] and ] believe that it will be ] ]/Yeshua Hamashiach who will return as the true ]. According to this view, which is taken from a literalist interpretation of Revelation 20, he will serve as both king and high Priest in a coming ] of the ].

			The majority of ]ic literature attributes the primary character of psalm 110 as ]<ref>This is based on the text שב ל'''ימיני''' with "Yemini" referring either to ] of the ] (Bin'''yamin''') whom David was careful not to overthrow ''or'' to the ], as per it being referred to as "from his right hand – a fire of religion to them" in Deuteronomy (Targum Yonathan to Psalm 110).</ref> who was a "righteous king" ({{lang\|he\|מלכי צדק}}) of Salem (Jerusalem) and, like Melchizedek, had certain priest-like responsibilities, while the ] understands the chapter as referring to Abram who was victorious in battling to save his nephew Lot and merited priesthood.<ref>Babylonian Talmud to Nedarim, p. 32</ref> The Zohar defines the noted Melchizedek as referring to ], ].<ref>Zohar, vol. 3, p. 53b</ref>
	A Christian interpretation that better represents ] traditions of the ] holds that Jesus is the eternal priest. His once-made sacrifice fulfilled the need for atonement of sins and he currently rules within the Church. In this view, Jesus has ever been, is, and will ever be the only totally perfect priest (Hebrews 9–-7). Amillennialists believe that the messiah has already come and his earthly role has been fulfilled. This is contrary to ] which expects a pre-millennial return of Christ as Messiah.

			==In Christianity==
	Some Christians believe Jesus Christ the Son came to Earth at various times before the New Testament, including once as Melchizedek himself. These appearances are called ]. Others still maintain that Melchizedek is actually Archangel ]: Michael is designated in the Book of Enoch as "the prince of Israel." He is the angel of forbearance and mercy (Enoch, xl:3) who taught Enoch the mysteries of clemency and justice (lxxi:2). In the '']'' (i:27 and ii:1), the angel who is said to have instructed Moses on Mount Sinai and to have delivered to him the tables of the Law is most probably Michael. Still others believe that Michael ''is'' Jesus.
			] believe that ] is the ] spoken of as "a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" ({{Bibleverse\|\|Ps.\|110:4\|HE}}), and so Jesus plays the role of the king-priest once and for all. According to the writer of ] (7:13-17) Jesus is considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek because, like Melchizedek, Jesus was not a ], and thus would not qualify for the Jewish priesthood under the ].

			Melchizedek is referred to again in ] 5:6-10; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:1-21: "Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"; and Hebrews 8:1.
	==In the theology of the Latter Day Saints==
	{{main\|Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)}}

			<blockquote>And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises" (Hebrews 7:5-6).</blockquote>
	] relies on additional scripture beyond the Bible, including the ], the ], and the ]. Some of the Mormon scriptures specifically concern the biblical figure ].
			<blockquote>If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law" (Hebrews 7:11-12).</blockquote>

	According to these sources, through the righteous exercise of priesthood, Melchizedek preached repentance to the people of a wicked town, and established peace in the land. According to {{sourcetext\|source=Book of Mormon\|book=Alma\|chapter=13\|verse=18}}, Melchizedek's efforts earned him the title of "the prince of peace." Of particular importance is the parallel Hebrew meaning of "prince of peace" and "king of Salem," another of Melchizedek's titles, and his association with (or typology of) Jesus Christ, who is also called the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:2) as well as the Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14). Later, Melchizedek's people were caught up, or "translated" (instantaneous progression from mortal existence to a heavenly state), to meet the city of Enoch (JST Genesis 14:32). The Doctrine and Covenants names Melchizedek as a high priest, and explains why the ] is so named ({{sourcetext\|source=The Doctrine and Covenants\|book=Covenant 107\|verse=2}}).

	===Offices of the Melchizedek priesthood in the LDS Church===
	In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are five offices within the Melchizedek priesthood. Although the holders of the different priesthood offices hold the same Melchizedek priesthood, their assigned rights and responsibilities vary according to their priesthood office.

	{\| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
	\|- bgcolor=#DCDCFF
	! Office
	! Minimum requirement to be ordained to office
	! Rights and responsibilities
	\|-
	\| ''']'''
	\| Married holder of the Melchizedek priesthood
	\| "Special witnesses" of ] who hold the rights to officiate in all responsibilities and duties of the priesthood, including the ]. Apostles direct the calling of ] and may ordain persons to all other offices and callings in the church. The President of the Church must be an apostle.
	\|-
	\| ''']'''
	\| Holder of the Melchizedek priesthood
	\| "Especial witnesses" of ]; called to preach the gospel to the world; work under the direction of ]; may be ] or area authorities
	\|-
	\| ''']'''
	\| Married holder of the Melchizedek priesthood; normally at least 55 years old<ref>''], Book 1: Bishoprics and Stake Presidencies'', Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2006, p. 6.</ref>
	\| Gives ]s to Latter-day Saints
	\|-
	\| ''']'''
	\| Holder of the Melchizedek priesthood
	\| Responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Latter-day Saints; may serve in a ], ], ], or ] and may serve as a ]; may ordain other High Priests and Elders
	\|-
	\| ''']'''
	\| ] in the ]; at least 18 years old
	\| Confer the ]; give blessings by the ]; ordain other Elders; all rights of the ]
	\|-
	\|}

	==The historical Melchizedek==
	], 1464–67]]
	Melchizedek is a figure in the Hebrew Bible. There is no other ] other than the Bible record that indicates that Melchizedek was a historical figure. Some liberal scholars have taken this and argued that grammar and stylistic considerations indicate that the account of Melchizedek is actually a non-Jewish tradition which was inserted later due to its mentioning of Abraham.

	==Representative of the priestly line==

	In some translations, ] names Melchizedek as representative of the priestly line through which a future king of ]'s ] line was ordained. Alternatively, it may be more accurate that this term was here intended to be treated as an agglutinated improper noun, and thus translated as ''rightful king'' rather than left as ''Melchizedek''; this interpretation is taken by some modern translations, such as the New JPS Tanakh.

	===The Melchizedek priesthood and Christianity===

	] believe that ] is the ] spoken of as "a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" ({{Bibleverse\|\|Ps.\|110:4\|HE}}), and so Jesus plays the role of High Priest once and for all. Jesus is considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek because, like Melchizedek, Jesus was not a ], and thus would not qualify for the Levitical priesthood (Heb. 7:13-17).

	The author of the ] in the ] discussed this subject considerably, listing the following reasons for why the priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to the Aaronic priesthood:		The author of the ] in the ] discussed this subject considerably, listing the following reasons for why the priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to the Aaronic priesthood:

	#Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek; later, the ~~Levites~~ would receive tithes from their countrymen. Since Aaron was in Abraham's loins then, it was as if the Aaronic priesthood were paying tithes to Melchizedek. (Heb. 7:4-10)		#Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek; later, the ]s would receive tithes from their countrymen. Since Aaron was in Abraham's loins then, it was as if the Aaronic priesthood were paying tithes to Melchizedek. (Heb. 7:4-10)
	#The one who blesses is always greater than the one being blessed. Thus, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. As Levi was yet in the loins of Abraham, it follows that Melchizedek is greater than Levi. (Heb. 7:7-10)		#The one who blesses is always greater than the one being blessed. Thus, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. As Levi was yet in the loins of Abraham, it follows that Melchizedek is greater than Levi. (Heb. 7:7-10)
	#If the priesthood of Aaron were effective, God would not have called a new priest in a different order in Psalm 110. (Heb. 7:11)		#If the priesthood of Aaron were effective, God would not have called a new priest in a different order in Psalm 110. (Heb. 7:11)
	#The basis of the Aaronic priesthood was ancestry; the basis of the priesthood of Melchizedek is everlasting life. That is, there is no interruption due to a priest's death. (Heb. 7:8,15-16,23-25)		#The basis of the Aaronic priesthood was ancestry; the basis of the priesthood of Melchizedek is everlasting life. That is, there is no interruption due to a priest's death. (Heb. 7:8,15-16,23-25)
	#~~Christ,~~ ~~being~~ ~~sinless~~, does not need a ~~sacrifice~~ for his own sins. (Heb. 7:26-27)		#Unlike the other high priests, Christ does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. (Heb. 7:26-27)
	#The priesthood of Melchizedek is more effective because it required a single sacrifice once and for all (Jesus), while the Levitical priesthood made endless sacrifices. (Heb. 7:27)		#The priesthood of Melchizedek is more effective because it required a single sacrifice once and for all (Jesus), while the Levitical priesthood made endless sacrifices. (Heb. 7:27)
	#The Aaronic priests serve (or, rather, served) in an earthly copy and shadow of the heavenly Temple, which Jesus serves in. (Heb. 8:5)		#The ] serve (or, rather, served) in an earthly copy and shadow of the heavenly Temple, which Jesus serves in. (Heb. 8:5)

	The epistle goes on to say that the ] of Jesus is superior to the ] the Levitical priesthood is under. Some Christians hold that Melchizedek was a ] of Christ, and some other Christians hold that Melchizedek indeed ''was'' Christ. Reasons provided include that Melchizedek's name means "king of righteousness" according to the author of Hebrews, and that being king of Salem makes Melchizedek the "king of peace." Heb. 7:3 states, "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he (Melchizedek) remains a priest forever." Melchizedek gave Abraham bread and wine, which Christians consider symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, ~~the~~ sacrifice to confirm a covenant.		The epistle goes on to say that the ] of Jesus is superior to the ] the Levitical priesthood is under. Some Christians hold that Melchizedek was a ] of Christ, and some other Christians hold that Melchizedek indeed ''was'' Christ. Reasons provided include that Melchizedek's name means "king of righteousness" according to the author of Hebrews, and that being king of Salem makes Melchizedek the "king of peace". Heb. 7:3 states, "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he (Melchizedek) remains a priest forever." Melchizedek gave Abraham bread and wine, which Christians generally consider to pre-figure the ], being symbols or sacraments of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and perhaps a sacrifice to confirm a covenant.{{citation needed\|date=April 2024}}

	==~~See also~~==		===Catholicism===
			] believe that Melchizedek was a ] of the priesthood of Christ(CCC 1544).<ref> {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722004028/https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P4T.HTM\|date=July 22, 2016}}: "The Christian tradition considers Melchizedek, 'priest of God Most High', as a prefiguration of the priesthood of Christ, the unique 'high priest after the order of Melchizedek'; 'holy, blameless, unstained',"</ref> In ] 14:18, Melchizedek offers a sacrifice of bread and wine. Catholics believe that Christ therefore fulfilled the prophecy of Ps 110:4, that he would be a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" at the ], when he initiated the sacrifice of the ] with his ]— his body and blood under the appearances of bread and wine. Melchizedek and his offering are explicitly referenced as a foreshadowing of the ] in the liturgical prayers of the ] of the Catholic Mass. Catholic priests, in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, are priests inasmuch as they ](CCC 1547) in the one priesthood of Christ according to the order of Melchizedek due to their ].
	* Melchizedek is a character in '']''.

	* Melchizedek is the main brain of Salem in the ] (GUNNM) graphic novel series.
			===Latter Day Saint movement===
	* Melchizedek is the priestly title of a character in the novel '']''.
			{{Further\|Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)}}
			In the ], the Melchizedek priesthood is viewed as the priesthood authority of the ] of ], as well as ] prophets, higher than that of the ] authority of ] and of the Levites.

			According to the ], the prophet ] preached repentance to the people of a wicked city, and established peace in the land. According to {{sourcetext\|source=Book of Mormon\|version=1981\|book=Alma\|chapter=13\|verse=18}}, Melchizedek's efforts earned him the title "the prince of peace". Of particular importance is the parallel Hebrew meaning of "prince of peace" and "king of Salem", another of Melchizedek's titles, and his association with (or ] of) Jesus Christ, who is also called the ] (Isa. 9:2), as well as the Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14). Later, Melchizedek's people were, according to ], caught up, or "]", to meet the city of Enoch (] of Genesis 14:34). The priesthood is referred to by the name of Melchizedek because he was such a great high priest (Doctrine & Covenants {{sourcetext\|source=The Doctrine and Covenants\|book=Section 107\|verse=2}}). The ] states that before Melchizedek's day the Priesthood "was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too-frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in the ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood" (Doctrine and Covenants {{sourcetext\|source=The Doctrine and Covenants\|book=Section 107\|verse=3\|range=-4}}). Initially, the only Melchizedek Priesthood office in the Latter Day Saint movement was ]. Later revelations extended the office complement to ], ], ] and ].

	==References==		==References==
Line 94:		Line 59:

	==External links==		==External links==
			* (] perspective)
	* Psalm 110 and Melchizedek – Part one
			* in the theology of the Catholic Mass
	* Psalm 110 and Melchizedek – Part two
	* The Melchizedek ~~priesthood~~ in the theology of the ~~Catholic~~ ~~Mass~~		* in the theology of the Latter-day Saints
	*{{CathEncy\|wstitle=Melchisedech}}		* {{CathEncy\|wstitle=Melchisedech}}

	]
	]
	]
	]

			{{Authority control}}
	]
			{{DEFAULTSORT:Melchizedek Priesthood}}
			]
			]
			]
			]

Latest revision as of 01:14, 8 November 2024

Priest-king role in Abrahamic religions

The priesthood of Melchizedek is a role in Abrahamic religions, modelled on Melchizedek, combining the dual position of king and priest.

Hebrew Bible

Main article: Melchizedek

Melchizedek is a king and priest appearing in the Book of Genesis. The name means "King of Righteousness" – a name echoing kingly and priestly functions. He is the first individual to be given the title Kohen (priest) in the Hebrew Bible.

In Psalms

Main article: Psalm 110

In the King James Version the Book of Psalms 110:4 names Melchizedek as representative of the priestly line through which a future king of Israel's Davidic line was ordained. Alternatively, it is suggested this term was here intended to be treated as an agglutinated improper noun, and thus translated as rightful king rather than left as a proper name Melchizedek; this interpretation is taken by some modern translations, such as the New JPS Tanakh.

In Judaism

In Christianity

Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah spoken of as "a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" (Ps. 110:4), and so Jesus plays the role of the king-priest once and for all. According to the writer of Hebrews (7:13-17) Jesus is considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek because, like Melchizedek, Jesus was not a descendant of Aaron, and thus would not qualify for the Jewish priesthood under the Law of Moses.

Melchizedek is referred to again in Hebrews 5:6-10; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:1-21: "Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"; and Hebrews 8:1.

And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises" (Hebrews 7:5-6).

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law" (Hebrews 7:11-12).

The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament discussed this subject considerably, listing the following reasons for why the priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to the Aaronic priesthood:

Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek; later, the Levites would receive tithes from their countrymen. Since Aaron was in Abraham's loins then, it was as if the Aaronic priesthood were paying tithes to Melchizedek. (Heb. 7:4-10)
The one who blesses is always greater than the one being blessed. Thus, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. As Levi was yet in the loins of Abraham, it follows that Melchizedek is greater than Levi. (Heb. 7:7-10)
If the priesthood of Aaron were effective, God would not have called a new priest in a different order in Psalm 110. (Heb. 7:11)
The basis of the Aaronic priesthood was ancestry; the basis of the priesthood of Melchizedek is everlasting life. That is, there is no interruption due to a priest's death. (Heb. 7:8,15-16,23-25)
Unlike the other high priests, Christ does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. (Heb. 7:26-27)
The priesthood of Melchizedek is more effective because it required a single sacrifice once and for all (Jesus), while the Levitical priesthood made endless sacrifices. (Heb. 7:27)
The Aaronic priests serve (or, rather, served) in an earthly copy and shadow of the heavenly Temple, which Jesus serves in. (Heb. 8:5)

The epistle goes on to say that the covenant of Jesus is superior to the covenant the Levitical priesthood is under. Some Christians hold that Melchizedek was a type of Christ, and some other Christians hold that Melchizedek indeed was Christ. Reasons provided include that Melchizedek's name means "king of righteousness" according to the author of Hebrews, and that being king of Salem makes Melchizedek the "king of peace". Heb. 7:3 states, "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he (Melchizedek) remains a priest forever." Melchizedek gave Abraham bread and wine, which Christians generally consider to pre-figure the Eucharist, being symbols or sacraments of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and perhaps a sacrifice to confirm a covenant.

Catholicism

Catholics believe that Melchizedek was a prefiguration of the priesthood of Christ(CCC 1544). In Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek offers a sacrifice of bread and wine. Catholics believe that Christ therefore fulfilled the prophecy of Ps 110:4, that he would be a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" at the Last Supper, when he initiated the sacrifice of the New Covenant with his disciples— his body and blood under the appearances of bread and wine. Melchizedek and his offering are explicitly referenced as a foreshadowing of the Sacrifice of the Mass in the liturgical prayers of the Roman Canon of the Catholic Mass. Catholic priests, in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, are priests inasmuch as they participate(CCC 1547) in the one priesthood of Christ according to the order of Melchizedek due to their ordination.

Latter Day Saint movement

Further information: Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)

In the Latter Day Saint movement, the Melchizedek priesthood is viewed as the priesthood authority of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, as well as Old Testament prophets, higher than that of the Aaronic authority of John the Baptist and of the Levites.

According to the Book of Mormon, the prophet Melchizedek preached repentance to the people of a wicked city, and established peace in the land. According to Alma 13:18, Melchizedek's efforts earned him the title "the prince of peace". Of particular importance is the parallel Hebrew meaning of "prince of peace" and "king of Salem", another of Melchizedek's titles, and his association with (or typology of) Jesus Christ, who is also called the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:2), as well as the Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14). Later, Melchizedek's people were, according to Joseph Smith, caught up, or "translated", to meet the city of Enoch (Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 14:34). The priesthood is referred to by the name of Melchizedek because he was such a great high priest (Doctrine & Covenants Section 107:2). The Doctrine and Covenants states that before Melchizedek's day the Priesthood "was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too-frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in the ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:3-4). Initially, the only Melchizedek Priesthood office in the Latter Day Saint movement was Elder. Later revelations extended the office complement to Seventy, High Priest, Patriarch and Apostle.

References

Israel's Messiah in the Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls – Richard S. Hess, M. Daniel Carroll, (2003), page 67: "However, many monarchs of the ancient Near East did participate in the cult to a degree that certainly exceeded the term. ...David clearly is connected to the priesthood, although it is the priesthood of Melchizedek rather than the priesthood of ..."
Adele Berlin, Religion and Politics in the Ancient Near East, (1996), page 59: "The fusion of names is common in the ancient Near East.(footnote 27). ...We might even wonder if the relationship of the names Melchizedek and Zadok is that of the king/priest stripped of its royalty (the root mlk) but retaining its sacerdotal function (the root sdq)."
Psalms 110 | NASB1995 Bible | YouVersion.
"SHEM - JewishEncyclopedia.com". www.jewishencyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2020-04-24.
Tractate Nedarim
This is based on the text שב לימיני with "Yemini" referring either to King Saul of the tribe of Benjamin (Binyamin) whom David was careful not to overthrow or to the Torah, as per it being referred to as "from his right hand – a fire of religion to them" in Deuteronomy (Targum Yonathan to Psalm 110).
Babylonian Talmud to Nedarim, p. 32
Zohar, vol. 3, p. 53b
Catechism of the Catholic Church Archived July 22, 2016, at the Wayback Machine: "The Christian tradition considers Melchizedek, 'priest of God Most High', as a prefiguration of the priesthood of Christ, the unique 'high priest after the order of Melchizedek'; 'holy, blameless, unstained',"

External links

WELS Topical Q&A: Hebrews 5:6 - Melchizedek's Importance? (Confessional Lutheran perspective)
Melchizedek priesthood in the theology of the Catholic Mass
Melchizedek Priesthood in the theology of the Latter-day Saints
Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Melchisedech" . Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.

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