The Mystery of the Melchizedek Priesthood: Exploring Its Origins and Significance
Introduction
The figure of Melchizedek, mentioned briefly in the Old Testament, holds a profound mystery that extends into the New Testament. This post explores the origins of the Melchizedek priesthood and its significance, particularly in relation to Yeshua’s eternal priesthood.
Who Was Melchizedek?
Scriptural Reference: Genesis 14:18-20
- “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.”
Description: Melchizedek appears as the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. He blesses Abram and receives tithes from him, establishing a priestly order separate from the Levitical priesthood.
Significance: Melchizedek’s dual role as king and priest and his blessing of Abram signify a unique and superior priesthood.
The Melchizedek Priesthood in Psalms
Scriptural Reference: Psalm 110:4
- “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Description: This prophetic psalm, attributed to David, speaks of an eternal priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, pointing forward to the Messiah.
Significance: The mention of Melchizedek in this psalm establishes a connection between his priesthood and the coming Messiah, emphasizing its eternal nature.
Yeshua and the Melchizedek Priesthood
Scriptural Reference: Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:1-17
- “As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
- “Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek.”
- “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Description: The book of Hebrews expounds on the significance of Yeshua being a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. Unlike the Levitical priests, Yeshua’s priesthood is eternal and based on the power of an indestructible life.
Significance: Yeshua’s association with the Melchizedek priesthood highlights His eternal and superior priesthood, which provides a more perfect mediation between God and humanity.
The Superiority of the Melchizedek Priesthood
Scriptural Reference: Hebrews 7:4-10
- “Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 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.”
Description: The writer of Hebrews argues for the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood, based on the fact that Abraham, the ancestor of Levi, gave tithes to Melchizedek and was blessed by him.
Significance: This establishes that the Melchizedek priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood, reinforcing Yeshua’s superior role as high priest.
The Eternal Priesthood
Scriptural Reference: Hebrews 7:15-17
- “And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Description: Yeshua’s priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is based on the power of an endless life, making it eternal and unchangeable.
Significance: The eternal nature of Yeshua’s priesthood assures believers of a perfect and perpetual mediator who intercedes for them continually.
Practical Implications for Believers
Spiritual Significance:
- Assurance of Salvation: Yeshua’s eternal priesthood provides believers with assurance of salvation and ongoing intercession.
- Access to God: As a high priest after the order of Melchizedek, Yeshua grants believers direct access to God, removing the barriers that existed under the old covenant.
- Spiritual Authority: Believers can draw confidence from Yeshua’s superior priesthood, knowing that He reigns with authority and mediates on their behalf.
Conclusion
The mystery of the Melchizedek priesthood reveals profound truths about Yeshua’s role as our eternal high priest. By understanding this priesthood, believers can gain deeper insights into the nature of Yeshua’s ministry and the assurance it provides for our faith and salvation.
