Genesis 14:18

KJV

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the priest of the most high God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Melchizedek {H4442} king {H4428} of Salem {H8004} brought forth {H3318} bread {H3899} and wine {H3196}: and he was the priest {H3548} of the most high {H5945} God {H410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Malki-Tzedek king of Shalem brought out bread and wine. He was cohen of El 'Elyon [God Most High],

Berean Standard Bible

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High—

American Standard Version

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 14:18](/genesis/14-18 "Melchizedek's Appearance and Offering") introduces Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, who appears suddenly to bless Abraham after his military victory, bringing forth bread and wine. This brief, yet profound, encounter highlights a unique king-priest figure outside the Levitical system, foreshadowing the superior and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows [Abraham's triumphant return from rescuing Lot](/genesis/14-17 "Abraham's return from battle in Genesis 14:17") and defeating the confederate kings led by Chedorlaomer. As Abraham (then Abram) comes back victorious, two kings go out to meet him: the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, king of Salem. This unexpected encounter with Melchizedek interrupts the narrative, drawing significant attention to his unique role and offering, setting the stage for Abraham's tithe and blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 14:18](/genesis/14-18 "Melchizedek's Appearance and Offering") presents Melchizedek as a figure of immense theological significance, embodying a rare combination of roles and titles:

* **The King-Priest Figure:** Melchizedek holds the dual office of "king of Salem" and "priest of the Most High God." This combination is highly unusual in the Old Testament, where kingship (typically Davidic) and priesthood (Levitical) were distinct and often separated by divine decree. His name, "Melchizedek" (Hebrew: *Malki-Tzedeq*), means "My King is Righteousness" or "King of Righteousness." His city, "Salem" (Hebrew: *Shalem*), means "peace" or "completeness," and is generally understood to be the ancient name for Jerusalem. Thus, he is presented as the "King of Righteousness and King of Peace," titles that resonate deeply with the character of Christ.

* **Divine Provision and Blessing:** Melchizedek "brought forth bread and wine." These elements are simple yet profound, signifying sustenance, peace, and communion. While not explicitly stated as a sacrificial offering, their presentation to Abraham, followed by Melchizedek's blessing, suggests a priestly act of hospitality and divine provision. This act of bringing bread and wine holds a powerful typological resonance with the [elements of the New Covenant meal](/luke/22-19 "Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper") instituted by Jesus.

* **The Priesthood of _El Elyon_:** Melchizedek is identified as "the priest of the most high God." The Hebrew title, *El Elyon* (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן), means "God Most High." This ancient title emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and exalted position above all other gods and earthly powers. Melchizedek's priesthood is not tied to a specific lineage (like the later Levitical priesthood) or an earthly temple, but directly to this universal, supreme deity. This highlights a pre-Mosaic, universal recognition of God's ultimate authority, and underscores that Abraham's victory and blessings ultimately originate from this divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Universal Priesthood:** Melchizedek's priesthood predates the Mosaic Law and the Aaronic lineage, suggesting a broader, more universal concept of divine appointment and worship not confined to a specific tribe or nation.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The title *El Elyon* underscores God's absolute supremacy over all creation, nations, and human endeavors, including military victories. It reminds us that all blessings and authority ultimately flow from Him.
* **Anticipation of a Superior Order:** Melchizedek's unique king-priest status hints at a divine order that transcends the later, distinct roles of king and priest in Israel, pointing towards a future, unified office.
* **God's Mysterious Working:** Melchizedek's sudden appearance and disappearance in the biblical narrative demonstrate God's ability to work through unexpected individuals and channels to accomplish His purposes and bless His chosen people.
* **The Nature of Blessing and Tithe:** Melchizedek's blessing of Abraham (recorded in [Genesis 14:19](/genesis/14-19 "Melchizedek's blessing of Abraham")) and Abraham's subsequent tithe to him (recorded in [Genesis 14:20](/genesis/14-20 "Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek")) establish a pattern of recognizing and honoring divine authority and provision.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The enigmatic figure of Melchizedek in [Genesis 14:18](/genesis/14-18 "Melchizedek's Appearance and Offering") serves as a powerful reminder that God's plan unfolds in mysterious and unexpected ways, often through individuals who transcend conventional categories. His encounter with Abraham teaches us to recognize and honor divine authority wherever it appears, even outside familiar systems. Just as Abraham received spiritual sustenance and blessing from Melchizedek, believers today are called to acknowledge the source of all true provision and peace as coming from the Most High God. This encounter encourages us to look beyond earthly structures and lineages to discern God's sovereign hand at work, preparing the way for His ultimate King and Priest.

### FAQ

**Who was Melchizedek and why is his appearance so brief yet significant?**

Answer: Melchizedek was the king of Salem and a priest of *El Elyon*, the Most High God. His appearance is brief because his primary role in the narrative is typological—to serve as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. His significance lies in his unique dual role as king and priest, his pre-Levitical priesthood, and his blessing of Abraham, which establishes his superiority and points to a greater, eternal priesthood.

**What is the significance of Melchizedek bringing bread and wine?**

Answer: The act of bringing bread and wine signifies sustenance, peace, and communion. While not explicitly a sacrifice, it is a priestly act of hospitality and provision. Theologically, it is highly significant as it prefigures the elements of the New Covenant meal (the Lord's Supper) instituted by Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of Melchizedek's priesthood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Melchizedek is widely understood as a profound "type" or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, whose ministry fully embodies and transcends Melchizedek's unique characteristics. As the "King of Righteousness" and "King of Peace" (from his name and city), Melchizedek points directly to Christ as the [King of Righteousness and Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Jesus as the Prince of Peace"). The New Testament book of Hebrews extensively develops this connection, arguing that Jesus' priesthood is "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 5:6](/hebrews/5-6 "Jesus as a priest in the order of Melchizedek"))—a priesthood that is eternal, superior to the Levitical system, and combines both kingship and priesthood. Just as Melchizedek blessed Abraham and received tithes, Christ, our eternal High Priest and King, offers us ultimate blessing, spiritual sustenance (symbolized by bread and wine), and peace through His New Covenant, to whom all believers owe their ultimate allegiance and worship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.