Hebrews 7:1

¶ For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

For {G1063} this {G3778} Melchisedec {G3198}, king {G935} of Salem {G4532}, priest {G2409} of the most high {G5310} God {G2316}, who {G3588} met {G4876} Abraham {G11} returning {G5290} from {G575} the slaughter {G2871} of the kings {G935}, and {G2532} blessed {G2127} him {G846};

This Malki-Tzedek, king of Shalem, a cohen of God Ha‘Elyon, met Avraham on his way back from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him;

This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

Commentary

Hebrews 7:1 introduces the mysterious and highly significant figure of Melchizedek, whose encounter with Abraham is pivotal to the author's argument regarding the nature of Christ's priesthood. This verse sets the stage for a detailed exposition on why Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Levitical system.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse draws directly from the ancient narrative found in Genesis 14:18-20. Abraham, having just returned victorious from the "slaughter of the kings" (a military campaign to rescue his nephew Lot), is met by Melchizedek. This encounter predates the Mosaic Law and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood by centuries, highlighting Melchizedek's unique, pre-Law status. His appearance as both "king of Salem" (traditionally identified with Jerusalem) and "priest of the most high God" is extraordinary, as these roles were typically separate and later, within Israel, restricted to different tribes.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Melchizedek's Dual Office: He is presented as both a king and a priest, a combination not found in the Levitical system but prophetically fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
  • Superiority Over Abraham: The fact that Abraham, the patriarch and recipient of God's covenant promises, paid tithes to Melchizedek and was blessed by him, signifies Melchizedek's greater authority. This forms the basis for the author's argument in subsequent verses that Melchizedek's priesthood (and thus Christ's) is superior to the Aaronic priesthood, which descended from Abraham through Levi.
  • Foreshadowing of Christ: Melchizedek serves as a profound type or foreshadowing of Jesus. The author of Hebrews will elaborate on this, connecting Melchizedek's seemingly eternal nature (without recorded beginning or end) to Christ's eternal priesthood, as prophesied in Psalm 110:4.

Linguistic Insights

  • The name Melchisedec (Greek: Melchisedek) is derived from the Hebrew Malki-Tzedek, meaning "My King is Righteousness" or "King of Righteousness." This title powerfully points to Christ, who is our righteousness.
  • Salem comes from the Hebrew Shalem, meaning "peace." Thus, Melchizedek is both "King of Righteousness" and "King of Peace," attributes perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ.
  • "Priest of the most high God" translates the Hebrew title El Elyon, emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty and transcendence above all other gods or powers.

Practical Application

Hebrews 7:1 provides the foundational understanding for recognizing the unique and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. It teaches us that God's plan for salvation, including the role of a perfect High Priest, was foreshadowed long before the Mosaic Law. This understanding assures believers of Christ's unparalleled authority and His ability to intercede on our behalf, securing a better covenant established on better promises. It encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, our great High Priest, who is both King and Priest of righteousness and peace.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 14:18 (18 votes)

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

  • Genesis 14:20 (18 votes)

    And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

  • Psalms 57:2 (7 votes)

    I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me.

  • Hebrews 6:20 (7 votes)

    Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

  • Micah 6:6 (7 votes)

    ¶ Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

  • Mark 5:7 (6 votes)

    And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

  • Daniel 5:18 (5 votes)

    O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: