We believe that Jesus is the true King. Both St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary were descendants of King David, from the tribe of Judah. Additionally, we acknowledge that Jesus is also a High Priest. However, if He is a priest, He must be from the tribe of Levi, which was tasked with the religious leadership of the Jewish people. Historically, no Israelite king ever served as a high priest, as the roles of king and priest were always held by separate individuals. So, how could Jesus fulfill both roles as King and Priest? The answer lies in Psalm 110, which foretold that the Messiah would be a priest, not from the line of Levi, but from the order of Melchizedek.
“Yahweh has sworn an oath he will never retract, you are a priest forever of the order of Melchizedek.” – Psalm 110:4
In Genesis, a mysterious priest-king was introduced when Abram (Abraham) came from a battle to save his nephew Lot.
“When Abram returned from defeating Chedor-Laomer and the kings who had been on his side, the king of Sodom came to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the Valley of the King). Melchizedek king of Salem brought bread and wine; he was a priest of God Most High. He pronounced this blessing: Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High for putting your enemies into your clutches. And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” – Genesis 17-20 (New Jerusalem Bible)
St. Paul also discusses the order of Melchizedek in Hebrews chapter 7, where he explores how Melchizedek serves as a prefigure of Jesus. The chapter covers the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood, the change in the law, and the perfection brought by Jesus. St. Paul asserts that Christ, as the perfect priest, ensures a new and superior covenant.
There has been much discussion and debate regarding the true identity of the high priest Melchizedek mentioned in Genesis. Some scholars have suggested that he may be an angel from heaven. However, in biblical history and oral tradition, angels were never portrayed or regarded as kings; they were primarily seen as messengers of God.
Jewish Oral Tradition holds that the Melchizedek mentioned in the Bible is Shem, the eldest son of Noah. According to Shem’s genealogy, he outlives Abraham, which helps explain the transfer of blessings from Noah to Shem to Abraham. Melchizedek served as a priest during the patriarchal era, long before the birth of Levi and his descendants. Perhaps, Melchizedek represents a priest in the order of the first-born sons. Some suggest that “Melchizedek” is not a specific name but rather a title. The Hebrew word “Melchi” means “King of”, while “Zedek” means “righteousness,” and “Salem” means “peace.” Therefore, the phrase “Melchizedek, the king of Salem” can also be interpreted as “The King of Righteousness, the King of Peace.”
At that time, the location of the kingdom of Salem was unknown. Some suggest it refers to Jerusalem, but historical records show that Jerusalem was not a kingdom at that time, and if it was, it was far from being peaceful. It’s possible that Salem was a kingdom that could not be found on earth. If that’s the case, Melchizedek may not have been merely a person but rather a Righteous King, with no beginning and no end. When considering this, only one Being comes to mind. Does this imply that the Melchizedek who blessed Abram is, in fact, Jesus Christ? This author believe so, as Jesus Himself testifies:
“Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my Day; he saw it and was glad. The Jews then said, ‘You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!’ Jesus replied: In all truth I tell you, before Abraham ever was, I am.”
– John 8:56-58
The bread and wine that the Righteous Priest-King offered to Abram was the precursor of the Holy Eucharist. Throughout salvation history, the People of God have always had priests to mediate between God and humanity. In the Old Covenant, priests offered lambs as sacrifices for the atonement of sin. However, in the New Covenant, Jesus does not offer sheep or perform a bloody animal sacrifice; instead, He offers His own body and blood on the Cross. He is the Lamb of God.
Whether or not Melchizedek is an angel, Shem or Jesus Himself, one thing is clear – that the Messiah would be a priest in the order of Melchizedek and the prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus Christ – the ‘One mediator between God and men”.
