Blessed by Melchizedek

 Led by God, Blessed by a Priest

Foreshadowing Christ 

The Priest-King of Salem

Finding Christ in Melchizedek

The Mystery of Melchizedek

Learning from Abram’s Worship

Tithing and Trust

A Reflection on Melchizedek’s Blessing 

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” — Genesis 14:18-20 (NIV)

Genesis 14 introduces us to the intriguing figure of Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High (El Elyon). He appears suddenly in the narrative, blesses Abram, and then vanishes just as mysteriously. This brief but profound encounter offers rich theological insights about God’s blessing, priesthood, and Abram’s faith.

1. Melchizedek: A King and Priest

Melchizedek is described as both a king and a priest—an unusual combination in the biblical world, where kings and priests typically held distinct roles. His dual office prefigures Jesus Christ, who is described in Hebrews 7:17 as “a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Melchizedek’s priesthood points to a greater, eternal priesthood, fulfilled in Christ.

Matthew Henry notes:

“Melchizedek, though he was a king, did not think it beneath him to be the priest of the Most High God. It was an honor to Abram to be blessed by such a person, but a greater honor to Melchizedek to be a type of Christ.”

Melchizedek’s blessing of Abram signifies that he represents God’s authority and favor, confirming Abram’s role in God’s redemptive plan.

2. Bread and Wine: Symbols of Fellowship

Melchizedek offers Abram bread and wine, symbols of refreshment and fellowship. These elements later become significant in the New Testament, representing Christ’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20). This act of sharing bread and wine foreshadows the covenant relationship believers have with God through Christ.

Alexander Maclaren observes:

“Melchizedek comes with no sword but with bread and wine, symbols of peace and sustenance. He foreshadows the King of Peace, who nourishes His people with heavenly food.”

3. God Most High: The Source of Blessing

Melchizedek blesses Abram in the name of God Most High, emphasizing God’s sovereignty as the Creator and Sustainer of all. The blessing acknowledges that Abram’s recent victory over the kings was not by his own might but through God’s power.

Charles Spurgeon reflects on this:

“Abram was great in the battle, but he was greater still in his dependence on the Most High God. The blessing of Melchizedek reminded him that it was God who gave him the victory.”

This moment reminds us that all our successes come from God’s hand. In moments of triumph, we are called to give glory to God, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of our blessings.

4. Abram’s Response: Giving a Tenth

In response to Melchizedek’s blessing, Abram gives him a tenth of everything. This act of giving a tithe demonstrates Abram’s gratitude and recognition of God’s sovereignty. It is an acknowledgment that all he has belongs to God, and it sets a precedent for tithing as an act of worship.

Eugene Peterson paraphrases it in The Message:

“Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the plunder—a symbolic act of faith, honoring God who gave the victory.”

Abram’s tithe reflects a heart of worship and surrender. He recognizes that material wealth is secondary to spiritual blessing and that God’s favor is his true treasure.

Application for Today

1. Recognize God as the Source of Victory: Just as Abram was reminded that his victory came from God, we are called to acknowledge God as the source of our successes and blessings.

2. Honor God with Our Resources: Abram’s act of giving a tenth reminds us of the importance of offering back to God a portion of what He has given us, whether through our time, talents, or material resources.

3. Look to Christ, Our Eternal Priest: Melchizedek’s role as a priest-king points us to Jesus, who is our eternal High Priest. Through Christ, we have peace with God and access to His sustaining grace.

4. Live with Gratitude and Faith: Abram’s response to God’s blessing was one of gratitude and faith. In our own lives, we are called to respond to God’s goodness with thankful hearts and a willingness to trust Him fully.

Conclusion

The encounter between Abram and Melchizedek in Genesis 14 is rich with spiritual meaning. Melchizedek’s blessing highlights God’s sovereign provision and reminds us to live in gratitude, offering back to God what He has entrusted to us. This passage also points us forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King of Peace and our eternal High Priest, who nourishes and sustains us with His life.

As Charles Spurgeon beautifully said,

“Blessed is the man who knows that he owes all to the Most High God, who is possessor of heaven and earth.”

Prayer

Lord, we thank You for being the Most High God, the source of all our victories and blessings. Teach us to acknowledge Your hand in all we do and to respond with grateful hearts. Help us to honor You with our lives and to trust in Your eternal provision. Thank You for Jesus, our eternal Priest, who brings us peace and sustains us with His grace. May we live each day in humble dependence on You. Amen.