Difference between revisions of "Melchizedek" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[File:Melchizedek Blesses Abram (Dalziels' Bible Gallery) MET DP835806.jpg|thumb|250px|Melchizedek blesses Abraham]]
[[Image:Meeting of abraham and melchizadek.jpg|thumb|200px|''Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek''—by [[Dirk Bouts|Dieric Bouts the Elder]], 1464–67]]
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'''Melchizedek''', sometimes written '''Malchizedek''', '''Melchisedec''', etc., is a figure mentioned in the [[Book of Genesis]] who shared a sacramental meal with [[Abraham]] after the [[patriarch]]'s military victory over a coalition of kings who had taken Abraham's nephew [[Lot]] prisoner. Called a priest of "God Most High," Melchizedek was the king of Salem, later called [[Jerusalem]]. He blessed Abraham and received a tenth of his battle spoils.
'''Melchizedek''' or '''Malki-tzédek''' ('''מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק''' / '''מַלְכִּי־צָדֶק''', [[Standard Hebrew]] '''Malki-ẓédeq''' / '''Malki-ẓádeq''', [[Tiberian Hebrew]] '''Malkî-ṣéḏeq''' / '''Malkî-ṣāḏeq'''), sometimes written '''Malchizedek''', '''Melchisedec''', '''Melchisedech''', '''Melchisedek''' or '''Melkisedek''', is a figure mentioned by various sects of both [[Christian]] and [[Judaic]] traditions. He is commemorated as one of the Holy Forefathers in the [[Calendar of Saints (Armenian Apostolic Church)|Calendar of Saints]] of the [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] on July 30.
 
  
==Name and titles==
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Various legends grew up around the mysterious figure of Melchizedek in both [[Christian]] and [[Judaic]] traditions. In rabbinical tradition he is a holy man whose blessing resulted in great fortune for Abraham, while in Christianity his priesthood is seen as the forerunner of the Christian "new covenant," superseding that of the [[Levite]] priesthood. He is commemorated in the [[Calendar of Saints (Armenian Apostolic Church)|Calendar of Saints]] of the [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] on July 30.
Melchizedek's name can be translated (from [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]) either as ''[[Zedek]] is my king'' or as ''My king is righteous''. The former, which treats ''Zedek'' as a [[proper noun]], is the translation favoured by most [[Biblical criticism|biblical scholars]],{{Fact|date=February 2007}} and refers to a Canaanite deity with that name. In Genesis, Melchizedek is also referred to as ''king of Salem'' (generally believed to be ancient [[Jerusalem]]), and ''[[priest]] of [[El Elyon]]''. Though traditionally ''El-Elyon'' is translated as ''most high [[God]]'', and interpreted as a reference to [[Yahweh]] (by tradition) or [[El (god)|El]] (by some scholars), other scholars believe that it refers to Zedek - regarding ''El Elyon'' as referring to '''the''' ''most high god'', and using Melchizedek's name as the indicator of who the deity was. <ref>[[Jewish Encyclopedia]], ''Melchizedek''</ref>
 
  
If the majority of scholars are right in taking the name as a reference to Zedek, then it would imply that Zedek was the main [[deity]] worshipped at [[Salem]] at that time. Jerusalem is plausibly referred to as ''city of Zedek'' ''(ir ha-zedek)'' in the [[Book of Isaiah]]<ref>{{Bibleverse||Isaiah|1:21&ndash;26|HE}} - Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref>, as well as ''home of Zedek'' ''(neweh zedek)'' in the [[Book of Jeremiah]]<ref>{{Bibleverse||Jeremiah|31:23|HE}} - Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref> and as ''gates of Zedek'' (''sha'are zedek'') in the [[Book of Psalms]]<ref>{{Bibleverse||Psalm|118:19|HE}} - Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref>, though it is also true that in each of these cases ''zedek'' is traditionally translated as ''righteous'' (as in ''city of righteousness'').<ref>[[Jewish Encyclopedia]], ibid</ref>
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==Biblical narrative==
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Melchizedek's name can be translated (from [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]) either as "[[Zedek]] is my king" or as "My king is righteous." The former, which treats ''Zedek'' as a [[proper noun]], refers to a [[Canaanite]] or other semitic deity with that name. The term appears again in the [[Hebrew Bible]] in the name of the [[Jebusite]] king [[Adonizedek]] ("My Lord is Zedek") who led a coalition of five of the neighboring [[Amorite]] rulers to resist the invasion of [[Joshua]], but was defeated at [[Gibeon]]. The planet [[Jupiter]] is called Zedek in Hebrew [[astronomy]]. Zedek, as worshiped by the Jebusites, may have been identical with [[El]] (אל), who was also Abraham's God, identified with [[Yahweh]]. In this case, Zedek ("The Righteous") would simply be a prominent epithet, just as "The Almighty," "Most High," or "The Holy One" might be. The name of [[Zadok]], the Israelite priest, is related to the same root semitic word as Zedek.
  
==Biblical Narrative==
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In Genesis 14, Melchizedek is also referred to as ''King of Salem'', generally believed to be ancient [[Jerusalem]]) the fortress city of the Jebusites. He is also identified as the ''[[priest]] of [[El Elyon]]''. Though traditionally ''El-Elyon'' is translated as ''most high [[God]]'', and is usually interpreted as a reference to [[Yahweh]]/[[El]], some scholars believe that it refers to Zedek as a distinct deity from El.
[[Image:Melchizedek SM Maggiore.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Statue of Melchizedek.  [[Santa Maria Maggiore]], [[Rome]].]]
 
In the [[Tanakh]], Melchizedek brought bread and wine to [[Abraham]] (then called Abram) after Abraham's victory over the four kings (led by [[Chedorlaomer]]) who had besieged [[Sodom and Gomorrah]] and had taken Abraham's nephew [[Lot (biblical)|Lot]] prisoner. Melchizedek is also described as blessing Abraham in the name of ''El Elyon'' (see ''name and titles'' section for identification of ''El Elyon''), and in return for these favours, Abraham gave Melchizedek a [[tithe]], from the spoils gained in the battle.<ref>{{Bibleverse||Genesis|14:18-20|HE}} - Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref>
 
  
Proponents of the [[Documentary hypothesis]] view the Melchizedek narrative ({{Bibleverse||Genesis|14:18-20|HE}}) as a fragment from a once independent tradition concerning Jerusalem, that the [[Yahwist]] inserted awkwardly into the surrounding narrative concerning the battle. They believe that it would be more historically realistic for Melchizedek himself, as the king of Jerusalem, to have been involved in the battle, and to have had a legitimate right to the portion of the spoils by virtue of this, rather than just by virtue of the favours given to Abraham as the Genesis narrative would have it. They also believe that the Yahwist inserted Abraham into this tradition to symbolically portray the king of Jerusalem as being inferior to Abraham, by it being Abraham who gives a portion of spoils to the king rather than the other way round. <ref>''Peake's commentary on the Bible'', section 156d, 157c,d</ref> 
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[[Image:Meeting of abraham and melchizadek.jpg|thumb|200px|''Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek''—by [[Dirk Bouts|Dieric Bouts the Elder]], 1464&ndash;1467]]
  
===Classical Rabbinical interpretation===
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Melchizedek brought bread and wine to [[Abraham]] (then called Abram) after Abraham's victory over the four kings who had besieged the cities of [[Sodom and Gomorrah]] and taken Abraham's nephew [[Lot (biblical)|Lot]] prisoner. Melchizedek blessed Abraham in the name of ''El Elyon'', and in return for these favors, Abraham gave Melchizedek a [[tithe]] from the spoils gained in the battle.<ref>Proponents of the [[Documentary hypothesis]] view the Melchizedek narrative ({{Bibleverse||Genesis|14:18-20|HE}}) as a fragment from a once independent tradition concerning [[Jerusalem]], inserted into the surrounding narrative concerning the battle.</ref> <ref>[http://www.mechon-mamre.org Mechon Mamre], mechon-mamre.com, 2008. Retrieved February 18, 2008.</ref>
In the [[Midrash]], the [[Rabbi]]s identified Melchizedek with [[Shem]] son of [[Noah]]. (E.g., Babylonian [[Talmud]] Nedarim 32b; [[Genesis Rabba]]h 46:7; Genesis Rabbah 56:10; [[Leviticus Rabbah]] 25:6; [[Numbers Rabbah]] 4:8.)  Rabbi Isaac the Babylonian said that Melchizedek was born circumcised. (Genesis Rabbah 43:6.)  Melchizedek called Jerusalem “Salem.” (Genesis Rabbah 56:10.)  The Rabbis said that Melchizedek instructed Abraham in the [[Torah]]. (Genesis Rabbah 43:6.)  Rabbi Eleazar said that Melchizedek’s school was one of three places where the Holy Spirit manifested itself. (Babylonian Talmud Makkot 23b.)  The Rabbis taught that Melchizedek acted as a [[kohen|priest]] and handed down [[Adam and Eve|Adam’s]] robes to Abraham. (Numbers Rabbah 4:8.)  Rabbi Zechariah said on Rabbi Ishmael’s authority that God intended to bring forth the priesthood through Melchizedek’s descendants, but because Melchizedek blessed Abraham before he blessed God (in {{Bibleverse||Gen.|14:19-20|HE}}), God brought the priesthood forth from Abraham’s descendants. (Babylonian Talmud Nedarim 32b; see also Leviticus Rabbah 25:6 (crediting Rabbi Ishamel).
 
  
Rabbi Judah said in Rabbi Nehorai's name that Melchizedek’s blessing yielded prosperity for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Genesis Rabbah 43:8.)  Ephraim Miksha'ah the disciple of Rabbi Meir said in the latter's name that [[Tamar (Bible)|Tamar]] descended from Melchizedek. (Genesis Rabbah 85:10.)
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A further reference to Melchizek is found in Psalm 110:
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{{cquote|The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."|20px|}}
  
Rabbi Hana bar Bizna citing Rabbi Simeon Hasida identified Melchizedek as one of the four craftsmen of whom [[Zechariah (Hebrew prophet)|Zechariah]] wrote in {{Bibleverse||Zechariah|2:3.|HE}} (Babylonian Talmud Sukkah 52b; see also [[Shir ha-Shirim Rabbah|Song of Songs Rabbah]] 2:33 (crediting Rabbi Berekiah in the name of Rabbi Isaac).)  The Talmud teaches that [[David]] wrote the Book of [[Psalms]], including in it the work of the elders, including Melchizedek (in {{Bibleverse||Psalm|110|HE}}). (Babylonian Talmud Baba Batra 14b-15a.)
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==Rabbinical tradition==
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Rabbinical tradition concerning Melchizek is a rich one. Some ancient rabbis identify Melchizedek with [[Shem]] son of [[Noah]], for if the biblical chronology is taken literally, Noah was still living in Abraham's day (e.g., Babylonian [[Talmud]] Nedarim 32b; [[Genesis Rabba]]h 46:7; Genesis Rabbah 56:10; [[Leviticus Rabbah]] 25:6; [[Numbers Rabbah]] 4:8). Rabbi Isaac the Babylonian said that Melchizedek was born circumcised (Genesis Rabbah 43:6) Melchizedek instructed Abraham in the [[Torah]] ''(ibid)''. Rabbi Eleazar said that Melchizedek’s school was one of three places where the [[Holy Spirit]] manifested itself (Makkot 23b). Melchizedek acted as a [[kohen|priest]] and handed down [[Adam and Eve|Adam’s]] robes to Abraham (Numbers Rabbah 4:8). Rabbi Zechariah said, on Rabbi Ishmael’s authority, held that God intended to bring forth the priesthood through Melchizedek’s descendants, but because Melchizedek blessed Abraham before he blessed God, God brought the priesthood forth from Abraham’s descendants (Nedarim 32b; see also Leviticus Rabbah 25:6).  
  
The [[Zohar]] finds in “Melchizedek king of Salem” a reference to “the King Who rules with complete sovereignty,” or according to another explanation, that “Melchizedek” alludes to the lower world and “king of Salem” to the upper world. (Zohar 1:86b-87a.)
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Rabbi Judah said that Melchizedek’s blessing yielded prosperity for Abraham, [[Isaac]], and [[Jacob]] (Genesis Rabbah 43:8). Ephraim Miksha'ah, the disciple of Rabbi Meir, opined that [[Tamar]] descended from Melchizedek (Genesis Rabbah 85:10). Rabbi Hana bar Bizna identified Melchizedek as one of the four craftsmen of whom the prophet [[Zechariah (Hebrew prophet)|Zechariah]] wrote in {{Bibleverse||Zechariah|2:3|HE}} (Sukkah 52b). Moreover, when [[David]] wrote the Book of [[Psalms]], he included in the work of Melchizedek in {{Bibleverse||Psalm|110|HE}} (Baba Batra 14b-15a).
  
===The Melchizedek Priesthood and Christianity===
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The the later kabbalistic text, the [[Zohar]], finds in “Melchizedek king of Salem” a mystical reference to “the King Who rules with complete sovereignty,” or according to another explanation, that “Melchizedek” alludes to the lower world and “king of Salem” to the upper world (Zohar 1:86b-87a).
{{main|Melchizedek Priesthood (Christianity)}}
 
  
[[Christianity|Christians]] believe that [[Jesus of Nazareth|Jesus]] is the [[Messiah]] spoken of as "a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" ({{Bibleverse||Ps.|110:4|HE}}), and so Jesus plays the role of High Priest once and for all. Jesus is considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek because, like Melchizedek, Jesus was not a [[Levite]], and thus would not qualify for the Levitical priesthood (Heb. 7:13-17).
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==Melchizedek and Christianity==
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[[Image:Melchizedek SM Maggiore.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Statue of Melchizedek.  [[Santa Maria Maggiore]], [[Rome]].]]
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The author of the [[Epistle to the Hebrews]] characterized Christ as "a priest after the order of Melchizedek," who brought to a close the era of the [[Levite]] priesthood and offered himself as a sacrifice "once and for all." Consequently, [[Christianity|Christians]] often believe that [[Jesus]] plays the role of High Priest in the "new covenant," which supersedes and may even replace the "old covenant" centered on [[Abraham]] and [[Moses]].
  
===Latter-day Saint Beliefs Concerning Melchizedek===
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Christians believe that Jesus is the [[Messiah]], and ''Hebrews'' teaches that it is he who was spoken of as "a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" in Psalm 110:4. Jesus is considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek because, like Melchizedek, Jesus was not a Levite, and thus would not qualify for the [[Levite|Levitical]] priesthood (Heb. 7:13-17). ''[[Hebrews]]'' discusses this subject considerably, listing the following reasons why Jesus' priesthood is superior to the [[Aaron]]ic/Levitical priesthood:
  
[[The Book of Mormon]] of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] describes the work of Melchizedek in Salem in Alma 13:17-18. According to Alma, Melchizedek was King over the wicked people of Salem, but because of his righteousness, his people repented of their wickedness and became a peaceful city.
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*1. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek; later, the Levites would receive tithes from their countrymen. Since Aaron was in Abraham's loins then, it was as if the Aaronic priesthood were paying tithes to Melchizedek (Heb. 7:4-10).
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*2. The one who blesses is greater than the one being blessed. Thus, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. It follows that Melchizedek is also greater than Levi (Heb. 7:7-10).
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*3. If the priesthood of Aaron were effective, God would not have called a new priest in a different order in [[Psalm 110]]. (Heb. 7:11)
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*4. The basis of the Aaronic priesthood was ancestry; the basis of the priesthood of Melchizedek is everlasting life; it does not end due to a priest's death (Heb. 7:8,15-16,23-25).
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*5. Christ, being sinless, does not need a sacrifice for his own sins, as do the Levite priests (Heb. 7:26-27).
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*6. The priesthood of Jesus/Melchizedek is more effective because it requires a single sacrifice once and for all, while the Levitical priesthood made endless sacrifices (Heb. 7:27).
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*7. The Aaronic priests serve in an earthly copy and shadow of the heavenly Temple, in which Jesus serves (Heb. 8:5).
  
Also, in [[Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible|Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible]], Melchizedek is described as "a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions." Because of his fear of God, Melchizedek was "ordained an high priest." The Translation also describes Melchizedek as establishing peace in his city and being called "the king of heaven" and "the King of peace" (JST Bible Gen 14:25-40).
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The epistle emphasizes that the covenant of Jesus is superior to the "old covenant" in which the Levitical priesthood served. Some Christians hold that Melchizedek was a type of Christ, and some even believe that Melchizedek indeed was Christ, since Jesus pre-existed his birth. Reasons provided include that Melchizedek's name means "king of righteousness" according to the author of Hebrews, and that being king of Salem makes Melchizedek the "king of peace." Hebrews 7:3 states, "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he (Melchizedek) remains a priest forever." Melchizedek gave Abraham bread and wine, which Christians consider symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrifice to confirm a covenant.
  
Other Latter-day Saint views on Melchizedek closely match the King James Bible. They focus heavily on Melchizedek as having the [[Melchizedek Priesthood]] named after him.
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===Latter-day Saints and Melchizedek===
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[[The Book of Mormon]] of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] describes the work of Melchizedek in ''Alma'' 13:17-18. According to this tradition, Melchizedek was king over the wicked people of Salem, but because of his righteousness, his people repented of their wickedness and became a peaceful city.
  
== Shem and Melchizedek ==
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Also, in [[Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible|Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible]], Melchizedek is described as "a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions." Because of his fear of God, Melchizedek was "ordained a high priest." This translation also describes Melchizedek as establishing peace in his city and being called "the king of heaven" and "the King of peace" (JST Bible Gen 14:25-40).
  
Shem lived five hundred years after fathering Arkpasad, and then died at the age of six hundred (Gen. 11:10, 11).  Therefore, his death took place thirteen years after the death of Sarah (1881 B.C.E.) and ten years after Rebecca and Isaac married (1878 B.C.E.) In that light, it has been opined that it is possible that Shem might have been Melchizedek (which does translate to King of Righteousness), the priest-king to whom Abraham paid tithes (Gen 14: 18-20).
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Other Latter-day Saint views on Melchizedek closely focus heavily on Melchizedek as having the [[Melchizedek Priesthood]] named after him. The Melchizedek Priesthood is a central concept in Latter Day Saints spirituality. There are five office in this priesthood:  
  
==Gnostic Revelations==
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*'''Apostles''' direct the calling of Patriarchs and may ordain persons to all other offices and callings in the church. The president of the Church must be an Apostle.
A collection of early Gnostic scripts found in 1945, known as the [[Nag Hammadi]] Library, contains a tractate pertaining to Melchizedek. Here it is revealed that Melchizedek ''is'' Jesus Christ<ref>Robinson et al, 1978, "The Nag Hammadi Library".</ref>. Melchizedek, as Jesus Christ, lives, preaches, dies and is resurrected.
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*The '''Seventy''' are "Especial witnesses" of Jesus Christ; called to preach the gospel to the world. The may serve as general directors or regional authorities.
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*'''Patriarchs''' are married holders of the Melchizedek priesthood, normally at least 55 years old, authorized to give patriarchal blessings to Latter-day Saints.
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*'''High Priests''' are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Saints. These are the local leaders and may serve in a bishopric, stake presidency, high council, or temple presidency etc. They may ordain other High Priests and Elders.
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*'''Elders''' are the lowest rank. They must be at least 18–years–old. They confer the gift of the Holy Ghost, give blessings by the laying on of hands, ordain other elders, and have all the rights of the Aaronic priesthood.
  
==Confusion over Melchizedek's lineage==
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== Other traditions==
{{See also|List of people who have claimed to be immortal}}
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According to Genesis, Shem lived the age of 600 years (Gen. 11:10, 11). Therefore, his death took place 13 years after the death of Sarah and ten years after [[Rebecca]] and [[Isaac]] married. This literal interpretation of the biblical chronology leads some Christians, as well as several ancient rabbis, to believe that Shem might have been Melchizedek.
  
Hebrews 7:3 creates some confusion between denominations regarding Melchizedek's nature and background. This is how it stands in the KJV, describing Melchizedek as:
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The Jewish philosopher [[Philo of Alexandria]] (first century B.C.E.) treated Melchizedek as an allegorical figure representing  [[Reason]] (Greek: [[Logos]]), a "righteous king" over the human being. His ''[[nemesis]]'' is [[Mind]] (Greek: [[Nous]]), which leads human into evil and unbridled passion.
  
<nowiki>"</nowiki>Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.<nowiki>"</nowiki>
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The collection of early Gnostic scripts found in 1945, known as the [[Nag Hammadi Library]], contains a a document pertaining specifically to Melchizedek, and which has been assigned ''Melchizedek'' as its title. Here it is revealed that Melchizedek is indeed identical with Jesus Christ.<ref>[http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/melchiz.html "The Nag Hammadi Library"] gnosis.org. Retrieved November 14, 2007.</ref>. Although the text has deteriorated and is unclear in many parts, it appears to indicate that Melchizedek  pre-existed as divine being, who, manifested on earth as Jesus Christ. Mechizedek also appears in several other Gnostic texts at Nag Hammadi, including the ''[[Pistis Sophia]]'', and the ''Second Book of Jeu''.
  
Different denominations interpret this in vastly different ways.  Some say that Melchizedek is literally like the Son of God (or even ''is'' the Son of God) in that he has no father or mother.  Others say that he has been adopted into Christ's lineage through the Lord's suffering, <ref>[http://bible.cc/hebrews/7-3.htm  Hebrews 7:3] - Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref> still others claim that the verse has been mistranslated, and that the Priesthood Melchizedek held is what is without lineage, not Melchizedek. <ref>[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/jst/121 JOSEPH SMITH TRANSLATION  HEBREWS 7:3] - Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref>  Others claim that the verse merely represents Melchizedek's not being a priesthood holder ''because'' of lineage (i.e. "without descent" meaning not a descendent of Levi as required by Mosaic Law.)<ref>[http://users.aristotle.net/~bhuie/melchiz.htm WAS THE LOGOS MELCHIZEDEK?] - Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref>
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==Notes==
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<references/>
  
The ''[[Book of the Bee]]'', a Syriac text, also offers insights contrary to Melchizedek's purported immortal nature:  
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==References==
 
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* Attridge, Harold W., and Helmut Koester. ''Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. (Hermeneia: a critical and historical commentary on the Bible)''. Augsburg Fortress Press, 1989. ISBN 9780800660215
:"NEITHER the fathers nor mother of this Melchizedek were written down in the genealogies; not that he had no natural parents5, but that p. 34 they were not written down. The greater number of the doctors say that he was of the seed of Canaan, whom Noah cursed. In the book of Chronography, however, (the author) affirms and says that he was of the seed of Shem the son of Noah. Shem begat Arphaxar, Arphaxar begat Cainan, and Cainan begat Shâlâh and Mâlâh, Shâlâh was written down in the genealogies; but Mâlâh was not, because his affairs were not sufficiently important to be written down in the genealogies. When p. 35 Noah died, he commanded Shem concerning the bones of Adam, for they were with them in the ark, and were removed from the land of Eden to this earth. Then Shem entered the ark, and sealed it with his father's seal, and said to his brethren, 'My father commanded me to go and see the sources of the rivers and the seas and the structure of the earth, and to return.' And he said to Mâlâh the father of Melchizedek, and to Yôzâdâk his mother...."<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/bb/bb21.htm Chapter XXI - Of Melchizedek] - Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref>
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*Grumbine, J. C. F. ''Melchizedek: The Secret Doctrine of the Order of Melchizedek in the Bible''. Chicago, IL: Research Associates School Times Publications, 2003. ISBN 9780948390722
 
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*Horton, Fred L. ''The Melchizedek Tradition: A Critical Examination of the Sources to the Fifth Century C.E. and in the Epistle to the Hebrews''. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1976. ISBN 9780521210140
==Representative of the priestly line==
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* M'Cheyne, Robert Murray. ''The Glory of the Christian Dispensation (Hebrews 8 & 9)''. [[Diggory Press]], 2007, ISBN 9781846857034
 
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*Van Schouwen, Cornelius. ''The Priesthood of Melchizedek''. Lansing, IL: Redeemer Books, 1989. ISBN 9781877607226
In some translations, [[Book of Psalms|Psalms]] names Melchizedek as representative of the priestly line through which a future king of [[Israel]]'s [[King David|Davidic]] line was ordained. Alternatively, it may be more accurate to treat this term as an agglutinated improper noun, to be  translated as ''rightful king'' rather than left as ''Melchizedek''; this interpretation is taken by some modern translations, such as the New JPS Tanakh.
 
 
 
==See also==
 
* [[Amraphel]]
 
* [[Adonizedek]]
 
* [[Arioch]]
 
* [[Chedorlaomer]]
 
* [[Jesus]]
 
* [[Zadok]]
 
* [[Zedek]]
 
* The [[Melchizedek priesthood]] is a prominent feature of "[[Mormonism]]" - that is, [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]].
 
* Melchizedek is a character in ''[[The Alchemist (book)|The Alchemist]]''.
 
* Melchizedek is the main brain of Zalem in the [[Battle Angel Alita]] (GUNNM) graphic novel series.
 
* Melchizedek is a Persona in the videogame [[Persona 3]] for the [[Sony PlayStation 2]] developed and published by [[Atlus]].
 
*[[Urantia|The Urantia Book]] describes, among other things, the origin and purpose of a vast array of spiritual beings, including an order of beings called the "Melchizedeks."  And this order includes an individual who supposedly once incarnated on earth, by the name of "Machiventa Melchizedek."
 
*The [[Dominion of Melchizedek]], a [[micronation]] known for bank fraud, purports to be based on a "Melchizedek Bible" <ref>[http://www.melchizedek.com/mz_bible/genesis/gen_c14.htm Melchizedek Bible - The Dominion of Melchizedek] - Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref> inspired by the Biblical Melchizedek.
 
 
 
==Notes==
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
  
 
[[Category:History]]
 
[[Category:History]]

Latest revision as of 15:16, 23 March 2018


Melchizedek blesses Abraham

Melchizedek, sometimes written Malchizedek, Melchisedec, etc., is a figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis who shared a sacramental meal with Abraham after the patriarch's military victory over a coalition of kings who had taken Abraham's nephew Lot prisoner. Called a priest of "God Most High," Melchizedek was the king of Salem, later called Jerusalem. He blessed Abraham and received a tenth of his battle spoils.

Various legends grew up around the mysterious figure of Melchizedek in both Christian and Judaic traditions. In rabbinical tradition he is a holy man whose blessing resulted in great fortune for Abraham, while in Christianity his priesthood is seen as the forerunner of the Christian "new covenant," superseding that of the Levite priesthood. He is commemorated in the Calendar of Saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church on July 30.

Biblical narrative

Melchizedek's name can be translated (from Hebrew) either as "Zedek is my king" or as "My king is righteous." The former, which treats Zedek as a proper noun, refers to a Canaanite or other semitic deity with that name. The term appears again in the Hebrew Bible in the name of the Jebusite king Adonizedek ("My Lord is Zedek") who led a coalition of five of the neighboring Amorite rulers to resist the invasion of Joshua, but was defeated at Gibeon. The planet Jupiter is called Zedek in Hebrew astronomy. Zedek, as worshiped by the Jebusites, may have been identical with El (אל), who was also Abraham's God, identified with Yahweh. In this case, Zedek ("The Righteous") would simply be a prominent epithet, just as "The Almighty," "Most High," or "The Holy One" might be. The name of Zadok, the Israelite priest, is related to the same root semitic word as Zedek.

In Genesis 14, Melchizedek is also referred to as King of Salem, generally believed to be ancient Jerusalem) the fortress city of the Jebusites. He is also identified as the priest of El Elyon. Though traditionally El-Elyon is translated as most high God, and is usually interpreted as a reference to Yahweh/El, some scholars believe that it refers to Zedek as a distinct deity from El.

Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek—by Dieric Bouts the Elder, 1464–1467

Melchizedek brought bread and wine to Abraham (then called Abram) after Abraham's victory over the four kings who had besieged the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and taken Abraham's nephew Lot prisoner. Melchizedek blessed Abraham in the name of El Elyon, and in return for these favors, Abraham gave Melchizedek a tithe from the spoils gained in the battle.[1] [2]

A further reference to Melchizek is found in Psalm 110:

The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."

Rabbinical tradition

Rabbinical tradition concerning Melchizek is a rich one. Some ancient rabbis identify Melchizedek with Shem son of Noah, for if the biblical chronology is taken literally, Noah was still living in Abraham's day (e.g., Babylonian Talmud Nedarim 32b; Genesis Rabbah 46:7; Genesis Rabbah 56:10; Leviticus Rabbah 25:6; Numbers Rabbah 4:8). Rabbi Isaac the Babylonian said that Melchizedek was born circumcised (Genesis Rabbah 43:6) Melchizedek instructed Abraham in the Torah (ibid). Rabbi Eleazar said that Melchizedek’s school was one of three places where the Holy Spirit manifested itself (Makkot 23b). Melchizedek acted as a priest and handed down Adam’s robes to Abraham (Numbers Rabbah 4:8). Rabbi Zechariah said, on Rabbi Ishmael’s authority, held that God intended to bring forth the priesthood through Melchizedek’s descendants, but because Melchizedek blessed Abraham before he blessed God, God brought the priesthood forth from Abraham’s descendants (Nedarim 32b; see also Leviticus Rabbah 25:6).

Rabbi Judah said that Melchizedek’s blessing yielded prosperity for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis Rabbah 43:8). Ephraim Miksha'ah, the disciple of Rabbi Meir, opined that Tamar descended from Melchizedek (Genesis Rabbah 85:10). Rabbi Hana bar Bizna identified Melchizedek as one of the four craftsmen of whom the prophet Zechariah wrote in Zechariah 2:3 (Sukkah 52b). Moreover, when David wrote the Book of Psalms, he included in the work of Melchizedek in Psalm 110 (Baba Batra 14b-15a).

The the later kabbalistic text, the Zohar, finds in “Melchizedek king of Salem” a mystical reference to “the King Who rules with complete sovereignty,” or according to another explanation, that “Melchizedek” alludes to the lower world and “king of Salem” to the upper world (Zohar 1:86b-87a).

Melchizedek and Christianity

Statue of Melchizedek. Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.

The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews characterized Christ as "a priest after the order of Melchizedek," who brought to a close the era of the Levite priesthood and offered himself as a sacrifice "once and for all." Consequently, Christians often believe that Jesus plays the role of High Priest in the "new covenant," which supersedes and may even replace the "old covenant" centered on Abraham and Moses.

Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and Hebrews teaches that it is he who was spoken of as "a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" in Psalm 110:4. Jesus is considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek because, like Melchizedek, Jesus was not a Levite, and thus would not qualify for the Levitical priesthood (Heb. 7:13-17). Hebrews discusses this subject considerably, listing the following reasons why Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Aaronic/Levitical priesthood:

  • 1. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek; later, the Levites would receive tithes from their countrymen. Since Aaron was in Abraham's loins then, it was as if the Aaronic priesthood were paying tithes to Melchizedek (Heb. 7:4-10).
  • 2. The one who blesses is greater than the one being blessed. Thus, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. It follows that Melchizedek is also greater than Levi (Heb. 7:7-10).
  • 3. If the priesthood of Aaron were effective, God would not have called a new priest in a different order in Psalm 110. (Heb. 7:11)
  • 4. The basis of the Aaronic priesthood was ancestry; the basis of the priesthood of Melchizedek is everlasting life; it does not end due to a priest's death (Heb. 7:8,15-16,23-25).
  • 5. Christ, being sinless, does not need a sacrifice for his own sins, as do the Levite priests (Heb. 7:26-27).
  • 6. The priesthood of Jesus/Melchizedek is more effective because it requires a single sacrifice once and for all, while the Levitical priesthood made endless sacrifices (Heb. 7:27).
  • 7. The Aaronic priests serve in an earthly copy and shadow of the heavenly Temple, in which Jesus serves (Heb. 8:5).

The epistle emphasizes that the covenant of Jesus is superior to the "old covenant" in which the Levitical priesthood served. Some Christians hold that Melchizedek was a type of Christ, and some even believe that Melchizedek indeed was Christ, since Jesus pre-existed his birth. Reasons provided include that Melchizedek's name means "king of righteousness" according to the author of Hebrews, and that being king of Salem makes Melchizedek the "king of peace." Hebrews 7:3 states, "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he (Melchizedek) remains a priest forever." Melchizedek gave Abraham bread and wine, which Christians consider symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrifice to confirm a covenant.

Latter-day Saints and Melchizedek

The Book of Mormon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints describes the work of Melchizedek in Alma 13:17-18. According to this tradition, Melchizedek was king over the wicked people of Salem, but because of his righteousness, his people repented of their wickedness and became a peaceful city.

Also, in Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible, Melchizedek is described as "a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions." Because of his fear of God, Melchizedek was "ordained a high priest." This translation also describes Melchizedek as establishing peace in his city and being called "the king of heaven" and "the King of peace" (JST Bible Gen 14:25-40).

Other Latter-day Saint views on Melchizedek closely focus heavily on Melchizedek as having the Melchizedek Priesthood named after him. The Melchizedek Priesthood is a central concept in Latter Day Saints spirituality. There are five office in this priesthood:

  • Apostles direct the calling of Patriarchs and may ordain persons to all other offices and callings in the church. The president of the Church must be an Apostle.
  • The Seventy are "Especial witnesses" of Jesus Christ; called to preach the gospel to the world. The may serve as general directors or regional authorities.
  • Patriarchs are married holders of the Melchizedek priesthood, normally at least 55 years old, authorized to give patriarchal blessings to Latter-day Saints.
  • High Priests are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Saints. These are the local leaders and may serve in a bishopric, stake presidency, high council, or temple presidency etc. They may ordain other High Priests and Elders.
  • Elders are the lowest rank. They must be at least 18–years–old. They confer the gift of the Holy Ghost, give blessings by the laying on of hands, ordain other elders, and have all the rights of the Aaronic priesthood.

Other traditions

According to Genesis, Shem lived the age of 600 years (Gen. 11:10, 11). Therefore, his death took place 13 years after the death of Sarah and ten years after Rebecca and Isaac married. This literal interpretation of the biblical chronology leads some Christians, as well as several ancient rabbis, to believe that Shem might have been Melchizedek.

The Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria (first century B.C.E.) treated Melchizedek as an allegorical figure representing Reason (Greek: Logos), a "righteous king" over the human being. His nemesis is Mind (Greek: Nous), which leads human into evil and unbridled passion.

The collection of early Gnostic scripts found in 1945, known as the Nag Hammadi Library, contains a a document pertaining specifically to Melchizedek, and which has been assigned Melchizedek as its title. Here it is revealed that Melchizedek is indeed identical with Jesus Christ.[3]. Although the text has deteriorated and is unclear in many parts, it appears to indicate that Melchizedek pre-existed as divine being, who, manifested on earth as Jesus Christ. Mechizedek also appears in several other Gnostic texts at Nag Hammadi, including the Pistis Sophia, and the Second Book of Jeu.

Notes

  1. Proponents of the Documentary hypothesis view the Melchizedek narrative (Genesis 14:18-20) as a fragment from a once independent tradition concerning Jerusalem, inserted into the surrounding narrative concerning the battle.
  2. Mechon Mamre, mechon-mamre.com, 2008. Retrieved February 18, 2008.
  3. "The Nag Hammadi Library" gnosis.org. Retrieved November 14, 2007.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Attridge, Harold W., and Helmut Koester. Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. (Hermeneia: a critical and historical commentary on the Bible). Augsburg Fortress Press, 1989. ISBN 9780800660215
  • Grumbine, J. C. F. Melchizedek: The Secret Doctrine of the Order of Melchizedek in the Bible. Chicago, IL: Research Associates School Times Publications, 2003. ISBN 9780948390722
  • Horton, Fred L. The Melchizedek Tradition: A Critical Examination of the Sources to the Fifth Century C.E. and in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1976. ISBN 9780521210140
  • M'Cheyne, Robert Murray. The Glory of the Christian Dispensation (Hebrews 8 & 9). Diggory Press, 2007, ISBN 9781846857034
  • Van Schouwen, Cornelius. The Priesthood of Melchizedek. Lansing, IL: Redeemer Books, 1989. ISBN 9781877607226

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