| Q. Who was Melchizedek (Melchizedec) who, in the Old Testament, met Abraham? (Submitted by: Sandy) A. There isn't much in the Old Testament about this personage, who is quite mysterious to many. He suddenly appears at Abram's (he was later name Abraham) times and then, as far as the biblical account is concerned, disappears except for a brief mention in Psalm 110. That may be strange, in the human thinking, but God has His reasons and His wisdom. Melchizedek is easily identifiable, however, when we put together the related Scriptures of Old and New Testament. The book of Hebrews does actually give a more detailed account than Genesis. He is first mentioned in chapter 14 of Genesis, verses 18-20. The biblical account here informs us that this illustrious personage was the King of Salem (Jerusalem), Priest of God Most High (Hebrew: El Elyon ), God the Father. Interestingly, He "brought out bread and wine", undoubtedly a type of a later ordinance which became part of Jesus' memorial ceremony at Passover. Approximately 1000 years later we find some more light on this subject, in Psalm 110. This Scripture was quoted by Jesus, (another 1000 years later ) to the consternation of the Jewish audience, who was baffled and speechless. This has to do with the duality of the Godhead, contrary to the belief of Judaism, that maintains that God is only one person. Verse 1 says: " The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool' ". |