Who was Melchizedek?

 

Choice 3: Genesis 14:18-20; JST, Genesis 14:25-40. Who Was Melchizedek?

Read JST, Genesis 14:25-40; Alma 13:14-19; Doctrine and Covenants 84:14, 107:1-4; and the

Institute Student Manual commentary for Genesis 14:18, “Who Was Melchizedek?” (pg. 67-68).

Melchizedek has always been a figure of mystery to me.  Growing up I remember being told vague details of this man.  These details included the idea that he was a great man, so great that Abraham (the Prophet) paid tithes to him.  Because of his righteousness the higher priesthood was so named after him, The Melchizedek Priesthood.  With the help of some scriptures, Joseph Smith’s translation of the bible, and some insight, we learn more.

 We learn of Melchizedek that, “Of all God’s ancient high priests none were greater.” (Alma 13:19.) The priesthood was originally named “The Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God”.  This was later changed to the Melchizedek Priesthood to avoid frequent repetition of the name of God ( I would assume to also shorten it).  Melchizedek is evidence that the Lord had called several servants of high ranking to serve and teach his gospel to the various lands of that time, just as he does today.

Melchizedek is seen as a title to mean, “King of Righteousness”.  Some believe, but cannot confirm, that Melchizedek may in fact be “Shem”, the son of Noah.  Melchizedek was likened to the Son of God, and was even called the prince of peace.  Melchizedek was the king of Salem (or Jerusalem).