Melchizedek

Names

• Melchizedek
• Melchi Sedec

Melchizedek is a fascinating and somewhat enigmatic figure in the Bible, known for his roles as both a king and a priest. Here’s an overview of who Melchizedek was and his significance in biblical texts:

Biblical Account

Genesis 14:18-20: This is the primary Old Testament passage that introduces Melchizedek. He is described as the king of Salem (often identified with Jerusalem) and a priest of “God Most High” (El Elyon). Melchizedek meets Abram (later Abraham) after Abram’s victory over several kings and blesses him. Abram, in turn, gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he has.

“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.’ And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

Genesis 14:18-20

Psalm 110:4: This psalm, attributed to David, references Melchizedek in a prophecy about the coming Messiah, indicating a priesthood that is eternal and unlike the traditional Levitical priesthood. This verse is often interpreted as pointing to Jesus Christ in Christian theology.

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

Psalm 110:4

Hebrews 7: In the New Testament, Melchizedek is discussed extensively in the Book of Hebrews. He is presented as a type of Christ, emphasizing his eternal priesthood and righteousness. Hebrews highlights that Melchizedek is “without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life,” emphasizing his unique role as a priest.

“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.”

Hebrews 7

Significance

• King of Salem: Salem is often identified with Jerusalem, and Melchizedek’s role as king associates him with governance and peace. His name itself means “king of righteousness.”
• Priest of God Most High: Melchizedek is notable for being a priest of El Elyon without any recorded lineage or connection to the Levitical priesthood, which was later established through Aaron. This aspect makes his priesthood unique and significant, serving as a model for understanding the eternal priesthood of Jesus.
• Foreshadowing of Christ: In Christian theology, Melchizedek is seen as a foreshadowing or type of Christ because of his combined roles as king and priest and his association with righteousness and peace. The New Testament book of Hebrews draws parallels between Melchizedek’s eternal priesthood and that of Jesus.
• Symbol of Divine Worship: Melchizedek represents a form of priesthood that transcends the established order, highlighting a broader understanding of worship and relationship with God that goes beyond lineage and tradition.

Melchizedek’s brief but impactful appearance in the Bible has led to significant theological discussion and interpretation, particularly regarding the nature of Jesus’ priesthood and the understanding of divine kingship and righteousness.

Gnostic Texts Featuring Melchizedek

The Nag Hammadi Library

The Nag Hammadi Library is a collection of early Christian and Gnostic texts discovered in Egypt in 1945. Several of these texts mention or discuss Melchizedek:

• The Melchizedek Text: This text is part of the Nag Hammadi collection. In it, Melchizedek is portrayed as a high priest and a cosmic savior figure. He is sometimes equated with Jesus or viewed as a prefiguration of Christ, emphasizing his role as a mediator of divine knowledge and truth.
• The Pistis Sophia: This text mentions Melchizedek as a heavenly priest. He is described as serving in the highest realms, performing cosmic liturgies, and being involved in the salvation process. Melchizedek’s role is to help souls ascend through the aeons, the layers of spiritual existence.
• The Epistle to the Hebrews (though not Gnostic, it influenced Gnostic thought): Hebrews portrays Melchizedek as a priest without lineage, a prototype of Christ’s eternal priesthood, which influenced Gnostic interpretations emphasizing divine mystery and transcendence beyond earthly lineage.

Gnostic Interpretations and Themes

1. Melchizedek as a Cosmic Priest

In Gnostic thought, Melchizedek is often viewed as a divine or semi-divine figure who plays a crucial role in the cosmic order. He is seen as a priestly figure who transcends earthly limitations and serves in the celestial temple, representing a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds.

2. Melchizedek as a Revealer of Knowledge

Gnosticism places a high value on esoteric knowledge (gnosis) that leads to spiritual awakening and salvation. Melchizedek, as a revealer, is believed to possess hidden wisdom that he imparts to initiates, guiding them towards enlightenment and liberation from the material world.

3. Melchizedek as a Prefiguration of Christ

Many Gnostic texts draw parallels between Melchizedek and Christ, emphasizing their roles as eternal priests and saviors. This connection highlights the Gnostic view of Melchizedek as a precursor to Jesus, sharing in the divine mission to redeem and enlighten humanity.

4. Melchizedek as an Aeon or Spiritual Being

In some Gnostic cosmologies, Melchizedek is considered an aeon, a divine entity that exists within the pleroma, the fullness of the divine realm. As an aeon, Melchizedek participates in the divine processes of creation and salvation, acting as a spiritual intermediary.

References to Melchizedek in 2 Enoch

• Miraculous Birth: In 2 Enoch, Melchizedek is born from Sothonim, the wife of Nir (a brother of Noah). His birth is extraordinary because Sothonim had not been intimate with a man, and Melchizedek is born as a fully developed child. This is detailed in chapters 71-72, where it is described that Melchizedek speaks and praises God immediately after birth.
• Ordination as Priest: Melchizedek is identified as a priest before the Flood. He is chosen by God to maintain the priestly line, which is a significant element of his portrayal. This divine appointment of Melchizedek as a priest is emphasized in chapter 71.
• Preservation by God: In chapter 71, the archangel Gabriel takes Melchizedek to the Garden of Eden to preserve him from the Flood, marking him as a special figure in the divine plan and ensuring the continuation of the priesthood.

Theological Significance

• Priesthood and Salvation History: The narrative in 2 Enoch emphasizes Melchizedek’s role as a bridge between the antediluvian and postdiluvian worlds. His priesthood is depicted as eternal, setting the stage for later theological interpretations that see him as a precursor to Christ’s priesthood.

Sources

For more detailed studies on Melchizedek in 2 Enoch, you can refer to:

1. The Book of Enoch: New Translation by R.H. Charles provides a comprehensive translation of 2 Enoch, including the sections on Melchizedek.
2. The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha: Volume 1 edited by James H. Charlesworth includes a translation and commentary on 2 Enoch, offering insights into Melchizedek’s portrayal.
3. The Eerdmans Dictionary of Early Judaism provides contextual analysis and summaries of pseudepigraphal texts, including the role of Melchizedek in 2 Enoch.

These sources will offer a more detailed exploration of the text and Melchizedek’s role within it.

Melchizedek in other pseudepigraphal texts

Melchizedek is mentioned in several other pseudepigraphal texts beyond the Second Book of Enoch. These texts further develop his mysterious and significant role in religious history. Here are a few notable pseudepigraphal works that mention Melchizedek:

1. The Book of Jubilees

• Role and Lineage: In the Book of Jubilees, Melchizedek is mentioned as a descendant of Noah, specifically through Shem. The text presents him as a king and priest of Salem, reinforcing his dual role.
• Blessing of Abraham: Jubilees elaborates on the Genesis account, describing Melchizedek blessing Abraham and establishing the importance of his priesthood.

2. 3 Enoch

• Heavenly Priesthood: In 3 Enoch, Melchizedek is associated with the heavenly realm. The text portrays him as an exalted figure who serves in the heavenly Temple as a priest.
• Role in Eschatology: Melchizedek’s role in the heavenly Temple links him to eschatological themes, suggesting that his priesthood has cosmic significance beyond earthly history.

3. The Dead Sea Scrolls (11QMelchizedek)

• Messianic Figure: One of the Dead Sea Scrolls, known as 11QMelchizedek, portrays Melchizedek as a messianic figure. The text describes him as a divine agent who will proclaim liberty to the captives and bring about the final judgment.
• Role in Atonement: In this scroll, Melchizedek is depicted as a heavenly deliverer who atones for sins, linking him to the idea of ultimate redemption and salvation.

4. The Nag Hammadi Library (The Nag Hammadi Codex IX)

• Melchizedek Tractate: In this Gnostic text, Melchizedek is portrayed as a priestly and prophetic figure. The tractate presents him as a spiritual teacher who possesses esoteric knowledge.
• Gnostic Interpretations: The text emphasizes Melchizedek’s role as a revealer of divine mysteries, reflecting Gnostic themes of hidden knowledge and enlightenment.

Theological Significance

These pseudepigraphal references expand on Melchizedek’s biblical portrayal and contribute to his significance in various religious traditions:

• Eternal Priesthood: Many of these texts emphasize Melchizedek’s eternal priesthood, connecting him to eschatological and messianic expectations.
• Divine Mediator: Melchizedek is often depicted as a mediator between the divine and human realms, reinforcing his role as a spiritual leader and exemplar.
• Foreshadowing of Christ: In Christian interpretations, Melchizedek’s portrayal in these texts often serves as a typological precursor to Jesus Christ, especially concerning themes of priesthood, sacrifice, and redemption.

These texts highlight Melchizedek’s enduring influence and the diverse ways he is understood across different religious and theological traditions.