Hebrews 7:2
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that Melchizedek is presented as first King of Righteousness by interpretation, and then King of Peace. This order is significant, highlighting that true peace flows from righteousness, mirroring how Christ brings both.
The author of Hebrews is building a case for the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical system, using Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek as a key piece of evidence. Abraham, the revered patriarch, pays a tithe to Melchizedek, acknowledging his superior status. This Melchizedek, who is described as king of righteousness and king of peace, serves as a significant type or foreshadowing of Christ, whose own reign and priesthood embody these very qualities.
Ever notice how names in the Bible often carry deep meaning? Melchizedek's name isn't just a label – it's a theological statement.
The passage highlights two key aspects of Melchizedek's identity, both derived from his name and title:
King of Righteousness
Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of his spoils. This act, alongside Melchizedek's title, signifies Abraham's recognition of a superior authority. The name Melchizedek literally means "king of righteousness." This title is foundational because it points to the Messiah, who is not only righteous Himself but also the source of righteousness for His people.
King of Peace
Following the interpretation of his personal name, the text identifies him as "king of Salem, that is, king of peace." This connection between his city and his title emphasizes that true peace flows from righteousness. Just as Melchizedek embodies both, so too does Christ, bringing reconciliation between God and humanity.
Why did Abraham give Melchizedek a tenth of his spoils? It was more than just a polite gesture; it was a profound act of faith.
Abraham's decision to give a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek is presented as a significant moment. This wasn't a mandated tithe under the Mosaic Law, which hadn't yet been given. Instead, it was a voluntary offering, an expression of:
Understand the original words
dekatēn · Greek Noun
A tenth part of one's income or spoils given as an offering to God. It represents an acknowledgment of God's ownership of all things and a act of worship and submission.
dikaiosynēs · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, it refers to the state of living in alignment with God's moral standards. It implies a legal standing of being right before God and living in a way that is just and upright.
eirēnēs · Greek Noun
A profound, divinely ordained state of wholeness, harmony, and reconciliation with God. It encompasses not just the absence of conflict but the presence of spiritual well-being and covenantal restoration.
The encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek, a pivotal moment in Genesis, is presented here not just as a historical event but as a timeless theological portrait foreshadowing Christ's unique and eternal priesthood.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham's Journey to Canaan
Abraham, initially called Abram, journeys from Ur to Canaan, later becoming a patriarch of the Israelites.
c. 1900 BC— this verse
Melchizedek Meets Abraham
After a military victory, Abraham encounters Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, to whom Abraham gives a tenth of the spoils.
c. 1400 BC
The Book of Genesis Written
The Pentateuch, including the account of Abraham and Melchizedek in Genesis 14, is traditionally attributed to Moses and written down.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, marking the end of the First Temple period and the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 515 BC
This passage describes the initial encounter where Melchizedek, king of Salem, blesses Abraham and receives a tenth of the spoils, setting the stage for the discussion in Hebrews.
Isaiah 9:6This prophecy speaks of the coming child who will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,' directly paralleling Melchizedek's title as 'king of peace.'
Romans 5:1The Apostle Paul connects being justified by faith with having peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, echoing the dual concept of righteousness and peace highlighted in Melchizedek.
Philippians 4:7This verse describes the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, reinforcing the idea of peace as a divine attribute connected to righteousness.
Jeremiah 23:6This prophecy about the Messiah states that in His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely, and His name will be called 'The LORD Our Righteousness,' linking the Messiah to righteousness.
wesleyHebrews 7:2: "To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;"
7:2 Being first - According to the meaning of his own name. King of righteousness, then - According to the name of his city. King of peace - So in him, as in Christ, righteousness and peace were joined. And so they are in all that believe in him.
vincentHebrews 7:2: "To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;"
First being by interpretation King of righteousness (πρῶτον μὲν ἑρμηνευόμενος βασιλεὺς δικαιοσύνης)The first designation is the literal interpretation of the Hebrew name. Being interpreted belongs only to this designation. So Joseph Ant. 1:10, 2: σημαίνει δε τοῦτο βασιλεὺς δίκαιος "and this (the name Melchisedec)…
What's easy to miss is that Melchizedek is presented as first King of Righteousness by interpretation, and then King of Peace. This order is significant, highlighting that true peace flows from righteousness, mirroring how Christ brings both.
The author of Hebrews is building a case for the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical system, using Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek as a key piece of evidence. Abraham, the revered patriarch, pays a tithe to Melchizedek, acknowledging his superior status. This Melchizedek, who is described as king of righteousness and king of peace, serves as a significant type or foreshadowing of Christ, whose own reign and priesthood embody these very qualities.
The author of Hebrews is building a case for the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical system, using Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek as a key piece of evidence. Abraham, the revered patriarch, pays a tithe to Melchizedek, acknowledging his superior status. This Melchizedek, who is described as king of righteousness and king of peace, serves as a significant type or foreshadowing of Christ, whose own reign and priesthood embody these very qualities.
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Dedication of the Second Temple
After returning from exile, the Jewish people dedicate the Second Temple in Jerusalem, continuing their religious practices.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry and Priesthood
Jesus' earthly ministry and sacrificial death lay the foundation for a new covenant and a priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek.
c. AD 60-64
The Book of Hebrews Written
The author of Hebrews writes to Jewish Christians, likely in Rome, to encourage them to persevere in their faith, using Melchizedek as a key example of Christ's superior priesthood.
"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." — What's easy to miss is that Melchizedek is presented as first King of Righteousness by interpretation, and then King of Peace. This order is significant, highlighting that true peace flows from r…
