Ship of Fools: Melchizidek

Thread: Melchizidek Board: Kerygmania / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on :

Currently I'm reading Hebrews and have been struck by how many times the author refers to Melchizidek. He's a minor figure in the OT (only two references) so I'm wondering why he was so important to the writer, and am guessing there's something in the inter-testamental material that I'm not aware of. Wikipedia wasn't deeply helpful here, so I'm wondering if any learned Shipmates can elucidate for me.

Posted by Honest Ron Bacardi (# 38) on :

The writer to the Hebrews is keen to point it out largely because of the references to a wider, non-Levitical priesthood (as particularly referenced in the psalm). His point being that Jesus fulfils the role of High Priest, so as he is writing to fellow Jews, is anticipating the question "how can Jesus be both king and high priest?"

(Apologies as I am away from base, otherwise would give a longer answer! There's quite a bit of interest around who/what Melchizedek references too, though that's probably beyond your question)

Posted by Jamat (# 11621) on :

Not sure about this it is speculative but I believe the Rabbis regard Melchizedek in Genesis as a reference to the patriarch Shem who would still have been alive at this time. He is obviously referenced by Hebrews as a priestly prototype without genealogy and consequently he is a type of Christ who brings heaven to earth through the incarnation and also deals in bread and wine as a confirmatory symbolic ceremony. However, as he was obviously a man,the rabbis may be correct.

[ 22. February 2018, 14:16: Message edited by: Jamat ]

Posted by Martin60 (# 368) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Honest Ron Bacardi:
The writer to the Hebrews is keen to point it out largely because of the references to a wider, non-Levitical priesthood (as particularly referenced in the psalm). His point being that Jesus fulfils the role of High Priest, so as he is writing to fellow Jews, is anticipating the question "how can Jesus be both king and high priest?"

(Apologies as I am away from base, otherwise would give a longer answer! There's quite a bit of interest around who/what Melchizedek references too, though that's probably beyond your question)

Perfect Ron. Junia dug in to the Bronze Age rattle bag to make that point.

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