In Genesis 14:17-24, a short section of the Old Testament is devoted to the story of Abram and Melchizedek, the king of Salem. This encounter takes place not long after the battle between nine kings, during which Abram saves Lot's life. This Melchizedek is the Bible's first reference to what is now an age-old practice of tithing, and because of this, Abram is thought to have been the first person to give a tenth of his income to the clergy. The Bible clearly states "Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of the God Most High" (Genesis 14:18), whereupon Abram received the priestly blessing from him, and paid Melchizedek for his services.

No other mention of this shadowy figure is made in the Old Testament except in Psalm 110, "Messiah the King Comes to Judge," written by David. This psalm is thought to be prophecy concerning the time when Jesus was crowned the King of kings and Lord of lords:

"While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David." He said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call Him "Lord," saying:

"The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool'? If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his Son?" And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore."

In Acts 2:29-36, Peter said the following:

"Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried; and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise Christ to sit on his throne; he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

"For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says of himself:

"Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

The Real Melchizedek, Part Two
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