Melchizedek: The Mysterious Priest Who Points Us to Christ

The writer of Hebrews explains the meaning of Melchizedek’s name:

“Melchi” = King

“Tzedek” (or “Zedek”) = Righteousness

• Hence, Melchizedek literally means “King of Righteousness.”
• He was also King of Salem, meaning “King of Peace.”(Hebrews 7:2)

Similarly when we look at the prophecies declared about Jesus Christ in the book of Jeremiah and Isaiah - In Jeremiah 23:6 states that in a future time, Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell safely under a righteous ruler, and that this ruler will be called "The LORD Our Righteousness" and In Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah’s prophecy calls Jesus the “Prince of Peace,”.

Melchizedek stands as a symbol of Christ, our eternal High Priest (“You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” — Hebrews 7:17). Just as Melchizedek had no recorded beginning or end, Jesus’ priesthood is everlasting. Through Him, we find mercy, grace, and access to God’s presence forever.

When we look at Melchizedek's life - Though it is mentioned for a very few times in the Bible, his life carries deep spiritual truths that mirror the eternal priesthood of Christ. Let’s uncover the timeless lessons we can learn from this remarkable man of God.

𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋

#1 God Appoints His Priests, Not Man

Melchizedek was appointed as a priest of God Most High long before any formal priesthood was established. His role was not given by lineage or law, but by divine appointment. This reminds us that God’s calling does not depend on human approval — it’s a heavenly assignment.

𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋

#2 Honor God with Your Best

(“And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” — Genesis 14:20)

After his victory, Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had. This was an act of gratitude and recognition that the victory came from God.

This act reminds us that, when we give from our blessings, we honor the One who gave them in the first place.

𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋

#3 Bless Others in God’s Name

(“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.” — Genesis 14:19).

Melchizedek blessed Abraham, acknowledging God’s hand upon his life. Blessing others is more than a kind word — it’s declaring God’s favor and presence over them.  When we speak blessings, we align with heaven’s will for those around us.

𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋

#4 Serve God Faithfully Without Seeking Recognition

(“Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” — Matthew 6:4)

Melchizedek appears suddenly and disappears just as quietly. He served faithfully without seeking fame or reward. True servants of God do not chase titles — they live to please the One who sees in secret.

𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋𑁋

#5 Be a Bridge Between God and People

(“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood…” — 1 Peter 2:9)

Melchizedek was both king and priest, symbolizing authority and intercession. Today, every believer is called to be a royal priest — representing God’s heart to people and people’s needs before God.

FINAL REFLECTION

The pairing of Righteousness and Peace isn’t accidental — As it is said in the Bible “The fruit of righteousness will be peace.” — Isaiah 32:17. When we choose to live uprightly before God, our hearts experience His perfect peace.

Simultaneously, When we look at Melchizedek's life - It may have appeared only for a brief moment in Scripture, but his impact echoes through eternity. His life points us to Jesus — our righteous King and eternal Priest. As we walk in Christ, let us experience the peace that flows from Righteousness, honor God, bless others and serve God without chasing any titles or fame and finally represent God's heart to people. 

May God Guide us and Help us to purify ourselves, as we reflect  that same divine calling in our lives.