Premium Essay

Similarities Between Genesis 14 And Melchizedek

Submitted By
Words 1495
Pages 6
Part 1 - Othniel Margalith - "The Riddle of Genesis 14 and Melchizedek."
Othniel Margalith offers a simplistic answer to the identity of Melchizedek. He states that Melchizedek was possibly a local priest of a local deity who welcomed a returning hero. However, he was “not a king, and not of Jerusalem, contrary to this widely accepted identification.” Margalith argues that name Melchizedek is a name constructed from Ugaritic divinities Melech and Zedek. He states that Melchizedek was no more important than the other figures in the story, but has grown into great speculation because of the difficulty of designating him a locality and function. Margalith argues that the entire chapter is in the “nature of a hero-story or legend” that is “a …show more content…
His description is as a priest forever without mother or father (Heb. 7:3). This description is not unique to the New Testament as it is mentioned in Psalm 110:4. This reference which has caused some confusion is simply the idea that his priesthood was not based on the original genealogy required to obtain the position. Some have speculated that he a local king, but others find deeper meaning in the description of him in Genesis 14 and the accompanying passage in Hebrews 7. However, these passages seem to indicate something more than an ancient king. John Davis indicates there are four general possibilities. Melchizedek is either a Theophany of the preincarnate Christ, a historical person who typified Christ, a Canaanite priest, or Shem the son of Noah. Davis states that Shem the son of Noah is the least likely, but a type of Christ is the most likely. When comparing the possible interpretations there are several key features that point to Melchizedek being a type. There is evidence that Melchizedek is a likeness of Christ. The author of Hebrews makes the statement that Christ is a priest in the same “likeness” (Heb. 7:15). The name King of Sodom translates to “king of righteousness.” Christ is both king (1 Tim. 6:15) and righteous (1 Cor. 1:30). Melchizedek’s offering bread and wine (Gen. 14:18) can be seen as comparable to Christ’s offering at the Last Supper (Matt. 26:26). Furthermore, Melchizedek is a Canaanite priest who worships the true God and not the religion deities of the Canaanites. Melchizedek is dedicated to God and not the false religions that surround him at the time as Christ also remained loyal to God. Elmer Towns points out that Christ is made a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7:17) which is more excellent than that of the Aaronic priesthood. This unusual treatment of him in Hebrews 7 is also an oddity and is at a minimum can be classified as a type. Kenneth

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Signs

...Amos Darowksi BIB329NA Prof. Jeffrey Garcia The Signs of the Messiah The central theme of the Old Testament Holy Books is the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of the Kingdom of God among people. Despite their great antiquity, the Old Testament prophecies have in no way lost their actuality. They help the believing person to understand their faith more deeply and fully. To the unbelieving person, they serve as proof of the existence of God and His participation in human life. Just the fact that the prophets could prophesy the occurrences of the future, with such accuracy and with such detail, hundreds and thousands of years in advance, gives witness that God spoke through them. The goal of the Old Testament prophecies was to prepare the Jews, and through them all of mankind, for the coming of the Savior of the world, so that when He came, He could be recognized and they would believe in Him. However, the task of the prophets was difficult for several reasons. First of all, the Messiah was to be not only a great person, but at the same time God. For this reason, the prophets were faced with the task of revealing the Godly nature of the Messiah, but in such a way, that it did not give rise to polytheism, to which ancient people were so prone, Jews included. Secondly, the prophets had to show that the work of the Messiah would consist not only of the external improvements of living conditions but more importantly the goal of His coming into the world...

Words: 2773 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

The Public Needs to Know

...******Created by ebook converter - www.ebook-converter.com****** ******ebook converter DEMO - www.ebook-converter.com******* ******Created by ebook converter - www.ebook-converter.com****** KOINONIA HOUSE Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83816-0347 ******ebook converter DEMO - www.ebook-converter.com******* ******Created by ebook converter - www.ebook-converter.com****** COSMIC CODES Copyright © 1999 by Koinonia House Revised 2004 P.O. Box D Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816-0347 Web Site: http://www.khouse.org Second Printing 2004 Third Printing 2011 ISBN 978-1-57821-072-5 Design and production by Koechel Peterson & Associates, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Scripture quotations in this book are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Publisher. Printed in the United States of America. ******ebook converter DEMO - www.ebook-converter.com******* ******Created by ebook converter - www.ebook-converter.com****** “Cosmic Codes was the authoritative resource that we relied on in the research of our PAX-TV/Discovery Channel television special Secrets of the Bible Code Revealed. It’s absolutely packed with fascinating factual information on all of the Bible-related codes.” DAVID W. BALSIGER PRODUCER, SECRETS OF THE BIBLE CODE REVEALED “Chuck Missler writes from a technological and Biblical background in this cutting-edge analysis of the hidden codes...

Words: 141008 - Pages: 565

Free Essay

Intercessory Prayer

...Praise for I N TE RC E S S OR Y P RAY ER Intercessory Prayer is illuminating and motivating. Dutch Sheets sheds fascinating light on this sometimes mysterious subject. Readers will want to pray more, and they will see more results. Dr. Bill Bright, Founder and President Campus Crusade for Christ International My heart flooded with excitement as I read Intercessory Prayer. What a blessing it is to have this instructive, God-inspired manual revealing the ways God works through His people. The Body of Christ will be richer in knowledge and depth of intercession, equipped to hit the bull's-eye. Bobbye Byerly, U.S. National President Aglow International If you are looking for a textbook on prayer, this is the best! Dutch Sheets's fresh insights will inspire your faith, deepen your understanding, and equip you to fulfill your destiny as one of God's praying people. Dick Eastman, International President Every Home for Christ Intercessory Prayer is the book of 1,000 sermons. Dutch's material is power-packed, inspirational and instructional. It answers questions that are too often answered incorrectly. It sets the record straight. Ted Haggard, Pastor New Life Church, Colorado Springs Dutch Sheets is one of the most exciting teachers I have ever heard. He explains God's heart for prayer in a clear, concise, powerful way. Dutch makes praying with impact something that is within everyone's reach. I heartily recommend it. Jane Hansen International President, Aglow International Praise...

Words: 84997 - Pages: 340