King and Priest – Genesis 14
Jul 2, 2026 435
Who was the mysterious figure who appeared without warning, blessed Abram, and then disappeared from Scripture altogether — standing as both king and priest, a role no other Old Testament figure ever held?
“Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine.”
— Genesis 14:18 (NLT)
As we continue our journey through Scripture seeking to see Jesus more clearly, we come to one of the Bible’s most mysterious figures — Melchizedek. He suddenly appears in Genesis without explanation or genealogy. He blesses Abram and then disappears from the biblical narrative. Yet both the Psalms and the book of Hebrews reveal that Melchizedek points us to Jesus.
Melchizedek was king of Salem — meaning ‘peace’ — and therefore king of peace. But he was also a priest of God Most High. He pointed forward to the One who would ultimately bring peace between God and humanity.
Later, in the nation of Israel, the roles of king and priest were deliberately kept separate. Human beings are too flawed to exercise the authority of both offices without corruption. Yet Melchizedek foreshadows Jesus, the perfect God-man, who alone is worthy to hold both roles. Jesus is our righteous King who rules with justice and peace, and He is also our great High Priest who intercedes for us and opens the way for us to come into the presence of God our Father.
Melchizedek brought Abram gifts of bread and wine, reminding many Christians of Jesus, who offered bread and wine to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion as symbols of His body and blood given for us and for the sins of the whole world.
Psalm 110 and the book of Hebrews declare that Jesus is “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Unlike earthly priests whose ministry ended in death, Jesus lives forever. Even now, He reigns as King and intercedes for us, welcoming us into the very presence of God — not only in the life to come, but right here and right now.
What does Melchizedek help us see clearly about Jesus? That in Christ we find the perfect Priest and the perfect King of peace — One who not only possesses all authority in heaven and on earth, but who has also removed the barrier between God and us.
The Good News is…
And the good news is that, because we are in Christ, we can draw near to our heavenly Father with confidence, knowing that the One who rules over us is also the One who gave Himself for us.
Further reading: Genesis 14:18–20; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5–7
Elenne Ford
Chair, Good News Unlimited