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