“And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.”
In this verse, we find Abram, who later becomes known as Abraham, encountering Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. This encounter takes place after Abram successfully rescues his nephew Lot, who had been captured by a coalition of kings.
Context:To understand the significance of this verse, let’s consider the context of Genesis 14. In this chapter, we see a battle among several kings in the region. Abram, along with a few hundred men, defeats the opposing armies and rescues Lot. After this victory, Melchizedek comes out to meet Abram and blesses him.
The Blessing:Melchizedek’s blessing on Abram is a significant event. He acknowledges Abram as “blessed” and attributes this blessing to the “most high God.” This blessing carries weight and authority, as it comes from a priest‑king who serves the one true God. Melchizedek recognizes God’s sovereignty over heaven and earth and acknowledges Him as the ultimate possessor of all things.
Melchizedek:Melchizedek is an intriguing figure in the Bible, appearing in only a few verses. He is described as the king of Salem (which later becomes Jerusalem) and a priest of the Most High God. Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness,” and he is also referred to as the “king of peace” (Hebrews 7:2). He emerges suddenly in the narrative, without any genealogical background, and his priesthood predates the Levitical priesthood established later in the Mosaic law.
Foreshadowing Jesus Christ:Melchizedek’s appearance and interaction with Abram have symbolic significance, especially in light of the New Testament. The book of Hebrews extensively references Melchizedek and draws parallels between him and Jesus Christ. Melchizedek’s priesthood is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ eternal priesthood, transcending the Levitical priesthood that operated under the Mosaic law (Hebrews 7:1‑10). The fact that Melchizedek blesses Abram, who is a forefather of Jesus according to the flesh, highlights the connection between the Old Testament and the coming Messiah.
Abram’s Response:In the following verses (Genesis 14:20‑24), Abram responds to Melchizedek’s blessing by giving him a tenth of everything. This act of tithing demonstrates Abram’s recognition of Melchizedek’s authority and Abram’s gratitude for the victory that God has given him.
In conclusion, Genesis 14:19 highlights the encounter between Abram and Melchizedek, where Melchizedek blesses Abram and acknowledges the sovereignty of the Most High God. This event carries symbolic significance in relation to Jesus Christ, portraying Melchizedek’s priesthood as a precursor to Jesus’ eternal priesthood. It also emphasizes the faith and gratitude of Abram, who responds by offering a tithe.
