[Gen 14:18-20] Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was the priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Melchizedek (Malki tZedek), the King of Salem, which means peace, and King of Righteousness, appeared as both priest and king. His role as a priest of the Most High God, offering bread and wine, foreshadows the eternal role of Christ, the King of Righteousness, who offers His own body and blood for the salvation of the world.
[Psalm 110:4] The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'
This prophecy from David points to the coming of the Messiah, who, like Melchizedek, would serve as both king and priest forever. Melchizedek's eternal priesthood is a shadow of the eternal reign of Joshua, who not only intercedes for us but reigns with perfect righteousness.
[Heb 7:1-3] This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.' Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
The mystery of Melchizedek's origins reflects the eternal nature of Christ. Just as Melchizedek is without a recorded beginning or end, Joshua, the Son of God, is eternal. His priesthood is based not on human lineage but on the power of an indestructible life.
[Isaiah 9:6-7] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
Just as Malki tZedek was called the King of Righteousness and the King of Peace, so too will the Messiah reign in righteousness and peace forever. His government will know no end, and He will establish justice and righteousness throughout His eternal kingdom.
[Heb 7:24-25] But because Joshua lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.