Melchizedek is mentioned twice in the Old Testament. First in Genesis 14 where he meets Abraham after Abraham has fought several kings and rescued Lot. Melchizedek brings bread and wine to Abraham and blesses him. Abraham gives Melchizedek one tenth of his takings. It also states that Melchizedek is priest of God Most High.
The other reference is in Psalm 110, the most messianic Psalm in the Bible. In verse 4 it says that "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek".
Apart from these references, Hebrews is the only other place where Melchizedek is mentioned, and the writer clearly sees him to be of great importance.
Interestingly in Genesis 14:18 it says that Melchizedek was king of Salem. Salem was Jerusalem. Melchizedek means "king of righteousness".
So there are clearly numerous allusions to Christ. He is a king and priest, he is king of righteousness, and of Jerusalem. The messiah would be in the line of Melchizedek. He blessed Abraham, and receives gifts from Abraham. We will see how the writer delves more into this in the succeeding verses.
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