7:1
We now come to Melchizedek, for whom there has been something of a build up, now he is here! Melchizedek is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament, Gen 14 when he meets Abraham, and Ps 110. No one else in the New Testament makes anything of him either. However, there was much speculation about him in Judaism and in some Gnostic writings. So what are we to make of him? The best answer is probably to take him as a “type” of Christ, i.e. he has some of the attributes of Christ, in particular with regard to priesthood. There are some who see him as a pre-incarnate Christ, but this is probably taking things too far.
7:2
Abraham met him after battle with the five kings and rescuing Lot. Abraham gave him a tenth of his plunder. Melchizedek was “king of Salem” and this means “king of peace”. His name means “king of righteousness”. Gen 14 is the first mention of giving a tithe. Teaching on tithing tends to focus on the Law, it should perhaps be more focused on Melchizedek. This does not mean Law and the Tithe have nothing to teach us, far from it, but some tithe teaching does get very legalistic, and that is not helpful.
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