Doctrine of Holy Scripture - Swedenborg Foundation

DOCTRINE OF HOLY SCRIPTURE 232peor, and on that account the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel(Num. 25:1–3).Balaam, who was from Syria, caused altars to be built, and sacrificed oxenand sheep (Num. 22:40; 23:1, 2, 14, 29, 30).[2] That men prophesied from the mouth of Jehovah, is evidentfrom the prophecies of Balaam (Num. 23:7–10, 18–24; 24:3-9,16–24).He also prophesied concerning the Lord that a star should arise out ofJacob, and a scepter out of Israel (Num. 24:17).And he prophesied from the mouth of Jehovah (Num. 22:13, 18; 23:3, 5,8, 16, 26; 24:1, 13).From these facts it is evident that there existed among the nations aDivine worship similar to that instituted through Moses among theIsraelitish nation.[3] That it existed even before the time of Abram is in somemeasure apparent from the words in Moses (Deut. 32:7, 8), butmore evidently from what is said of Melchizedek king of Salem:That he brought forth bread and wine, and blessed Abram, and that Abramgave him tithes of all (Gen. 14:18–20);and that Melchizedek represented the Lord, for he is calledPriest of God most high (Gen. 14:18);and it is said in David concerning the Lord:Thou art a priest to eternity, after the manner of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4).Hence it was that Melchizedek brought forth bread and wine asholy things of the church, even as they are holy things in thesacrament of the supper; and that Melchizedek could bless Abram,and that Abram gave him tithes of all.