Mystery of Melchzedek

THE MYSTERY OF MELKIZEDEK: M. M. NINAN
Others propose that “Melchizedek” means “My god is Zedek.” Zedek happens to be the name of
another Canaanite/Phoenician deity worshipped at the time of Abram. This person whose God is Zedek
was also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.
We can look upon the name in two ways
1. Metaphorical
The name “Melchizedek” may not be a proper name at all, but a metaphoric title. The word
“Melchizedek” when translated means “Legitimate King,” “the Rightful King” or “Righteous King.”
The word “Salem” translated, simply means “peace.”
It may, therefore also be hypothesized that Melchizedek was not literally the king of the city of
Jerusalem, but was metaphorically the “King of Peace,” a title like Isaiah’s “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah
9.6) Some have even suggested that since Melchizedek is called “The King of Peace,” Melchizedek
was the “Father” of the “Prince of Peace.” The very attempt of Heb 7 indicates that the names are
allegorical and amenable to spiritual interpretation.
These are however spiritualization of a historical figure. Paul is the only person in the Bible who does
this type of interpretation. Apparently this was a common practice among the Jewish Rabbinic
hermeneutics. However one should be very careful in pushing the analogies too far that it violates the
historical significance and meaning. Hebrew however does not push the matter beyond the implication
of the meaning of the names.
2. Real Person
Melchizedek however was a real historical person who met Abram in Gen 14.18 and he was indeed the
King of the city of Salem – a real city. Josephus, states that Salem was later renamed Jerusalem.
Then Melchizedek reigned as the king of the
city of Jerusalem during the days of Abram.
Melchizedek was king of Salem (=
Jerusalem) and "a priest unto ‘Most High God’. The Most High God is a translation of the word El
Elyon. We will then have to see who this Most High God, El Elyon is.
Melkizedek may or may not be a real name.
It may be a title or it may be just a pseudo name.
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