The Order of Melchizedek

“A priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

Melchizedek first appears in Genesis 14, woven into the story of Abram. After a coalition of five kings raided the region and captured Abram’s nephew Lot—along with his household and possessions—Abram gathered his servants and herdsmen and pursued them. Victorious, Abram recovered all that was taken.

On his return, he met Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High (El Elyon). Melchizedek brought out bread and wine and blessed Abram, acknowledging the divine favor that brought victory over the raiding kings. Recognizing him as a true priest of the Lord, Abram responded with reverence—offering him a tithe, a tenth of the spoils.

Melchizedek’s kingship was unique; his throne was not inherited but appointed by God Himself. Scripture later identifies him as a type or foreshadowing of the coming Messiah—a priest not from the lineage of Aaron, but from a higher, eternal order. King David, inspired by the Spirit, wrote: “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). The writer of Hebrews affirms this truth, declaring that Christ’s priesthood is everlasting—established not by genealogy, but by divine decree.

Melchizedek’s name means “King of Righteousness,” and as King of Salem, he was also the King of Peace. Ancient records, even among Pharaohs, suggest that this was no mythical figure but a real man—whose existence prophetically announced a coming Redeemer and a new eternal priesthood marked by unending intercession, sacrifice, and righteousness.

At a presentation by Israeli archaeologist Eli Shukron, findings were shared that suggest Melchizedek may have ministered to El Elyon at a sacred altar stone—the same stone later associated with Jacob’s encounter at Bethel, where he saw a ladder reaching to heaven. This ancient altar, perhaps “Temple 0,” represents one of the earliest places where humanity gathered to worship the Most High God.

The Eternal Priesthood

As believers, we now live in Christ, and He lives in us. How, then, do we embrace this aspect of His eternal priesthood? Abram’s victory over five kings was not only a triumph of faith—it was a divine revelation. The Lord Most High (El Elyon), worshiped long before His covenant name was revealed to Moses, was already known among the ancients as the Creator, the supreme God.

When God later revealed His name to Moses, He said, “I AM THAT I AM.” Some scholars render the ancient name as IEUE, possibly representing the rhythm of breathing—inhale and exhale—as though the Name itself is not spoken, but breathed. The divine name was sacred, unutterable, the very essence of being.

Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself through many names, each expressing His nature and His relationship to His people:

• El Shaddai – the All-Sufficient, Nurturing One

• Yahweh Tsidkenu – our Righteousness

• Roi – my Shepherd

• Rapha – the Healer

• Nissi – my Banner

• Shammah – the Ever-Present One

• Mekadesh – the One who Sanctifies

• Shalom – Peace

• Tzebaoth – Lord of Hosts

• Jireh – my Provider

“I Am that I Am” – He is everything we need, at every moment.

The Priesthood’s Origin and Fulfillment

This is where the priesthood finds its origin: in the Most High God, who is all we could ever ask or need. Melchizedek’s priesthood prefigured Christ’s eternal ministry. Jesus is now our Great High Priest, our King of Peace, and our only hope of righteousness—the One who ever lives to make intercession for us.

The book of Genesis is filled with mysterious figures—Enoch, Melchizedek, Methuselah, Noah, and others—each pointing forward to the unfolding story of God’s salvation. Across generations, human failure contrasts with divine faithfulness, always leading toward the ultimate hope found in God’s promises.

Where some turn mystery into idolatry—as in secret orders, cults, or occult traditions—the true mystery of Melchizedek points not to darkness but to revelation. The enemy thrives in secrecy and confusion, seeking to obscure God’s goodness. Faith, by contrast, opens our hearts to light and truth.

A Priest Forever

Christ is not merely a religious figure, but a King—the King of Righteousness and King of Peace. We, as His followers, are called into this kingdom of priests and kings, to serve and reign with Him.

From Abram’s encounter with Melchizedek, we see a foreshadowing of the communion we now share: the bread and wine of divine fellowship. Long before Passover or Calvary, Abram received these symbols of covenant and grace from the priest-king of old—pointing forward to Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest, who reigns forever after the order of Melchizedek.