After rescuing Lot, Abram returns to meet some of the kings of the land. How he deals with two of them contrasts sharply (Genesis 14:17-24). The king of Sodom, offers Abram a share of the returned spoils as a reward for his efforts. Abram isn’t interested in this. He refuses point blank. He makes it clear that he will receive nothing from the wicked king of the sinful city. He doesn’t want the king of Sodom to go around saying that he was the one who had made Abram great (v22-24).
However, when he meets Melchizedek, the king of Salem (likely to be a reference to Jerusalem) the relationship is completely different. He is willing to receive blessing from this king, both through food and through a prayer of blessing. Abram in effect tithes to Melchizedek giving him a tenth of everything (v18-20). Why?
Well, the writer of Hebrews is fascinated with Melchizedek, he picks up on this king being someone wo shows up in the story without introduction. It is as though he is without ancestors or descendants in the story. Melchizedek is a type or foreshadowing, point us forward to Christ. He acts as both priest and king.[1]
There are two other fascinating clues. First Melchizedek means “king of righteousness” and Salem means “peace”. It is to the king of righteousness and of peace that Abram turns, in effect swears allegiance and receives blessing. I am inclined to suggest a third hint. The king serves Abram bread and wine. So, we have a king of righteousness and peace who meets God’s people to bless them with bread and wine. Does that remind you of anyone.
So, first of all, there is a moral example in the account. Abram chooses to align with those who love peace and righteousness and not to become an unequal partner with those who choose wickedness and are under judgement.
Secondly, we see these events pointing us forward to Jesus, the true high priest and righteous king of peace.
[1] See Hebrews 7.
Faithroots 