Genesis 14:17 Commentary and Bible Study

The king of Sodom went out to meet Abram after his return from the slaughter. Why did he not go with Abram? Probably because of fear, and he evidently recognised the courage of Abram in doing what he had not been willing to do. But Melchizedek came also. Melchizedek, an ancient name which means ‘king of righteousness’. Melchizedek, king of righteousness, a most mysterious figure, was king of Salem, which probably means Jerusalem. He had a kingdom, and he was also the king of righteousness, a priest judging by his behaviour. He brought forth bread and wine, no doubt considerable quantities and amounts for the sustenance of Abram's 318 men, and he was the priest of the most high God. Where did he come from? We have no idea. It is one of those grand things in the Bible that reminds us that there are far more believers than we realise. Abram has been called out of Ur of the Chaldees by God. He is one of very few left who follow the Lord, and believe in him. He proceeds on his journey, and now we find another worshipper of the true God. Melchizedek is a priest and a king. Of course he is also a symbol and a type. He is a literal priest and king, but he is a symbol and a type of Christ, who would also be a royal priest. And he, Melchizedek, blessed Abram ‘and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.’ He is a real believer in the Lord and his worship and his language is sound. What is going on here? Why does he bless Abram? Because in a way he is greater than Abram, and Abram will pay him tithes, and this is all covered in the letter to the Hebrews. It seems that Melchizedek is not only a type of Christ, but Abram realises he is a true priest of God, and that he represents the old order. The old arrangement of God is that grace is available to anyone who calls upon him. But now for a time, God is going to change his method, and he has called out Abram, and he is going to use him and speak through him and his descendants, and reveal himself to them in great measure. God is going to focus on a nation people so that through them he will reach others, but they are going to be the ones through whom his revelation will come. It seems that Melchizedek who represents everything back to the fall is going to handover the baton to Abram, so Melchizedek blesses him and receives tithes from him. It's an extraordinary event. But what is he doing? It's as though he is given by God on high the power and authority to pass the baton of that ancient patriarchal priesthood to Abraham and his family. God will now select a family, the Hebrews, the Israelites, and he will reveal his word through them. Through them he will bring the promised descendant, the one promised in the Garden of Eden, who would bruise the serpent's head, the Saviour. Abraham is given this assurance that God is with him and his seed, especially his spiritual seed.