LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Research Paper: The Comparisons Between Melchizedek and Jesus
William Greg Hyche
NBST 621
Hebrews
October 22, 2023
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Contents
Thesis Statement---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
Introduction---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Melchizedek and other Identities --------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Melchizedek and His Priesthood--------------------------------------------------------------------------4
His Revelations in The Old Testament (Psalms and Genesis)--------------------------------5
His Revelations in The New Testament (Hebrews)--------------------------------------------6
Jesus Christ and His Comparisons With The Priesthoods of Aaronic and Melchizedek-----------7
In The Aaronic-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
With Melchizedek ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
The Weaknesses and Imperfections of the Aaronic and Levitical Priesthoods----------------------9
Jesus Christ and The Superiority of His Priesthood----------------------------------------------------10
Because of His Devine and Perfect Oath (7:20-22)-------------------------------------------10
Because of His Eternal Permanence (7:23-25)-------------------------------------------------11
Because of His Devine, Holy and Eternal Character (7:26-28)------------------------------12
Personal Applications---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Thoughts for Future Research------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Conclusion----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
Bibliography--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
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Thesis Statement
The purpose of this paper is to consider the contrast and comparison between The Old
Testament King Melchizedek and the person and Son of God Jesus Christ. I will submit that
Jesus was the Pre-Incarnate Christ. Additionally, I propose that the author of Hebrews intended
to make has case that Jesus was not simply a created being but rather was The Messiah
prophesied in The Old Testament and revealed and fulfilled in The New Testament .
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Introduction
Melchizedek and his real identity in The Old Testament has and will continue to be of
great debate among biblical scholars and faithful students of scripture for years to come.
However, as students of the scriptures we must remember that the Bible is an ancient book
written primarily to a middle eastern audience. The book of Hebrews provides students with
additional challenges because it is filled with images wrapped in mystery all written by an
unknown human author. One thing that is clear, is that the author wanted to make connections
between The Old Testament King Priest Melchizedek and The Personhood and Divinity of Jesus
Christ. It would seem that one of the primary connections that the author wanted to make was the
connection between King Jesus and King Melchizedek. The author also sought to make a
connection between The Old Testament sacrificial system of the Old Covenant and the New
Testament ministry of Jesus as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. Because Jesus was a perfect
sacrifice, God ushered in The New Covenant; therefore, replacing any need of animal sacrifice.
The authors’ point is that The New Covenant found in Jesus Christ replaced The Old Covenant
of animal sacrifices. Considering the research on this topic, I propose that the book of Hebrews
makes a comprehensive case that Melchizedek was the literal Pre-Incarnate Christ.
Melchizedek and Other Proposed Identities
Over the history of the Chrisitan church numerous proposals have been suggested and
debated regarding the identity of Melchizedek. According to Dr. David Allen, at least seven
major views have been proposed as to the identity of Melchizedek. They include that
Melchizedek was a divine being that was superior to Jesus. This view was associated with the
Gnostic tradition. Others include a heavenly being since Jesus was a mediator of men. The fourth
century bishop of Salamis identified Melchizedek as The Holy Spirit. Another belief was that He
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was Micheal the archangel. Additionally, Jewish rabbis during the time of Jerome, proposed that
he was Shem, the son Noah. However, in my view, I support and submit that Melchizedek was
not an angel being, the Holy Spirit, Shem, a heavenly being serving as mediator for angles, or as
a human being allegorically representing nous.1 In the following segments we will consider what
the Bible has to say about Melchizedek and His true identity.
Melchizedek and His Priesthood
The human author of Hebrews is concerned with the priesthood because of his audience.
For a Jewish audience, their religious world is wrapped up in the priesthood. The priest of The
Old Testament was their spiritual mediator to God. For example, it was the high priest who went
into The Holy of Holies. The priest was the mediator between God and man. He was the bridge.
The priest was responsible for administering the sacrificial system that would atone for their sins.
However, the human priest was just as human and sinful as the people he sought to atone. The
priest had to offer his own sacrifice before he could offer sacrifice for the people. Hebrews
chapter nine states, “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.” (NKJV). The
author desired to make the case that there was one who was a man but perfect, holy and eternal
whose name was Jesus and He became our great High Priest. Therefore, asking people to
suddenly ignore any human priesthood and fully trust Jesus as the one and only High Priest was
difficult for many. Most likely, for the author of Hebrews, it was important to highlight Old
Testament connections to Jesus. Therefore, it is possible to the author that the best connection
from the past to the present was to point them to Melchizedek as The Messiah.
There are several references in The Old Testament that give us some information and
insight into the priesthood of Melchizedek. In Genesis the fourteenth chapter Abram meets a
1 David L. Allen. Hebrews: New American Commentary, (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing,
2010). 410.
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priest by the name of Melchizedek. Additional references are found in Psalms the 110th chapter
which includes an indication of the coming Christ. The same reference and statements are made
again in Hebrews. In the book of Hebrews, the author also provides five opportunities to be
introduced to the person of Melchizedek. Therefore, we can conclude that the author of Hebrews
wanted to give critical and abundant information regarding Melchizedek. Considering the
numerous times Melchizedek is referenced in Hebrews, it makes it the book with the most
information regarding this man. The next section considers the various descriptions and how
scholars have interpreted those descriptions
His Revelations In The Old Testament (Psalms and Genesis)
Melchizedek is written about in two locations with the name of “righteous king”2 We
witness Melchizedek in the book of Genesis the first time when Abram seemed to come upon
him following the Chedorlaomerian victory recorded in Genesis chapter 14. Genesis chapter
fourteen records his conversation with the King of Salem. Salem is associated with the word
meaning “Peace” which gives the King of Salem as also the title of “King of Peace” 3 Salem is
also associated with the future location of Jerusalem. Jesus is also known as “The Prince of
Peace.” According to T. K. Thomas, the King of Salem is the first priest that we encounter in
scripture.4 Considering this man is both a king and a priest it is interesting that Abram offered a
significate tithe and gave bread and wine unto King Melchizedek. Therefore, Abram recognized
this King as a person worthy to worship. Additionally, Abram gave glory to God for for all of his
blessings, which reflected his heart regarding the King of Salem. (Genesis 14:22-24).
2 George H. Guthrie, The NIV Application Commentary: Hebrews, (Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan Publications, 1989), 252.
3 George H. Guthrie, The NIV Application Commentary: Hebrews, 252.
4 T.K. Thomas, “Melchizedek, King and Priest,” 403.
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The Old Testament provides the second opportunity to read Melchizedek in Psalm 110.
David wrote, “….Thou art a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Psalms 110 is one of the
most often referenced in The New Testament considering the Christ and can be referred to as the
“Psalm of the Messiah.”5 It would appear in Psalm 110 that David points to the Messiah and
Melchizedek as more than just a figure with minor importance but rather an arch-type of the
Messiah. David presents him as the glorified one of God sitting at His right hand.
“This is the declaration of the Lord to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your
enemies Your footstool.” The Lord will extend Your mighty scepter from Zion. Rule over Your
surrounding enemies.” Psalm 110 provides for us profound images between Jesus and
Melchizedek” (HCSB). In the next section we consider The New Testament references to
Melchizedek and his identity and priesthood
His Revelations In The New Testament (Hebrews)
The New Testament book of Hebrews is the next opportunity that we read of
Melchizedek. What is interesting is that the author of Hebrews points us back to Psalm 110.
David in Psalms 110 points us toward Melchizedek as a Priest worthy of worship. The author of
Hebrews also makes a strong connection between Jesus and Melchizedek in chapter five verse
six, “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedek.” (HCSB). This passage in chapter
five provides a strong argument for Melchizedek as the literal Jesus Christ. It is also important
to remember that the priesthood of Melchizedek is of the highest, meaning it was greater than the
Aaronic Priesthood.
In chapters six through seven of Hebrews the author delves deeper by taking us back to
the Genesis and Psalms passages. The author goes a step further in Hebrews chapter seven verse
5 William MacDonald, The Believers’ Bible Commentary,(Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson
Publications, 1995),723.
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three to say in summary, that he (Melchizedek) did not have a mother, father, beginning nor end
but rather a priest “continually”. Cockerill instructs us, “there can be no doubt that (the
descriptives of this passage) describe eternal, uncreated Deity.”6 To fully establish Melchizedek
as the literal Christ he points to several characteristics that are helpful in his case. In chapter
seven verses one through three the author writes, “king of Salem meaning king of peace…
having neither beginning of days nor end of life but resembling the Son of God-remains a priest
forever.” (HCSB). The author clearly desires the audience to view Melchizedek as The Messiah.
Additionally, the author in chapter seven verse seven intends to show his audience that the order
of Melchizedek’s priesthood was far greater than that of Levi and Abraham. He reminds his
audience that Levi is dead but Melchizedek was alive. In the following section we will explore
the superiority of the priesthood of Jesus to those of Aaron and Levi.
Jesus Christ and His Comparisons with The Priesthoods of Aaron, Levi and Melchizedek
One of the chief struggles with the Hebrew people was that Jesus was of the line of
David. The priesthood was from the house of Levi which was a completely different tribe all
together. It was understood that the Messiah would come from the Davidic line which made it
possible for Jesus to be the Messiah but not to be a priest. For Jesus to be a priest, He had to be a
priest that was far superior than those of the house of Aaron and Levi. The author of Hebrews
makes the priesthood a major feature. As mentioned earlier, the priesthood was of extreme
importance in the life and worship of the Hebrew people. Helping them to move from a position
of Jesus plus animals sacrifices required that he make a theological case that there faith was
rooted in Jesus as the highest of all priest. The author of Hebrews had to make the case that Jesus
was the ultimate, Priest because He was perfect and sinless. The Christian faith was and is not a
6 Gareth Lee Cockarill, The Epistle to the Hebrews, (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans,
2012), 300.
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faith of Jesus plus our efforts but in Christ alone. The author wanted them to be convinced that
the priesthood of Jesus was of the order of Melchizedek which had no beginning nor end but was
eternal. To make his case the author makes parallels between Jesus and the priesthoods of Levi
and Aaron.
In The Aaronic
Considering that the author has reminded the audience that Jesus was of the order of
Melchizedek, His priesthood was not depending on ancestry but rather on God’s appointment.
Theologian N. T. Wright makes the point, “Jesus is not, then, a transient high priest, to be
replaced by someone else. He remains a priest forever.”7 The author has already established in
chapter one that Jesus is higher than the angels and therefore is seeking to establish Him as even
greater than Aaron and his priesthood. The author makes the point that Melchizedek is obviously
greater than Abraham, and is also greater than Aaron. The author does make some comparison
between Jesus and Aaronic. According to Hebrews chapter five verse ten, Aaron was a priest
who was “called of God”. Christ was also called of God but in the “order of Melchizedek”.
However, there are difference between the two.
With Melchizedek
All of this is to make the point that Melchizedek was both greater than all Old Testament
priest. The priesthood of Aaron and Levi and all those who came after them were to stand and be
in the Holy of Holies but for a short period of time. Haldane makes the point, “When the Jewish
high priest entered the holy place, he stood while he performed the service, for he was to remain
but for a short time, and only as a minister; but our great High Priest sat down as a Prince on the
right hand of the Majesty on high.”8 The author makes the point in chapter eight in verse one
7 http://in-fraction.blogspot.com. 2006.
8 James A. Haldane, An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, Ch.2
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through five that Christ is superior to Aaron because He has a better sanctuary one not built by
hands but in the person of Jesus. Farstad makes the point, “ Jews taunted the early Christians
with words, “We have the tabernacle; we have the priesthood; we have the offerings; we have
the ceremonies; we have the temple; we have the beautiful priestly garments.” The believers
confident answer is, “yes you have the shadows but we have the fulfillment, you have the
ceremonies but we have Christ.”9
The Weaknesses and Imperfections of the Aaronic and Levitical Priesthoods
In making comparisons between Jesus and the priesthoods of Aaron and Levi it was
important to reveal the weakness of their priesthoods. The author in Hebrews chapter seven
verses eleven through fourteen, reveals the primary weakness of the Aaronic and Levitical
Priesthoods. The author makes the case that if Aaron was a perfect priest and could make people
perfect then there would be no need for any other priest that would come after him. Hebrews
7:11 makes the point, “Now if perfection were attainable through the Levitical priesthood (under
which the people have received the law), what further need would there be for another priest to
arise after Melchizedek’s order, instead of being called after Aaron?” The author desires his
readers to consider the human condition of the priesthood. In other words, the law was intended
to convicted the sinner of sin not to save them from sin. The law reflected the holiness of God
and His demand for holiness. The priest who were born to uphold its standard could not keep the
law themselves with absolute perfection and they themselves could not redeem and atone for
anyone’s sin. Theologian F.F. Bruce makes the point, “the Aaronic priesthood was neither
designed nor competent to inaugurate the age of fulfilment; that age must be marked by the rise
9 William MacDonald, The Believers’ Bible Commentary, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson
Publications, 1995).2181.
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of another priest, whose priesthood was of a different order and character form Aaron’s.” 10
Considering the sinful human condition of the priesthood, God had already provided a way to
fulfill the law by instituting a new order and age to come. An age and priesthood that was higher,
better and perfect.
The author clearly desires his audience to recognize the weaknesses of the Aaronic
priesthood. His case is to prove that Jesus is there Prophet, Priest and King in the same order of
Melchizedek. As faithful Hebrews they do not seem to question what David had to say regarding
the Messiah and Melchizedek. The Hebrews are believing in what the Torah wrote regarding
Melchizedek and the Messiah; therefore, there faith should be strong that Jesus was the
fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. Additionally, all other priest had to offer sacrifices for
themselves before offering sacrifices for the people. The sacrifice of Jesus was for all once and
eternal. In the next section we shall consider the superiority of Jesus Christ and His new and
eternal priesthood.
Jesus Christ and The Superiority of His Priesthood (7:20-28)
His Oath (7:20-22)
The author makes his case that Jesus is a superior priest because of His Oath, His
Permeance and His Character. Regarding His Oath, Moreover, insofar as the new priesthood
is not unaccompanied by the swearing of an oath….vs. 21 but this one with the swearing of an
oath by him who says to him, ‘The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind…’ (20-21).
Bruce writes, “there is no mention of a diving oath in the record of their appointments there is in
Psalm 110:4, where a new priest “after the order of Melchizedek” is introduced.” 11All
throughout scripture we read of God making an oath to His people for what He will do for His
10 F.F Bruce. The Epistle To The Hebrews. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1990) 165.
11 F.F.Bruce. The Epistle to the Hebrews, (Grand Rapids, MI: William B.Eerdmans, 2010), 170.
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children. The rainbow itself is a promise that He will never destroy the earth by water again.
(Genesis 9:11-16). David also made the connection between God’s promises and His provision
for His children, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his seed begging for bread.” KJV (Psalm 37:25). In the gospels, Jesus promised to keep His
word. The Apostle Mathew wrote of Jesus (Mathew 6:25-27) Therefore I tell you, do not be
anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, not abut your body, what you
will put on.” Jesus made an oath to keep His word and His word is eternal. A second reason for
the superiority of His priesthood is in His permanence.
His Permanence (7:23-25)
The author writes, “Again, those high priests have been many in number because death
prevented them from continuing, but this one (Jesus), because he continues “forever,” has a
priesthood which is untransferable.” (Vs. 23-24). (NKJV) Because Jesus is eternal He is also
permanent. Jesus died on the cross but arose again on the third day. The resurrection of Jesus
makes our Lord’s priesthood forever and eternal. We do not have to fear nor worry who will
come after Him once He is deceased. The priesthood of the Aaronic line could not enjoy the
priesthood perpetually. All other priest from Aaron to before Jesus were temporal. According
Josephus, 83 priest served from Aaron unto the destruction of the second temple in A.D. 7012
Bruce makes the point, “our Lord’s indissoluble life makes it possible for Him to fulfil the letter
the words ‘You are a priest forever.’”13 Considering the priesthood of Christ is perpetual His
permanence is consistent with that of the order of Melchizedek. The priesthood of Christ is not
only superior because of His Oath, His Permanence but also in His Character.
His Character (Vs. 26-28)
12 Antiquities. 20.277.
13 F.F. Bruce. The Epistle to the Hebrews, (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2010),172.
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The author writes, “so now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs; completely
holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God’s presence in heaven itself.
Unlike the other high priests, he doesn’t have to offer sacrifices for His own sins every day
before He can get around to us and our sins. He’s done it, once and for all: offered up Himself as
the sacrifice. The law appoints as high priests men who are never able to get the job done right.
But this intervening command of God, which came later, appoints the Son, who is absolutely,
eternally perfect.” (MSG) The priesthood of Christ is superior because He is the Holy one Jesus.
The nature and character of Jesus is absolute perfection. Although Jesus lived among sinners, He
Himself never sinned. Jesus confronted the full power of the enemy Satan’s temptation yet never
gave in to its lures. He was tempted as all humanity yet Himself without sin. Jesus ate among
sinners and yet routinely called sinners unto repentance. Because of the Holy character and
nature of Jesus, He had nor has any need to routinely go to make sacrifices for His people. When
Jesus offered up His own life it became more than enough to satisfy the Fathers demand for
atonement for our sins, Davidson suggest, “He presented a permanently valid sin offering on
their behalf when He offered up His own life-an offering so perfect and efficacious that it needs
no repetition.14
Personal Application
Although this paper has been to examine the evidence for the connections between Jesus
and Melchizedek there are some personal applications worth noting. First, my faith is
strengthened knowing that we serve a triune God. The word trinity may not appear in scripture,
but the truth of the trinity is revealed clearly from Genesis to Revelation. My faith is increased
knowing that Jesus is eternal both past and present. Second, that I have a savior that was at work
in the life of people in the past as much as He is in the present. The beauty and power of
14 A.B. Davidson, The Epistle to the Hebrews (Edinburg, 1882), p.144.
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Melchizedek must have been overwhelming for Abram to stop, tithe and worship. Abram’s
actions reveal to me how we should all worship our Savior each and every Sunday when we
gather to worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thoughts For Future Research
Considering a lot has already been written over millennia regarding the identity of
Melchizedek, I would suggest churches to study more routinely the subject. I am not aware of a
six-week bible study on the relationship between Jesus and the Priestly King Melchizedek. I
have not taught such a topic but intend to into the future, Lord willing.
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Conclusion
The purpose of this research paper was to consider the special connections and
comparisons in the life and ministry of Melchizedek and The Son of God Jesus Christ. My
objective was to explore the evidence that the author of Hebrews was making his case that Jesus
was Melchizedek as revealed in Genesis and Psalms. Although we have limited information
about Melchizedek; The Old Testaments books of Genesis and Psalms 110 provide enough
evidence to support the authors argument. Throughout church history, significate and sincere
research has pointed in various identities of Melchizedek. However in my view, the Biblical
revelations point to the likely reality that Melchizedek was the Pre-Incarnate Jesus Christ.
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Bibliography
Allen, David L. New American Commentary: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy
Scripture. Vol. 35. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2010.
Bruce, F.F. The Epistle To The Hebrews, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company
1990.
Bruce, F.F. “The New International Commentary on the New Testament.” In the Epistle to the
Hebrews, by Gareth Lee Cockarill. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2012.
Carson, D.A. Moo, Douglas J. and Morris, Leon, Morris. An Introduction to the New Testament,
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publications, 1992.
Elwell, Walter. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Editon. P.E. Hughes. Priesthood.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1984,2001.
Guthrie, Georg H. The NIV Application Commentary: Hebrews. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
Publications, 1998.
Haldane, James A. An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Database: WORDsearch Corp.
Josephus, “Antiquities”
