R. Huebner
“And Melchisedec king of Salem brought out bread and wine. And he was priest of the Most High God” (Genesis 14:18).
I. The Melchizedek Order
Melchisedec (מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק) = “King of Righteousness”
He is introduced at the end of Genesis 14.
In this section, we come to a climax, which has been called by commentators the “last notice of the public life of Abraham.” He had armed his servants to destroy the kings to deliver righteous Lot. He takes nothing from the world but receives bread and wine from Melchizedek.
Bread and wine: This is not related to intercession, which is a characteristic function of the Aaronic priesthood. Christ has entered into heaven interceding now on our behalf according to the character of what the Aaronic priesthood spoke. The Lord has yet to take up his office as a Priest on His throne, according to the Melchizedek order in the Millennial day. The bread and wine here minister strength and joy, which are features of the Millennial glory.
The Melchizedek order of priesthood is carried out according to an endless life. There is no succession of priestly duty from father to son. This shows us the contrast with the Aaronic priesthood.
Abraham, here, represents power against the enemy, which Christ will display prior to His millennial reign. All the powers which rage against the righteous will be put down. And then the Melchizedek priest comes upon the scene with his special ministry. The kingship will be combined with this, and there will be a connection with Jerusalem.
Christ, in resurrection, as being on the other side of death, is established as a Priest after the order of Melchizedek.
He is after this order, but He has not taken up this office yet; however, He will take this office in the Millennial kingdom when he will be the Priest on His throne. He will be the Priest-King.
II. Helpful Bible References from Hebrews
Hebrews 7:1-3
For this Melchisedec, King of Salem, priest of the most-high God, who met Abraham returning from smiting the kings, and blessed him; to whom Abraham gave also the tenth portion of all; first being interpreted King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is King of peace; without father, without mother, without genealogy; having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but assimilated to the Son of God, abides a priest continually.
Hebrews 7:14-17
For it is clear that our Lord has sprung out of Juda, as to which tribe Moses spake nothing as to priests. And it is yet more abundantly evident, since a different priest arises according to the similitude of Melchisedec, who has been constituted not according to law of fleshly commandment, but according to power of indissoluble life (i.e., according to resurrection). For it is borne witness, Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedec.