Melchizedek
GUIDE TO THE SCRIPTURES[1]
Melchizedek
A great Old Testament high priest, prophet, and leader who lived after the flood and during the time of Abraham. He was called the king of Salem (Jerusalem), king of peace, king of righteousness (which is the Hebrew meaning of Melchizedek), and priest of the most high God. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, Gen. 14: 18-20. Melchizedek’s people wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven, JST, Gen. 14: 25-40. Christ was a high priest after the order of Melchizedek, Heb. 5: 6. Melchizedek was King of Salem, priest of the most high God, Heb. 7: 1-3. None were greater than Melchizedek, Alma 13: 14-19. Abraham received the priesthood from Melchizedek, D&C 84: 14. In respect for the Lord’s name, the ancient Church called the higher priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood, D&C 107: 1-4.
BIBLE DICTIONARY[2]
Melchizedek
King of Righteousness.
A notable prophet and leader who lived about 2000 B.C. He is called the king of Salem (Jerusalem), king of peace, and “priest of the most High God.” Unfortunately, information concerning him in the Bible is relatively scarce, being limited to Gen. 14: 18-20; Heb. 4: 6; Heb. 7: 1-3. Mention of the priesthood of Melchizedek is given in several other instances, primarily in Psalms and in Hebrews. However, latter-day revelation gives us much more about him and his priesthood (see JST Gen. 14: 17-40; JST Heb. 7: 1-3; Alma 13: 14-19; D&C 84: 14; D&C 107: 1-4). From these sources we realize something of the greatness of this prophet and the grandeur of his ministry.
