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The Mysterious Priest-King
TANAKH
King Melchizedek of Salem is a unique figure who brought out bread and wine and was a priest of God Most High. The book of Genesis, the first book of the Torah, introduces Melchizedek as a king and priest, highlighting his significant yet mysterious role in the narrative.
Melchizedek's Mystical Connections
MUSAR
The mystical concept of reincarnation links Melchizedek to Aaron and Samuel, suggesting he was both a priest and a Levite. Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz’s 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, explores these mystical connections between biblical figures.
Unveiling Melchizedek's True Identity
COMMENTARY
The rabbinic sages identified Melchizedek as Shem, the son of Noah. The Siftei Chakhamim, a supercommentary on Rashi’s Torah commentary, provides textual evidence for this insight by interpreting the abbreviation of "King of Salem" in reverse.
The Consequence of Misplaced Blessings
COMMENTARY
Malki Tzedek was punished for blessing Avram before blessing God, leading to the loss of his position as High Priest. Rabbeinu Bahya, a medieval Jewish commentator, explores the interaction between Malki Tzedek and Avram, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing blessings to God.
The Legal Claim of the Tithe
COMMENTARY
Radak challenges the traditional view by asserting that Malki Tzedek gave Avram the tithe not as a gift but as a recognition of Avram's right to it. Rabbi David Kimchi (Radak), a medieval Jewish commentator, provides a unique interpretation of the interaction between Avram and Malki Tzedek in Genesis 14:20.
The Transfer of the Priesthood
TALMUD
The priesthood was originally intended to emerge from Shem, but due to Melchizedek's actions, it was transferred to Abraham and his descendants. The Talmudic tractate Nedarim discusses how Melchizedek, identified as Shem, lost the priesthood by placing the blessing of Abraham before the blessing of God.
Priesthood Beyond Israel
COMMENTARY
Priesthood is not exclusively a Jewish or Israelite institution, as figures like Melchizedek and Jethro, who were not Israelites, are also described as priests in the Torah. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his Torah commentary, explores the broader concept of priesthood beyond the Israelite tradition.
A Gesture of Peace and Prophecy
COMMENTARY
Melchizedek's gesture towards Abraham was a sign of peace and a foreshadowing of future Jewish rituals in Jerusalem. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, explains the significance of Melchizedek's actions in Genesis 14:18.
From Melchizedek to Abraham
KABBALAH
The shift of spiritual authority from the descendants of Shem (Melchizedek) to Abraham underscores the importance of prioritizing divine reverence over human relationships. The Zohar, a central text in Jewish mysticism, delves into this significant shift and its implications for the lineage of spiritual leadership.
Jerusalem's Divine Monarch Melchizedek
COMMENTARY
Melchizedek is identified as the King of Jerusalem, linking him to the chosen site of the Temple and the divine abode in Zion. The Tur HaArokh, a medieval Jewish commentary, connects Melchizedek to Psalms 76:3, highlighting Jerusalem's significance in Jewish tradition.
Melchizedek's Timely Blessing
JEWISH THOUGHT
Melchizedek arrives and receives a blessing from Abraham during Abraham's negotiations with the king of Sodom. Rabbi Isaac Arama's medieval work, Akeidat Yitzchak, delves into the theological and ethical implications of this encounter.
Abraham's Trust and Generosity
COMMENTARY
Abraham's generosity and righteousness are exemplified in his giving a tithe to Melchizedek and his refusal to take wealth from the king of Sodom, showing his trust in God. Ramban, a medieval Jewish scholar, explains the motivation and meaning behind Abraham's actions.
The Offerings of Melchizedek, James Tissot, 1896-1902
The Offerings of Melchizedek, James Tissot, 1896-1902
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