Melchizedek Is a Mysterious Biblical Figure About Term Paper

Melchizedek is a mysterious Biblical figure about whom very little is known. He is alluded to in the Old Testament only in the Book of Genesis, and is referred to a few times in the New Testament in the Pauline text Hebrews. No actual historical data exists to support the existence of Melchizedek the man, although the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls did lead to some scholars believing that Melchidekek was indeed an historical figure ("Melchizedek"). Universally, Melchizedek is thought to be a priest of the highest order, as well as the king of Salem (usually considered to be another name for Jerusalem). When his character first appears in Genesis, Melchizedek appears to Abraham, offering him bread and wine in honor of Abraham's victories. Therefore, Melchizedek was a high priest and kingly figure. He is sometimes equated with Shem, son of Noah ("Melchizedek"). Biblical references would place his life sometime around 2000 BCE.

Moreover, some believe that Melchizedek is the patriarch of the Davidian priestly lineage. As such, Melchizedek is heralded as a forebear of Jesus himself. In the book of Hebrews, Jesus is directly referred to as a "priest in the order of Melchizedek," (7:17). The New Testament also refers to the "future King of Israel," a descendent of Melchizedek who is believed to be the Christ. A collection of texts discovered in Egypt in the 1940s, referred to as the Nag Hammadi Library, refer to Melchizedek as a Christ-like and mystical figure. Some interpreters of the Dead Sea Scrolls find that Melchizedek may have been an incarnation of an archangel, perhaps Michael. Thus, Melchizedek is shrouded in mystery, his character considered to be at once historical and supernatural.

Melchizedek takes on further importance win the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whose primary texts the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants allude to him as King of Salem and as a remarkable high priest. Doctrine and Covenants 107:3 states that Melchizedek was "great high priest," and therefore a priestly lineage was named for him. The Priesthood of Melchizedek of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is one of two main priesthoods in the Mormon faith; the other is the Aaronic priesthood. According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints doctrine, Melchizedek helped to turn around the sinful city of Salem and spiritually purified its people. Melchizedek is heralded as a figure second only to Christ in his spiritual stature in Mormon texts.

According to Mormon doctrine, the Priesthood of Melchizedek stemmed from the earliest Hebrew patriarchs. Abraham "received the priesthood from Melchizedek, who received it through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah; and from Noah till Enoch; through the lineage of their fathers," (Doctrines and Covenants 84: 14-15). Moreover, Adam, the first man, is set forth as a primogenitor of the priesthood of Melchizedek. Thus, the priesthood is…