Melchizedek

Who is Melchizedek?

Melchizedek or Malki Tzedek; was a king and priest mentioned during the Abram narrative in the 14th chapter of the Book of Genesis.

He is introduced as the king of Salem, and priest of El Elyon. He brings out bread and wine and blesses Abram and El Elyon. Chazalic literature—specifically Targum Jonathan, Targum Yerushalmi, and the Babylonian Talmud—presents the name as a nickname title for Shem, the son of Noah.

In Christianity, according to the Letter to the Hebrews, Jesus Christ is identified as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, and so Jesus assumes the role of High Priest once and for all.