² …[Melchizedek] was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace.

The mystery begins to unfold as our author peels back the obscurity of this hugely significant individual, Melchizedek. He is building to show that Jesus as a priest in the order of Melchizedek was greater than any from among the Levitical priesthood descended from Aaron. Now this all seems rather like dusty old theology to many, but the connection here provides powerful support to the idea of Christ’s supremacy overall. There was nothing more sacred in the Jewish religion than the priesthood. That was so ingrained in the collective psyche, that hardly could anyone image something or someone greater than a priest. After all, the high priest was absolutely the only one of all the people who could actually go into the inner sanctuary where God manifested His presence. And then he could only do it once a year. Now, the author in this letter to the Hebrews is making the astounding claim that Jesus is greater than even the high priest. And it is because of His connection to Melchizedek.

First consider his name—Jewish literature often connects the meaning of a person’s name with his character. “Melchizedek” comes from two Hebrew words, “Melchi” which means king and “zedek” which is related to the Hebrew word for “righteousness.” This name was actually a title, which is quite interesting in light of the goal of the Law of Moses being to outline the way of righteousness. Moses wrote, “What great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?” (Deut 4:8). David intoned, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul … The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether” (Ps 19:7, 9).

Yet, no one in all of Israel had the title of “King of Righteousness.” For Melchizedek, righteousness was his domain, he ruled over it, he was righteousness’ sovereign. Whatever is right, comes under his jurisdiction. And to the point, this righteousness comes from outside the Law of Moses!

Melchizedek was also the king of Salem, which was his more recognizable title, but the significance comes from its meaning – “king of peace.” He was king over Salem, which is probably the city later known as Jerusalem—and this well before it became the center of Jewish life and religion. So the Lord Jesus Christ is not only greater than the angels, greater than Moses, but now we are about to see that through His connection to Melchizedek, Jesus is greater than even Abraham, that great patriarch who became the father of the Jewish nation.

Lord, I not only believe in Jesus as my Savior, but I also take Him as the supreme Sovereign in my life. My King of Righteousness and my King of Peace.