“Abram bows only to Melchizedek, in a story filled with kings.”
Von Rad
Genesis 14 tells the story. It is a chapter filled with warfare, midnight tactics, a daring rescue, a mysterious figure, and allegiances clearly demonstrated. (Please read chapter 14 now if you are unfamiliar with the story. I’ll wait.) Abram rescues Lot and returns the captives and their possessions to the kings of the Jordan Valley. And when he is near Jerusalem (Salem), the mysterious figure, Melchizedek, comes out to meet with him. At this very same meeting is one of the kings who participated in the rebellion, the king of Sodom.
During this encounter, Abram receives a blessing from Melchizedek.
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
and blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
(Gen. 14:19b-20a)
He attributes the victory of Abram to God. Abram responds by giving a tenth of the spoils to . This is an act of submission and one with prophetical import. How? Melchizedek is a type of Christ. He prefigures the status and unique position of Jesus and his priestly ministry. (See especially Hebrews 7 for details.) Abram, in effect, bends the knee to the coming ministry of Jesus Christ through his giving.
Regarding the king of Sodom and Abram, it is an entirely different story. While Abram bows to the God Most High and his unique priest, he refuses to bend the knee to the corrupt king of Sodom. Look closely at the king of Sodom in this passage. He does not recognize the authority of Melchizedek. He receives no blessing. He presents no offering. He might, at first glance, seem noble to want his men back, but the story in chapter nineteen reveals Sodom to be a place where men are nothing more than a means to an end. They are not valued as image bearers of God, but as little more than objects to be used and discarded. Abram knows all of this. Abram is jealous that the God who will bless him not see his glory lessened through Abram’s receiving of plunder from Sodom. Abram will not bend to the king of Sodom’s “generous” offer. Today, we recognize the unusual ministry of Melchizedek, and we celebrate the unique priesthood of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus, who is perfectly the king of righteousness and the king of peace, has secured an everlasting peace for us through his spotless righteousness. Let’s celebrate Him together today.
Unto Him be glory,
Pastor Dale
