Who was Melchizedek?

Who was Melchizedek?

• A. A prophet
• B. Priest of God and King of Salem
• C. A shepherd
• D. A priest of Aaron

Answer: (B)

Melchizedek is presented as both a king and a priest of the Most High God. In Genesis 14, he appears as the king of Salem (ancient Jerusalem) and as a priest who worships the one true God. He blesses Abram, and Abram responds by giving him a tithe, which shows Melchizedek’s authority comes from God, not from any human lineage. This dual role—ruler of a city and a priest of God Most High—sets him apart from other figures like prophets, shepherds, or priests who come from the line of Aaron. Aaron’s priesthood belongs to the later Mosaic system, while Melchizedek’s priesthood is presented as independent of that lineage. Because of this, he’s described in a way that prefigures a lasting, superior priesthood, which is why the best answer is that Melchizedek was a priest of God and king of Salem.

Melchizedek is presented as both a king and a priest of the Most High God. In Genesis 14, he appears as the king of Salem (ancient Jerusalem) and as a priest who worships the one true God. He blesses Abram, and Abram responds by giving him a tithe, which shows Melchizedek’s authority comes from God, not from any human lineage. This dual role—ruler of a city and a priest of God Most High—sets him apart from other figures like prophets, shepherds, or priests who come from the line of Aaron. Aaron’s priesthood belongs to the later Mosaic system, while Melchizedek’s priesthood is presented as independent of that lineage. Because of this, he’s described in a way that prefigures a lasting, superior priesthood, which is why the best answer is that Melchizedek was a priest of God and king of Salem.