Bible Study Online Article

In the last couple of articles, we'd learned, that Chedorlaomer the king of Elam and his revolutionaries -- had started a rebellion against the king of Sodom, and his allies.

The Sacred Record reveals, that Chedorlaomer and his revolutionaries, had defeated the king of Sodom and those who'd followed him.

And Chedorlaomer had defeated the Sodom king, when they'd fought around the tar and slim pits, from within "The Vale of Siddim."

The Sacred Record also reveals, that shortly afterwards, the Chedorlaomer rebellion would continue to lay waste to the land that they had just conquered, while enriching themselves with its spoils.

And it was during this altercation, that Abram's nephew Lot had been rounded up, along with others, who ended up being taken captive by Chedorlaomer and his revolutionaries.

However, word about Lot, gets back to his uncle Abram. And after Abram had heard this horrible news, he makes a vow to the One True God, and soon after, he sets out to rescue his nephew. So Abram ended up doing battle with Chedorlaomer and his revolutionaries. And the Sacred Record would reveal, that all had went well. For we find that in the end, not only would Abram rescue his nephew Lot, but he'd also defeated Chedorlaomer and his revolutionaries -- which brought an end to their rebellion.

Now after Abram had return back from his victory, that he had just tasted from defeating Chedorlaomer and his revolutionaries. We now find, that the king of Sodom comes out to "The Valley of Shaveh" which is also known as the "King's Valley" -- in order to show his respect, and appreciation towards Abram. And while this was happening, we would also be introduced to a mysterious king and priest, who'd went by the name Melchizedek.

Know that he had also came to the King's Valley -- in order to see Abram as well. Melchizedek ended up bringing bread and wine, for Abram and his men. Now understand, that this act of giving, on the behalf of Melchizedek -- was to simply show hospitality, and to congratulate Abram for his victory over the Chedorlaomer and his revolutionaries. Now keep in mind, that when Melchizedek had came to give congratulations, while bearing gifts -- this ended up, being a huge honor for Abram.

Now when it comes to this mysterious king and priest, that was known as Melchizedek -- know that there are, three main theories on who he really was. Now I will mention them quickly, so you will have some idea, on why Bible teachers and church leaders teach the way that they do when it comes to him. But I will not go into great detail, because these are just theories, and not fact. Which means that they would lead to more questions, that can't truly be answered, based on the information that we get from the Sacred Scriptures.

Now with that being stated, let's proceed...

1. Some teach that he was Shem, one of the three sons that belonged to Noah - This is the viewpoint that most Jews have adopted concerning this great man, being that Shem was possibly still alive when Abram had met Melchizedek. Shem did die, at the age of 600.
2. Others teach that he was the Son of God - Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, or a type of Christ (Old Testament Example) - Know that this is the viewpoint that most Christians have adopted.
3. And others would seem to suggest, that he was a Canaanitish king that had ruled in Salem - Now personally, I believe that there are too many holes in this viewpoint for me to list, but it's highly unlikely that this was the case.

Now although these theories do hold some merit, they also have their weaknesses as well. So I'm not going to debate these viewpoints at this particular time, or on this page -- but rest assured, that the true identity of Melchizedek is a very perplexing one indeed. And there's no doubt in my mind, that the discussion on Melchizedek, would continue to create some very interesting debates amongst Bible teachers and church leaders for many years to come.

However, what we do know, when it comes to this mysterious king and priest that had went by the name Melchizedek? Let me start, by telling you, that he wasn't your typical king or priest. For he was known to be a righteous king, and a priest of the Most High God. He was found to be without descent, for he had no genealogy. The Scared Record also proclaims, that he had no beginning of days, or end of life, and just like the Son of God - Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, he will remain a priest forever:

"For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated 'king of righteousness,' and then also king of Salem, meaning 'king of peace,' without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. -- (Hebrews 7:1-3)

However, we move forward...

It's at this time, that we find Melchizedek speaking a blessing unto Abram: "And he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." -- Genesis 14:19,20

Now after this blessing was spoken, notice how Abram would then, give Melchizedek a tithing gift? And just like the passage had revealed, it would be a tenth of all the spoils, that Abram had acquired from defeating Chedorlaomer and his revolutionaries. Understand, that by Melchizedek being a priest of the Most High God, as well as a king -- this tithing gift by Abram, was very much in order.

Know that this tithing gift, would be given by Abram, in order to honor the Most High God -- and for the service of Melchizedek's royal ministry. This would also mark the first time, that tithing would be mentioned from within the Sacred Record.

However, as we move forward...

We now find, that the king of Sodom had tried to give Abram some sort of proposition at this time: "Give the people to me and keep the goods for yourself." But Abram would end up refusing this offer, that the Sodom king had proposed. But being the man that he was, he did it in a very generous way:

"I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and Earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share." -- (Genesis 14:22-24)

So Abram would end up giving the Sodom king everything that he had gained, from his victory against Chedorlaomer. Everything, except for the reimbursement of food, that his men had eaten. Abram would also exclude the men from this deal, that he was making with the Sodom king. These men were: Aner, Eshcol and Mamre -- the men who'd fought alongside him, in his battle with Chedorlaomer. And by Abram doing this, know that this would allow Aner, Eshcol and Mamre to keep their share of the spoils, that they had personally risked their lives for.

Now let's take a closer look at what Abram's refusal, and what he just said and did, so we can have a better understanding of why he did it. First off, we must consider the notion, that Abram had every right to keep, and do with, whatever he had gained from his battle with the Chedorlaomer. But something else had occurred when Abram had refused the Sodom king, for we also find, Abram's very amazing deed:

"Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have raised my hand to the Lord, the Most High God, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, "I have made Abram rich" except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.'" -- (Genesis 14:22-24)

Notice how the Sacred Record shows, and confirms, that Abram had made a vow with God. Know that Abram was keeping his vow to God. So understand that this refusal by Abram, was nothing personal, or something that he had against the Sodom king? Remember, that Abram's agenda, when he'd went against the Chedorlaomer rebellion, had nothing to do with enriching himself.

No, this wasn't the case, being that Abram's agenda was to simply save his nephew Lot. Plus, we would have to consider the notion, that Abram did not want to give the Sodom king a chance, to try to take credit, for his overall well-being. And make no mistake, when it came to all that Abram was, and all he had gained -- know that, full credit belongs, and goes completely to the Most High God.

Also take note when it comes to this part of the passage: "I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share."

Know that Abram would only accept what his men had already eaten from the spoils they had risked their lives for -- for they'd earn that right. And as for Aner, Eshcol and Mamre -- the men who'd help Abram defeat Chedorlaomer. Abram did not have the right to give away their share of the spoils, for it wasn't his to give away. Now if Aner, Eshcol and Mamre -- wanted to give away their share, it would be completely up to them.

Now this may seem strange to us, here in the 21st century, but remember that Abram had already became a very wealthy man, both naturally and spiritually -- simply by doing things God's way. Now if we could personally, learn to trust in the Lord, like Abram did? Then I would hope to find, that God would not disappoint us, nor us to Him. For we must always remember, that God is the same yesterday, today and forever more.

So, after Abram had received the great honor of meeting this mysterious king and priest that had went by the name Melchizedek. And was finished being honored by the Sodom king, for his bravery and victory against Chedorlaomer -- we begin to move forward. And it's at this time, we find Abram beginning to worry about the future of his household, for he had not yet, had an heir born unto him. So as we journey forth, we will discover, what exactly, the Most High had to say -- when it came to reassuring Abram, that all will be well?

God Creates the Earth

**YOUR CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES - WOULD BE HERE**

Sarah the Mother of Nations

The Birth of Isaac

The Birth of Esau & Jacob

Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty

Jacob - Wrestles with God

Joseph the Favorite Son

Joseph the Overseer of Egypt

The Unveiling of Joseph

01) Introduction of Abraham - Before He was Called

02) The Divine Calling of Abraham

03) Abram Goes to Egypt

04) The Strife between Abram and Lot

05) Chedorlaomer Captures Lot

06) Abram's Mission to Rescue Lot

07) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE->

08) Abram's Promised Seed

09) Abram's Family Drama

10) Abraham the Father of a Multitude

Added to page 10) The Abrahamic Covenant and its Modification