Contrary to what might be expected, the first priest mentioned in the Bible is not from the Tribe of Levi. In fact, the first priest is described before Levi is even born. In Genesis 14, we are introduced to Melchizedek, who is described as “Priest of God Most High.” Identified in Psalm 110 and extensively reflected upon in the Letter to the Hebrews, Melchizedek remains an elusive figure in the Scripture.
Even so, he appears in the Roman Canon at Mass; today’s priests are ordained to “the Order of Melchizedek,” and his appearance in Genesis forms the basis of some of our theology of the priesthood. As we begin the Year for Priests, it behooves us to reflect more deeply upon this King of Righteousness.
The first question that arises is regarding Melchizedek’s very identity: who is he? His appearance in Genesis 14 is quite minimal and set at a point very early in Abram’s faith journey, as Abram defeats several war lords in the land of Canaan. Identified in the Scripture as “King of Salem,” ancient Jewish sources see him as the leader of the entire area, a wise sage of a man whom the rest must respect. But this does not answer the question of his identity. We must look back even further.
As Abram presents Melchizedek with a tithe, Melchizedek gives him a blessing in return. Here is the hint we’ve been looking for! The last person to receive a blessing was the oldest son of Noah: Shem. Adding up the dates of Shem’s life, we learn that he was actually still alive during Abram’s time, and in fact outlived Abraham!
Blessings at this time in history were not things that could be easily exchanged, once they were given, they could not be taken back. (See Jacob’s stealing of Issac’s paternal blessing from his older brother Esau.) Blessings are tangible things, so Melchizedek/Shem must still have the one given to him by his father, Noah; and he now passes it on to his descendent Abram, the one chosen by God to be the father of many nations.
All of these identities have priestly functions, but it is taken to an even greater degree when we see what Melchizedek offers as a priest, for priests offer sacrifices and Melchizedek offers a sacrifice of bread and wine. This sets off signal flares in the eyes of a Catholic, for our priests also offer sacrifices of bread and wine, now fulfilled in Christ to be His very Body and Blood.
What becomes important for today is that the priesthood in which Catholic Priests share, and by extension that all the baptized share in as well, goes back not just to the Sacrifice in the Jerusalem Temple, but back to the very foundations of creation by God. Melchizedek is identified as “a priest forever” in Psalm 110, his priesthood continues on into the ages. The Catholic Priest, in the place of Christ the Head, also shares in this eternal priesthood, continually offering a sacrifice of bread and wine before God in Heaven.
Uniting all of this into one, we see God’s divine plan in the scope of Salvation History. That Jesus came when He did is not some type of accidental occurrence, but had been planned out from before by our Loving Father. God wants to give us the tools to return to His presence in Heaven. Let us therefore rejoice that Christ left us with the great gift of the priesthood, that He continues to choose men to serve Him in this way, so that we might all come to worship Him forever around His altar in heaven.
[Reprinted with permission from The Catholic Telegraph.]
June 24th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I am grateful to Fr Schnippel for this article. I could never understand the reference to a Catholic priests being considered a priest like Melchizedek of old. In Hebrews Christ was designated a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
I am afraid I still do not understand the references to Melchizedek in the Bible, especially in Hebrews where Christ was designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Can anyone explain the following?
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.”
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb 5:1-10).
June 24th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Melchizedek/Shem survived the chaos of the waters of the flood, and went on to offer sacrifice to God in the form of bread and wine. Christ, the new Melchizedek, survived (though he died) the chaos of the Garden of Olives and the Cross, and went on to offer continual sacrifice to the Father both through the trials he endured on Earth and through the Body and Blood (bread and wine) that are offered through each Mass. Jesus continues to offer sacrifice on our behalf each time Mass is celebrated, and will continue to do so until the consummation of all things on the Last Day.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Noel:
Scott Hahn explains that part of the reason (in addition to what PraireHawk says above) that Christ is identified as a Priest in the Order of Melchizadek is that He is The First-born Son, the reason that Melch’s priesthood is eternal is that it is both in the form of Christ’s Eternal Priesthood (Eternally Begotten, not made), but also that his is a fore-shadowing of Christ’s Priesthood on earth.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews (St. Paul?) is also at pains to distinguish Christ’s priesthood from that of the Levitical/Aaronite priesthood, hence the strong connection with Melch, a priesthood that was original to God’s plan and pre-dates that of the priesthood of the Levite’s. (How the Levite’s take over the priestly duties is subject of the next article….)
Also to be kept in mind, Levitical priests did not serve for life, but only for a span of time. They began their training at 20 years old and served at the Altar in the Temple from 30-50; after that, the priesthood of that individual came to an end. Melch’s, being in the original state, is a priesthood without beginning or end because he has his priesthood naturally, as the righteous first born son of his father, Noah. Christ is The Righteous First Born Son of His Father: God, hence his priesthood is even greater than that of Melch.
Hope this helps, and isn’t too deep!
August 18th, 2009 at 12:01 am
The idea that Melchizedek = Shem contradicts Hebrews 7:1-3 - “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 by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.”