Melchizedek
Introduction
To research any character in the Bible, it is important to read all that Scripture has to say on that particular person, along with using valid historical documentation to substantiate and give fullness to the person being researched. Always ask the questions of "who, what, when, where, why, and how" when you do biblical research. By researching through Jewish and other reputable historical documentation you can find valuable information that may not be found in the Scriptures.
It must always be remembered that when an author wrote a particular book of the Bible, he wrote it to a particular group of people of that particular time period. There would naturally be certain things that would have been common knowledge to each group that didn't bear repeating; therefore, not even mentioned in the Bible. That information, however, may be foreign to us today, and without knowing it, not give us today the full picture of what the author originally meant to say. As a result, we would try to "fill in the blanks" by our own understanding of what "we think it means." Therefore, we need to look at what is called "historical distance," meaning we need to cross the bridge of today and enter into yesteryear - an entirely difference period of time, sociological, political, and religiously to find out what the author truly meant when he wrote that particular section of Scripture.
Speculative theories on Melchizedek
Various theories
Attempts have been made to identify the mysterious Melchizedek as an angel, a lost and restored priesthood, the Holy Spirit, Christ, a pagan king and priest, or even Shem, Noah's eldest son. Sometimes, to discover truth, one needs to research all ideas, or theories, to narrow down its possibilities. While some theories are totally speculative and erroneous, it is important to break down each and give them close examination.
An Angel
Lost & Restored Priesthood
The Holy Spirit
Christ
A Pagan King/Priest
Shem
Click here for Chapter 1 - An Angel
End Notes
