Old Testament #2

Choice #3

In Genesis 14:18-20 it talks about Melchizedek being a high priest for the “most high God” in each of those verses. I know that often times God is referred to with that title or names similar to it in the scriptures. But, when I read that, it made me think of the “higher law” because he was a “higher” God to Melchizedek, as though he revered God on a higher level than other priests did. He obviously was righteous, and worthy and remarkable in the scriptures and history because the highest level of priesthood was named after him. In the JST for Genesis 14:25-40, it says some pretty incredible things about Melchizedek and is life. A couple things that really stood out to me about him were that he was “wrought” in righteousness. That term is often used to describe iron. It makes me think of his righteousness being like an iron protection around him, or that he was molded in a cast of righteousness. His people also called him the King of Peace as he led them in righteousness. These are all qualities that priesthood holders are supposed to emulate.  In the institute manual it says that Melchizedek’s name was used for identifying the holiest priesthood so the God’s name wouldn’t be over used or repetitious. I think that this says it all about the righteousness and worthiness of Melchizedek. He was a good enough man, priest, king, and leader to be used as a stand in for God’s name to describe the highest level of the priesthood. (261)