The Identity of Melchizedek (And What It Means to Us)

 

The Identity of Melchizedek
(And What It Means to Us)

 by Dale M. Sides
©2025 by Liberating Ministries for Christ International

 

Introduction

First of all, I want to clear the air: I am aware that this article may be a bit of a boat rocker for some Bible scholars. But hopefully its contents will encourage them to at least ponder its validity. While it may seem a little sensational to delve into this little known mystery, I believe it adds a much greater understanding to this vital priesthood and the depth of our relationship with Jesus, who is not only our Messiah but also the High Priest of the Order of Melchizedek.

A possible downside for those who relish the mystique of Melchizedek’s identity is that it will be rendered obsolete. I hope that those who fall into that category and have taught it will be gracious toward me. I can relate because I too have grappled with its mystery for years.

However, the truth concerning his actual identity was all too easy to uncover, and once I found it, its logic was undeniable. It is likely already known by any Jews who have read and reasoned through the New Testament book of Hebrews. The priesthood of Jesus, and others to whom this priesthood passed onto before He came to earth, comes alive as this pivotal figure’s identity unfolds.

The answer to Melchizedek’s seemingly unexplainable existence is found in a single verse from a biblically recognized source, the book of Jasher, chapter 16 verse 11. By revealing this source up front, I hope to save time later in answering numerous questions. Therefore, the first part of this exposé will show not only his identity, but also a further explanation of the source. The second section will delve more fully into his priesthood and its positive ramifications for us to understand it. Finally, I will end with answering some of the questions that may reasonably surface.

 

Melchizedek’s Identity

The source I used to find Melchizedek’s identity and related information on him was the book of Jasher, specifically, chapter 16, verse 11. (Its parallel biblical account is in Genesis 14.)

And Adonizedek king of Jerusalem, the same was Shem, went out with his men to meet Abram [Abraham], and his people, with bread and wine, and they remained together in the valley of Melech. ~Jasher 16:11

From this account in Jasher, we can deduce that Shem was living in Jerusalem and that he had another name: Adonizedek, formed from the Hebrew root Adonai, which means “Lord.” From this one verse, we can already ascertain that he was both a king and a representative of the Lord. We also read right up front that he was Shem.

This one verse also makes clear that he had knowledge of Abraham’s return from battle and had prepared a sacrifice in order to intercept and honor him in the valley of Melech, where the victory celebration would take place.     

The book of Jasher’s reliability and quotability is referred to in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18.

And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. ~Joshua 10:13

(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) ~2 Samuel 1:18

Note: The book of Jasher was translated from a Hebrew text in 1840. The original book has long since deteriorated but reliable copies of it still exist today. I believe it is a reliable source or it would not have been referred to in the biblical scriptures.¹ The timelines of Jasher and our commonly accepted biblical chronology vary some, mainly because the Bible text was translated from Hebrew into Greek and then rephrased into various editions and versions, whereas the book of Jasher went directly from Hebrew into English.² However, even the commonly accepted biblical timeline allows for interaction between Abraham and Shem. (It is possible that Jasher predates Joshua and 2 Samuel.)

As a matter of biblical research and proper hermeneutics,³ any ancient references outside of the Bible itself may be considered truth unless there is either biblical or historical evidence that contradicts it. In the case of the following statement, there is nothing in the Bible or in secular history that contradicts it.

Shem, who was the son of Noah, was still alive in Abraham’s day and was the current priest in the order of Melchizedek.

 

Shem/Melchizedek⁴

Melchizedek’s identity as Shem is made clear in the book of Jasher. As one of Noah’s three sons, he lived to the ripe old age of 600. Jasher 9 chronicles both Shem and Noah raising and mentoring Abraham (then known as “Abram”) from the age of 10 into his adulthood,⁵ which implies a father-son relationship between Shem and Abraham. This close relationship holds a significance in the coming prophetic revelation of Jesus Christ. (Even though I stated earlier that Melchizedek’s revealed identity removes its mystique, it has been quickly replaced with the newly discovered gem of his close relationship with Abraham.)

The salient point of Melchizedek’s true identity is this close relationship with Abraham. Even though this battle transpired long after Abraham had moved from Noah and Shem’s homebase, they must have stayed in contact with one another because he knew that Abraham had just come from a mammoth military victory over one of the greatest armies of the ages—Chedorlaomer and his conglomerate army of 600,000 troops, which included the nefarious Nimrod’s army (Genesis 14:5). The lopsided victory achieved by Abraham’s much smaller company of 318 men came at the behest and will of Almighty Yahweh and fulfilled a life-long prophecy that Abraham would defeat and conquer Nimrod.  It was truly a miraculous triumph for him—one that merited recognition by the mighty King of Jerusalem and priest of the Most High God—Shem, aka Melchizedek.

Note: Jasher documents that when Abraham was 55 years old, he left Noah and Shem’s sanctuary to return to his original home of Ur of Chaldees where his father lived. Within three days of his return, he burned down all of his father’s idols, which caused the ire of Nimrod who arrested him and had him thrown into a fiery furnace. But, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Abraham survived the fire without injury. In the Jasher account, it describes his walking within the furnace for three days and nights witnessing of the true God, Yahweh, before Nimrod ordered his release when he realized Abraham was not going to perish. The king’s reputation was ruined and he was pressured by his own people to gift this man who they were now championing. Abraham was given Nimrod’s personal guard and army as his own and asked to leave. Henceforth, they traveled with him as his own private army and bodyguards.

As we begin to explore the subject of the Melchizedek priesthood that Christ fulfilled, we will see the significance of the bread and wine that Shem offered to Abraham at his victory celebration. We will also see the relationship that fueled this act.

 

Shem and Abraham’s Relationship

In my historical novel, Abraham, His Unknown Years and Revealed Secrets, I describe the likely relationship of Abraham, Shem, and Noah. It is an enriching read when you put together the pieces to speculate that Melchizedek (Shem) and Abraham were probably close in the way a father and son would be. The book of Jasher describes Abraham’s older brother Nahor taking him on a long journey from a hideout in the wilderness where he lived with his mother to hide from Nimrod, who believed he had killed him as a baby. Nahor took him to live with Noah and Shem when he was only 10 years old in an effort to better hide him from Nimrod, who was beginning to suspect that perhaps he was still alive. Abraham stayed with them until he was around 50, meaning they raised him through puberty and into manhood. Although he was already distantly related to them, they became like a grandfather and father to him. (This is actual history—not a fictional account for my novel.)

On the cusp of Abraham’s miraculous victory over one of the largest armies of that era, Shem beheld his beloved “son” in a new light. He was now an accomplished warrior and man of God who had been honed through his trials with his father and Nimrod. He had been turned over to Nimrod by his biological father, imprisoned and eventually thrown into a furnace that was heated far beyond the point of possible survival. And now he had led 318 men into battle without losing a single one. By doing this, he showed himself also being a type and shadow of the order of Melchizedek. He had led his company of fighting men against the greatest of all odds and returned with not only his people, but also with a vast amount of spoils.  

There is an aspect about Abraham’s background that will show the significance of Shem/Melchizedek’s visit to see him after this massive battle. On the night Abraham was born, his father Terah had received a prophecy from Nimrod’s astronomers who read his birth sky. It spoke of how this baby would grow up to become a nemesis to the king (Nimrod) and would personally destroy his kingdom (Jasher 8).  

Although the Bible is silent on the details of this bloody battle between Abraham and Nimrod’s army and the other conglomerate armies, we still know from the book of Jasher that he and Nimrod were already foes from the time of his birth.

Jasher 12 contains the record of Abraham’s miraculous survival in Nimrod’s furnace, which resulted in the king’s shameful end to his kingdom. But it was the battle against this conglomerate of armies (including the remainder of Nimrod’s soldiers) that finally wiped the strength of this evil kingdom off the face of the earth (Genesis 14:1 and Jasher 16:1).

Abraham’s “after party” with Shem, aka Melchizedek, was the ultimate crescendo of that miraculous day. Lifelong prophecies had been fulfilled and the spiritual father who had trained him to overcome this nefarious king someday had come to honor him and bestow the order of Melchizedek on him. From Shem’s point of view, it was graduation day for Abraham.

One of the deeper aspects of this celebration was the offering of the bread and wine, which was shared with intimate hearts in their deep relationship as father and son.

It was Shem (Melchizedek) who brought these elements and served them to Abraham.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. ~Genesis 14:18 

 

The Bread and Wine

The reason Melchizedek could provide and serve the bread and wine was because he was the priest of the Most High God. His role as priest was to represent God to the people, and the people to God.

Melchizedek’s serving of the bread and wine is a prophetic picture of the sacrifice God would someday offer with His Son’s body being the bread and His blood shed upon the cross being the wine. It metaphorically shows the coming of The Melchizedek—Jesus, the Son of God. The priest serves the bread, and in return the people give of themselves—their flesh and strength—in covenant with and to their God.

As the priest serves the wine, he shows a prophetic picture of God offering the sacrifice of His own blood through His Son. The people reciprocate by laying down their own lives for His Kingdom.  

Perhaps wine and bread have lost some significance to us because we are so accustomed to them (or wafers and juice in a contemporary mainstream church service) being offered in Holy Communion, but within the Scriptures, the next time bread and wine are used together as joint sacraments was when Jesus offered them to His disciples at what we know as the Last Supper. The similarity of these two bread and wine incidents is not mere coincidence. The major commonality is that the givers and the receivers had a close bond; they were those for whom you would willingly lay down your life. And the sharing of these elements bind together the participants into an even closer, more intimate relationship.  

On the night of His betrayal, Jesus was with His closest friends, who were like brothers to Him.

The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” ~1 Corinthians 11:23b–25  

This was first shared by Shem with Abraham, but it didn’t happen a second time (as far as we know) until the Last Supper, by Jesus with His closest friends.

Incidentally, Jesus saved the fleshly lives of those closest friends when He made sure the soldiers did not take them with Him later that night in the Garden of Gethsemane after Judas betrayed Him with a kiss. He gave Himself up quickly, ensuring they did not have time to fight for Him, even healing the servant whose ear Peter cut off and pleading for them not to be arrested with Him. While sacrificing Himself spiritually for the world—including you and me—He basically “took the rap” that night in the Garden and made sure that His closest friends were free to go. These were the ones that He gave the bread and wine to—those of the order of Melchizedek—His closest friends.

Did you know that when we receive the holy elements of Holy Communion, we are receiving them in an act of intimacy with the Master? (The priest is the mediator. I believe that in every Holy Communion service, Jesus is the priest that ministers the sacraments, regardless of whose hands distribute the elements.)

It is obvious that the wine and bread have significant, metaphorical meanings. We’ve known this in the past; but now we know that the wine also represents the shedding of our own blood for the cause of advancing God’s Kingdom; while the bread also represents the sacrificing of our flesh or lives for the cause. This would be true in the case of the order of Melchizedek and the recipients of the New Covenant. Biblical covenants are binding, and the bread and wine are ensigns representing the depth of our commitment and dedication.

Judas took the sop that night and then immediately betrayed the covenant. We all know what happened to him. Apparently, breaking this covenant has consequences too.

 

The Order of Melchizedek

Since my original writing of this article, I received an intriguing book from one of my spiritual daughters entitled, The Ancient Mysteries of the Essenes: The Ken Johnson Collection.  This book has greatly confirmed my research and conclusions. I had considered myself as having a reasonable grasp of the book of Jasher and accompanying books, but I have now been exposed to a contemporary researcher/writer who is on a much deeper level than I am. Ken Johnson’s book is in three parts, and I have only perused the last portion entitled, “Ancient Order of Melchizedek” since it was the one of immediate importance for the completion of my article. However, I definitely have reason to believe that the remaining parts are equally intriguing, and I look forward to reading them as well at some point. The depth of research in Brother Ken’s book is stunning, and I highly recommend it for anyone who desires more knowledge of this topic. I was happy to see that he and I had drawn the same conclusions, although his writing required deeper research and therefore has more accompanying sources behind it than my small article. Therefore, I will leave my initial research as is and allow his to fill in the depth and remainder of where mine has ended. Thank you, Brother Ken!

The content and context of the books of Jasher, Jubilees, and Enoch have allowed me to draw a conclusion that is interesting enough to consider within the subject I am about to share. However, please note that this is my opinion and you are free to disagree.

The word “order” comes from the word “taxis” and means a certain category, like a taxonomy, or a specific classification. It is used six times in association with the name of Melchizedek; therefore, I believe that Melchizedek could actually be a title rather than just a name, and that different people have held this title through the ages. Ken Johnson believes it began with Adam. I don’t know for sure, but I personally believe it started with Enoch. At the time of Abraham, Shem carried it. This is a calling—not by bloodline, but by choice of the Master; and He chooses those who choose Him, like Abraham, the friend of God, and Enoch, who walked with Him. I am convinced that Enoch carried it during his “walk with God” and it was passed to Methuselah when Enoch “was not,” then to Noah, on to Shem, and then Abraham. Of course it was the Lord doing the choosing, just as He chose others—like Moses and David, and likely Elijah, and John the Baptist and finally (or firstly) the Master and High Priest of the Order.  

Furthermore, I believe that someone of the order of Melchizedek is the type of priest who could be considered a “presence priest” or “presence prophet” of God. This means that they are someone who basks in the presence of God and ministers to Him and for Him. This is why my personal belief is that it originated with Enoch, as already mentioned. I base this not just upon the biblical account of Enoch but also upon his background information in the books of Jubilees and Jasher, which include the testimonies of his continual, sequestered visitations with God. Finally, God took Enoch, a man, to stand as a witness in the end times of God’s patience, mercy, and longsuffering that He endured before finally pronouncing judgment on mankind, i.e., the flood. Enoch was, and is, and always shall be, the Presence Prophet of all ages. He dwelt in Yahweh’s holy presence as the representative of His people and to His people as Yahweh’s representative to them. And He will be a witness in the end times of God’s righteous judgments.

Perhaps this is the inference when the bread and wine was offered to the apostles on the night of betrayal and is still offered to this day to God’s people. It is the conferring of the priesthood, not by bloodline, but by choice. Not by our choice, but according to God’s choice based upon our relationship with Jesus.

If all of this is true, and I believe it is, that means that there is a special classification of priesthood or “order” that is not by bloodline. It is only by the choice of the High Priest of the Order of Melchizedek. This kind of order or classification of priest is a friend of God. He or she is one who consistently enjoys being in the close presence of God more than anything else in life. Certainly, Enoch fit into this category, as did Noah and Shem and Abraham. King David the sweet psalmist also fit the bill and so did Elijah. Of course there are still others within the Scriptures who did, as well as many throughout history (including today) who did and do.  

This priestly order is still being filled today by those who lay their bread (flesh) and wine (blood) on the altar of sacrifice to be consumed in the Master’s presence. They are renewed in commitment to their vows every time their lips touch the holy sacraments of the wine and the bread of that covenant.

Please feel free to disagree with my deduction about Enoch and the order of Melchizedek; however, there is no argument about the identity of Melchizedek. It is far from a deduction. As I have already stated, it is derived from a single passage of a reliable apocryphal passage: Jasher 16:11.

And Adonizedek king of Jerusalem, the same was Shem, went out with his men to meet Abram [Abraham], and his people, with bread and wine, and they remained together in the valley of Melech.

Since I have already given my opinion on this order throughout history, I will add that I do strongly believe that this order is alive and functioning in the body of Christ today. I also believe that the receiving of the elements of bread and wine reenact and reinforce this covenant and the validity of this priesthood to those whom the Lord chooses.

The Lord chooses whom He chooses. Remember that the order of Melchizedek is not a birth right or one that you “name and claim.” There are those who not only desire, but earnestly seek, that intimate relationship with Jesus; and I believe that God chooses from that fold those who will take on the order of Melchizedek.   

If you desire to be a part of this order, remember this: The Order of Melchizedek is a high calling that reflects the prophet or priest of His presence and seems to flow to those who zealously desire and earnestly seek the company of the Lord.

 

Some Explanations and Considerations

Having heard some of the old sermons on Melchizedek, I have lined up my arguments against those who might oppose my explanation of Shem being Melchizedek. Most of these are based upon presumed questions from the biblical book of Hebrews chapter 7. This section has some figures of speech that will need some clarification.  

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. Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. ~Hebrews 7:1–4

We now know that whoever this is, he is the same man as the one in Jasher 16:11. He fits the description exactly, and the conclusion of this section of scripture in Hebrews is to consider how great this man was. This is a figure of speech called asyndeton according to Figures of Speech Used in the Bible by E. W. Bullinger.⁶ This figure of speech is basically a list of less significant things concluding with the important item at the end. In this sense, it would emphasize the greatness of the man to whom all these things apply. The finality of the statement concludes with—consider this patriarch that even Abraham would pay his tithe to.

The reason these verses in Hebrews are loaded with figures of speech is to call attention to them. The next one we’ll look at is in the second part of verse 3.  

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 7:3b 

This is a figure in that it cannot be taken literally because it applies immortal traits to a mortal man. Of course there is a concept of a pre-incarnate Jesus; but I believe that if that were the case, the apparition would have a home in Jerusalem and men following Him. And why would He need an offering? I do not believe that is the case, so there has to be another explanation.

Figures of speech are legitimate grammatical tools that mark vitally significant points in writing. As one of the rules of hermeneutics, whenever a statement cannot be literally interpreted, it must be a figure of speech. There is a figure of speech, condescensio,⁷ that ascribes human attributes to God; in effect, God “condescends” to the level of man. A related figure is when God’s attributes are ascribed to humans; in effect, man “ascends” toward Godhood. In Hebrews 7:3, the description of “without father, without mother” ascribed to Shem/Melchizedek emphasizes that he seemed to be immortal. We know that Shem lived at least 600 years. He was born before the flood, and everyone who had ever witnessed his birth was dead—and then he kept on living, and living, and living. He finally died a little while after Isaac’s birth, and it “seemed” to those who knew him that he had no beginning or ending, or lineage, or anyone who even remembered where he came from. These are not literal terms—they simply magnify his greatness.  

“Made like the Son of God” is another key phrase where Godly attributes are given to mortal man. These were meant to mark him as a man of esteem. We know that Shem was human and not perfect, which was why it was stated, “made like,” and not “made” the Son of God.  He did, however, have men who followed him down from Jerusalem, “like the Son of God.” The verse concludes with “remains a priest continually,” referring to the continuation of his priestly order even unto this day, and possibly extending into the millennial kingdom.

Shem is Melchizedek. It seems as if he had no beginning or ending because he was born on the other side of the flood, and it seemed as if he would never die, with his life extending to 600 years old.

The next figure of speech is found in verse 4: “Now consider how great this man was.” The Greek word for “consider” here is theoreo. It is the word for “theater” and means “to behold as if watching a play.” 

The conclusion of the information that comes before this, and the emphasis of it, is to consider how great this man was. That means it’s time to pause and ponder his greatness.   

Have you ever considered how great the patriarch Shem was? Perhaps not. I suspect that not many of us have, but we are told here to consider this. Remember that Hebrews was written to Jews who should have already known Melchizedek’s identity. The Gentiles were not expected to know, but Torah-raised Jews should have. So, to us “non-Torah” raised born-again Gentiles, Melchizedek during Abraham’s time was the great Shem.

I believe it would also do us well to stop and consider the life of Shem. He lived on both sides of the flood—witnessing the Nephilim in their obsessive evil as well as their demise in the waters. He even saw their beginnings, which came forth after the disobedient angels lusted after and intermarried with some of the human women around him and his family. He worked on building the ark with his father and brothers and lived on it with his entire family and all the animals that were brought on board according to the command of the Lord. And afterwards he witnessed the rebirth of mankind, which must’ve been fascinating. He also saw the emergence of the evil Nimrod who endeavored to build his tower into the heavens themselves; and he eventually became his nemesis. As his family slowly died off, Shem became one of the few believers in the true God left upon the face of the earth. He was a great man of faith and a bridge of knowledge to Abraham about life on the other side of the flood. Shem took his father Noah’s mantle and passed it onto Abraham. His inheritance that was divided at the time of Peleg was then given to Abraham as the heir to the Promised Land.

God honored this great patriarch who carried the order of Melchizedek and we should too, as Abraham did. We should honor all of those who came before us who lived in the presence of the Lord and laid their lives down for Him in order to advance His Kingdom on the earth. These patriarchs and matriarchs paved the way for us, interceded for us, and set examples for us to follow.

 

Honoring Our Spiritual Fathers and Mothers

Now that we understand who Melchizedek was and can see the impact that he made upon Abraham’s life, we should have a better idea of the significance of having a spiritual mentor (whether “father” or “mother”) in our lives.

Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils from his victory to the priest of the Most High God to show his gratitude to God for bringing him and his men through such an intense battle and miraculously giving them victory over such an invincible army. We should understand by now that the priest of the Most High God that he gave his tithe to was his spiritual father, Shem—his ancestor and mentor who, along with Noah, raised him. We can look at the tithe he gave him that day as a thanks offering to his spiritual father for all he had done for him, in addition to the victorious battle he had just emerged from. This account is sometimes used to teach the legalism of tithing, but it also shows the gratitude of a spiritual son toward his spiritual father. Shem raised Abraham in the right ways of Yahweh, teaching him about faith, interactions with angels, and obedience to the Lord, in much the same way as a good dad takes his son fishing and teaches him practical keys to living. Abraham was not giving a tenth of his victorious earnings out of a sense of obligation to an esteemed stranger—it was to his spiritual father.

It was no accident or coincidence that Melchizedek was in the same geographical area when this lopsided battle took place. Where do you think you would have been if your son was competing in the Olympics? Perhaps we have never even heard of or considered the magnitude of this military conflict; however, it may possibly be one of the greatest victories in history. If your spiritual son returned from such a victory over a massive evil army, wouldn’t you want to be there to congratulate him? Shem traveled with a company of men from Jerusalem to honor his spiritual son—to bless him and show his gratitude to Yahweh for bringing him through it victoriously.  

Another reason for Abraham’s gift to Melchizedek could have been to thank him for his intercession. As a priest and a spiritual father, it is quite feasible that Melchizedek was in earnest intercession for Abraham during the battle. Perhaps that is what the order of Melchizedek does? Remember that our High Priest, Yeshua, ever lives to make intercession for us in our own spiritual battle here upon the earth.

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them. ~Hebrews 7:24–25

Spiritual sons and daughters should be grateful for their mentors, just as their mentors (spiritual fathers or mothers) should acknowledge the accomplishments of their sons and daughters. Furthermore, Abraham’s “loot” was his to do with as he chose. It had been collected from Chedorlaomer and his army after conquering them in what was probably a very intense battle. How much wealth can we imagine would come from 600,000 enemy soldiers?

I believe that Abraham gave his spiritual father the crème de la crème of what they took. After all, Shem was the one who built into him the kind of courage and faith required to take on such a formidable battle with so few men in his own small army.

There is a great lesson in this, and it is not simply that we should give a tenth of everything we have to those who teach us. It is to have the heart response of love, loyalty, respect, and honor towards those whose shoulders we have stood upon through the years. Think about it. Abraham walked up to his spiritual father and said in today’s terms, “Hey Dad, here is everything you will need until the day you die (which, in Shem’s case was a long time). Here is your new house on the golf course, your new Cadillac, and your cattle on a thousand hills. Thanks for everything you taught me.”

Abraham did not hand over this stash to an unknown man but to his spiritual father. Furthermore, the emphasis in all these verses is about the honor due Melchizedek, who was greater than Abraham.

When we think it through logically to consider who this “greater man” could have been, we must consider the following historical facts: The Great Noah was dead. He left behind only one son who followed Yahweh—Shem. The other two were heathen. Therefore, only Shem remained as the one who could fulfill this “greater man” description. In Shem’s bloodline were two believers: Eber and Peleg. Sadly, the rest were idol worshippers. Eventually, Eber and Peleg both passed, leaving Shem as the only viable candidate.

Most Jews who read Hebrews when it was first written should have known who Melchizedek was from their history, which they should have been taught. Shem was the primo geniture of Noah and most likely the rightful heir of the priestly mantle. After the flood, Shem and Noah stood side-by-side together as the great counselors of the new generations born from that point on. After Noah’s death, Shem would have inherited the patriarchal status and been considered the greatest man on the earth, from a Godly perspective. It was only fitting that Abraham would honor the one who not only raised him but was carrying the priestly anointing and mantle of Noah, who likely received it from Enoch.

It was Shem who brought wine and bread to honor the Great God who delivered Abraham and his warriors from the armies of the heathen.

In conclusion, it is my belief that Melchizedek (Shem) transferred his priestly mantle to Abraham.

 

Conclusion

Melchizedek’s priesthood was bestowed upon him by divine calling and not by bloodline. His offering of bread and wine sealed a covenant with Abraham, just as Jesus’s did with His apostles during their last time together before His arrest. I do not know if the order of Melchizedek is bestowed every time someone receives Holy Communion. It seems a more specific and higher calling than that, especially when you consider that Jesus chose to take it only with His closest friends and chosen family.

I do believe for those who have taken deep vows of surrendering their lives—including limb, fame, and fortune—for the cause of God’s kingdom and the King of Glory, that their receiving of Holy Communion renews their vow to the priestly order of Melchizedek. Remember that we have been called to be priests and kings.

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” ~Revelation 5:9–10

We are kings and priests of our God. We are called by grace, renewed by the blood of Jesus and refreshed by our commitment to the death. And remember, only the High Priest of the Order (Jesus) ordains us into this priesthood.

Years ago I wrote a book entitled 40 Days of Communion in Your Home⁸ that became my most widely circulated book. Knowing what I know now about Melchizedek, if I were to make a new edition of it, I would certainly include a section about Holy Communion being a reminder of the priesthood of Melchizedek. This is not a light thing, and we realize from “considering” our examples of Shem, Abraham, Enoch, and of course Jesus, that it is a specific calling of dwelling in the Lord’s presence that has a high and deep level of intimacy with the Lord.

The priesthood of Melchizedek is not a bloodline calling but it is of the Lord’s choosing. He calls those He chooses for this priesthood to a much higher level of prayer and relationship with Him. Remember this from now on when you receive Holy Communion. Meditate upon the reality that it is symbolic of the bread and wine offered by Melchizedek, which was prophetically fulfilled in Messiah—the true and consummate Priest of Yahweh’s Presence.

The priesthood of Melchizedek is one of prayer and intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ, not by bloodline but by being chosen and hand-picked by the Master. The Head of the Order is the Highest of all the High Priests, Yahshua ben Yahweh—and He chooses those who choose Him.

 

Jesus Is Forever the High Priest
of the Order of Melchizedek

The LORD has sworn and will not relent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” ~Psalm 110:4

And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” ~Hebrews 7:15–17

All honor to Jesus and the Everlasting Order of Melchizedek!

 

Notes:

1.      J. H. Parry, The Book of Jasher 2022 Complete Exhaustive 1840 J.H. Parry Edition (Muskogee, OK: Artisan Publishers, 2022).

2.      The time discrepancy is clearly explained in J.R. Church’s book, Daniel Reveals the Bloodline of the Antichrist, Appendix 1, “The Jewish Calendar’s Missing Years” (n.p.: Prophecy in the News, 2010).

3.      Hermeneutic is defined as “the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible)” in “Hermeneutic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hermeneutic. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

4.      The Old Testament spelling is “Melchizedek,” whereas the New Testament spelling  is “Melchisedec” in the King James Version of the Bible in the book of Hebrews.

5.      The relationship between Shem and Abraham is more fully explored in Abraham, His Unknown Years and Revealed Secrets, a historical novel by Dale M. Sides available in e-book and audiobook formats from the LMCI.org bookstore.

6.      Asyndeton. E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1968 reprint edition), 137. Originally published in 1898.

7.      Condescensio. E.W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech, 871.

8.      40 Days of Communion in Your Home by Dale M. Sides is available in booklet and e-book formats from the online bookstore at LMCI.org