Melchizedek: Type of Christ

As a prophet, high priest, and king, Melchizedek served as a type and shadow of Jesus Christ, who is the greatest of the prophets, priests, and kings. “After the similitude of Melchisedec,” Paul wrote, “there ariseth another priest” (Heb. 7:15), referring to Jesus Christ. Melchizedek’s faithful priesthood service—when he blessed Abraham, oversaw God’s storehouse, instituted righteousness and peace in Salem, received tithing for the poor (JST Gen. 14:25–40), preached repentance, and “exercised mighty faith” (Alma 13:18)—anticipated Jesus’s perfect priesthood service. Furthermore, Melchizedek’s names and titles looked forward to Christ’s divine mission and kingship. Melchizedek, a Hebrew name, means “King of Righteousness.” He is also called “Prince of Peace,” “King of Salem” (Alma 13:18), “King of Heaven” (JST Gen. 14:36), and “King of Peace” (JST Gen. 14:36; Heb. 7:2).

A revelation to Joseph Smith reveals why the higher priesthood was named after Melchizedek: “Why the first [priesthood] is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest. Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God” (D&C 107:2–3). Regarding this passage, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wrote, “We can only imagine what the Christlike qualities of Melchizedek must have been for his to be the name substituted for ‘the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.’ He surely would have to reflect all the typological strengths expected of any priesthood bearer . . . but undoubtedly would have additional Christlike qualities beyond that.”[1] Following this comment, Elder Holland listed ways in which Melchizedek foreshadowed Jesus Christ.