Hebrews 7:1-2 – Part i, There Was a Man Sent by God –

Hebrews 7:1-2, Part i

There Was a Man Sent by God

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; (Hebrews 7:1)

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; (Hebrews 7:2)

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (John 1:6)

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. (John 1:7)

The Voyage Begins: Eternity — (Time) — Eternity

   We are beginning a voyage of glory unto glory from the Lamb of God to the great High Priest: Melchisedec; from the eternal Son of God to the eternal Priest of God. John the Baptist was given to proclaim, and to declare the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. The Holy Spirit was sent by the Son to lead us into all truth, and to present, and to declare the eternal priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ: Melchisedec. Who can forget the wonderful words that John spoke under the power of the eternal Spirit of God in John 1:31-34.

   And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

   The witness of John was much more than the witness of a man sent by God; for the heavens were opened as well, and God the Father supernaturally announced His beloved Son. The eternal had come to earth and was manifested as a man. This one who contained all glory unto glory, even the fullness of the glory of God.

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. (John 17:4, 5) Although concealed from the eyes of man in our blessed Lord was all the fullness of the glory and fullness of the Godhead bodily. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9)

Even So Send I You

   As John was sent into the world to declare God’s Christ, it is our love and responsibility to proclaim the truth of God to the world of lost sinners. Every Christian has become a new creature in Christ and has been sent into this world in that new creation by the Spirit of God to proclaim to the world the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, even so send I you. This is the message of our glorious Savior, that we set before you in all its wonder and in all its fullness. We are not part of this world. Every Christian is a great paradox: we die to live. We have been taken out of the world to be sent back into the world; like John, we have bowed to our Master’s wishes and will. This is to fulfill the volume of the book that was written by God the Holy Spirit to reveal the Christ of God. This we will do to fulfill our course.

His Person Qualified and Defined

   Melchisedec is not a mystery. He is the manifestation of all truth. It is the Holy Spirit of God presenting this marvelous truth in the book of Hebrews, Chapter 7. In all of Scripture there is not a name like Melchisedec that has been so abused and misused. Even iconic cults have used this name to promote their evil, and their wicked priesthood trying to overthrow the very priesthood of Melchisedec. There are those who find the name and person of Melchisedec incidental. Yet, in all of Scripture there is not a name that has been given so much attention other than the Son of God (who is the son of man). The name is undefinable, man thinks that he has a definition for this wonderful name because in Chapter 7 of Hebrews Melchisedec is called the king of righteousness and the king of peace. This is not to define His name, but to define His very Person.

   Now who in heaven or on earth could be called the king of righteousness? Who in all the counsels of God has the credentials, and the obedience to enter in through the veil as this great High Priest Melchisedec? This undefinable name belongs to the manifestation of God the Son when He was manifested to Abraham in Genesis, Chapter 14. There was no earthly priesthood of God Almighty at that time in the age of Abraham. The whole world was taken over by cult religions, the worship of beasts, (four footed things) creepy crawly things, and the creepiest of them all: man in Adam. Genesis, Chapter 14, gives us the beginning of this royal enthroned priest named Melchisedec. This was not the beginning of His existence, but the first recorded manifestation of the Son of God as Melchisedec. This first manifestation of the heavenly Priest came to Abraham and dealt with Abraham after the great miracle and night battle when Abraham defeated the four kings of the east. This was his glorious meeting with the most high God: Melchisedec. Melchisedec appeared supernaturally as the King of righteousness and the King of peace. No one on earth had a throne of righteousness and, as Genesis 14 stated, among men there was no king of peace. All were at war with each other.

The Divine Credentials: Righteousness

   So, what are the credentials of Melchisedec? And what are the credentials of righteousness? Hebrews Chapter 1 gives us these divine credentials, and only One possesses these credentials.

 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:(Hebrews 1:8-10)

    He has the throne of righteousness. He has the sceptre (scepter) of righteousness. This, of course, points to His kingly dominion over heaven and earth, and over all eternity. He is anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows. No other king, even David, received the anointing of the oil of gladness. No other king was given the title King and Priest of the most high God. No other priest was anointed with the oil of gladness, not ever Aaron, who was only a shadow and type of the righteous King and Priest: Melchisedec. No other hates iniquity and loves righteousness; the Lord Jesus loved righteousness in such a way that He laid down His life to uphold and to manifest, and to fulfill the righteousness of God.

Righteousness In Time and In Eternity

   His kingdom has always been disputed by mankind. We see this in Genesis 14, we have 5 kings of the five cities of the plains, we have 4 kings of the east, none of them gave tribute by any means to God their Creator. All were fulfilling the character and the doctrines of Nimrod their ancestor: worshiping everything except the most high God possessor of heaven and earth. This is the first time that this title of God as being ‘the possessor of heaven and earth’ is used in Scripture, and it is inseparable from the name Melchisedec.

   Regarding the righteousness of the Son of God: place yourself standing and looking over the river Jordan, hear the very words from God the Son that righteousness must be fulfilled in himself, and also in John (in the baptism of the righteousness of God) would be a partaker and a link in that righteousness.

 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:14-17)

    John not only beheld the righteousness of God, but he touched and baptized that very righteousness that was in Jesus Christ. This is Melchisedec on the very ground of righteousness, symbolically the baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ was the beginning of His earthly ministry. He had gone into the river of death and came out to give light and life to the world, but all had to be accomplished and done by the righteousness of God.

His Kingship Denied and Disputed

   Hebrews Chapter 1 verses 8-10 was not the establishment of this kingdom or the righteousness of God, it is the confirmation of the righteous One who sits upon the righteous throne. In all of eternity, Christ has held and will always hold this divine throne of righteousness. His kingdom does not change. His throne has never been removed. His righteousness has never diminished. And of His kingdom there will be no end. When this King of righteousness walked upon the earth, the title of King, and the presence of His kingdom was disputed by the Jews. Christ not only came to be the heir apparent to David, as the King of the Jews, but He also came as the eternal King to take dominion over the earth in grace. He was denied that kingdom by the Jews when they cried out from their evil hearts, Crucify him, crucify him. The Romans (symbolizing Gentile rule) condemned Him, mocked Him, and placed a crown of thorns upon His head; and in mocking Him declared Him King of the Jews. When Pilate asked the Lord Jesus if He was a king, the Lord replied with a Yes, twice. Once concerning His heavenly kingdom. (John 18:36) Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

   The second declaration was the reason for His birth, this was to be the fulfillment of the prophetic writings in the Book of Psalms that He would be King over all the earth. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (John 18:37) To this end was He born, and for this cause came He into the world to take His place and reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13, 14)

    And to add to this everlasting kingdom, and an everlasting King, we enjoy the feast of words in the following verses in Psalms. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. (Psalm 145:13) The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. (Psalm 10:16)

His Eternal Kingship

   The eternality of the Lord’s kingship resides beside His eternal Being as Creator of all things. <<A Psalm of David.>> The earth [is] the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1) As the Jews denied His kingship, the world today denies His sovereignty, and much of the professing Church not only denies His sovereignty, but also His kingship. Paul, in his writing to Timothy, stayed on the same theme as the psalmist and as Daniel in 1 Timothy, Chapter 6, verse 15. Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; These words written by the Spirit of God established the eternal kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ. A theme ringing out through all of the Scriptures. Paul also declared in 1 Timothy 1:17 that Christ was the king eternal, that Christ was the king immortal, that Christ was the king invisible, that Christ was the only wise God. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.  No other can bear this title — or all the facets within this title — NO ONE!

The Sign: This is Jesus The King of the Jews

   The sign that Pilate had made in the three major languages of the known world proclaimed the Lord Jesus as being King of the Jews. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Luke 23:38)

   This is remarkable, who would ever think to declare to the world in the 3 prevailing languages that Jesus Christ was the King of the Jews. This so infuriated the Pharisees and the rulers of the Jews that they demanded (to no avail) that the words be changed. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. (John 19:21)

   The Jews could not bear (because of their evil hearts) to consider Christ in anyway as King of the Jews. Their hearts had taken them away (like Judas) and each one in their own right would face their day when God would take His vengeance. The Jews trampled underfoot the blood of Christ, they trampled underfoot the righteousness of God; they were like Nadab and Abihu in their zeal to go against the will of God. As Nadab and Abihu offered up strange fire, so also these priests (both Pharisees and Sadducees) offered up strange fire to God in that God declared in Acts that they (the Jews) killed the Prince of life.

Jesus the Christ: King Eternal

   Today, some like the Jews cannot see the Lord Jesus as the immortal King, as the invisible King, as the King of righteousness; they gladly accept His future millennial kingdom, but they will not submit their hearts, their souls, their beings to the righteous King over the Church. There has been a great misconception of the totality of the kingdom of God. Over the years men of reprobate minds have been dividing His kingdom into theological minuscule segments. They cannot conceive that their own Creator sits enthroned as King over His total physical and spiritual creation. His total kingdom is not of the earth, it includes the earth, but it is far greater than the molecular structure and the total population of this earth, past, present, and future.

   He is possessed with life for in Himself is life. He is the total environment and outpouring of life, in Him was life and the life was the light of men. He is the immortal who gives a path through eternity of His self-sustaining life. He is invisible in stature, and only manifests Himself to declare, yes, declare His righteousness. Like Paul, we too can say that He is the King over all, God bless forever. His dominion, and His kingship includes His bride, the Church; she will be presented to Him in all her virgin purity of glory when He sits upon His throne and enthroned in His glory. When the unsaved individual takes up a place in the professing Church, he will use the name Jesus, but without the title words: Lord and King. The new creature in Christ, however, sees the complete fulfillment of God’s will within by declaring, Lord what would you have me to do? Whenever addressing the Lord of glory, it should be Lord of lords and King of kings; thus, it is approaching the God of glory with all humility, and with all reverence in heart, making sure that no defilement is taken into the most holy.

   It is as a foreign language to the unsaved world when it comes to the majesty, the pomp, and the glory of the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. The unsaved world may claim to worship God, and yet, they have never met Him after the battle. They have never seen nor felt the King of righteousness and the King of peace. Their worship gives them away in their insincerity, in their irreverence, and in their lighthearted cavalier events of so-called entertainment, and as well as their earthly tunes with no spiritual truth and content whatsoever. What will they do when they stand before the Lord of glory, and the King of kings. Even the beloved apostle John fell before Him as a dead man when he was captive on Patmos. It took the Lord’s touch to assure him of His love. We see His love, care and assurance as King of righteousness and in the King of peace. Let us now go to a different road: the law of first mention.

The Law of First Mention.  This is a great tool in Bible study, and I believe that this law of first mention was established by God the Holy Spirit. When God proclaims something for the first time, whether it is a person, a theme, or a doctrine, it carries throughout the entire Bible. For example, the first mention of ‘light’ (Genesis 1:3) And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. The declaration of light and its creation was a supernatural act by the One who is Light. The first mention carries all the way through to the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Light (in any form) is a supernatural act, whether the light of creation, or the spiritual Light for men, it must come from the container of Light, the Lord Jesus Christ. In John’s gospel, John Chapter 1, verses 4 and 5, we read of Christ, In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. In both Genesis and in John this Light was issued to divide the darkness from the Light in Genesis, and to divide the darkness of sin in John; and the darkness could not comprehend the brightness of this Light.

To further view this Light, turn to Revelation, Chapter 21, verse 23: And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. In Revelation 21 we have the voice of the Spirit concluding or finalizing who is possessor of all light. Here it is the Lamb who is unquestionably the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Light thereof. The theme of God’s Light goes through the Scripture. One more verification comes from the lips of our glorious Lord Himself, I AM the Light of the world. (John 8:12) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)

 For with thee [is] the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. (Psalm 36:9)

 Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: (Psalm, 104:2)

 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)

 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. (John 12:46)

 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof. (Revelation 21:23)

  This Light also man would refuse because they love darkness and turn their backs to the Light. However, we are comforted with these words, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12 -13) WAIT, this is a supernatural act, which were born not of blood, nor the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God. John 1:13 is telling us of the sons of God who were introduced in John 1:12, it is the Spirit of God in John 1:12 who is showing us the supernatural beings in the sons of God. Verse 13 gives us the order of our supernatural birth and putting both verses 12 and 13 together makes the total of the new creation in Jesus Christ. You cannot have the title of son, if you do not have the son of righteousness with healing in his wings. If you have not been born from above by the Light of God through His righteous Son then you have no claim on eternity with Him. ♦ End of Side Note.

Christ Jesus: The Hub — Heirship and Sonship

   Man cannot accept, nor can he understand the plurality of heirship, and sonship in the Lord Jesus Christ. Under divine inheritance we are a new creation in Christ. This means that we are part of a new dominion, completely different from the past dominion of sin and death. We have been grafted into Christ as the One new Man.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (Ephesians 2:14 -17) Consider the rest of Chapter 2 of Ephesians as well, for all is in Christ.

The First Mention of Melchisedec

   The first mention of Melchisedec (this glorious name) is in Genesis 14:18. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. This first mention of Melchisedec also comes under the first mention (as a tool of interpretation) of this supernatural Man; it is very important for many reasons. (I suggest that you begin to read Chapter 14 of the Book of Genesis). We do not see the full supernatural defeat of the enemies of God until Melchisedec appears. The supernatural victory of Abraham over the kings of the east is recorded by the Spirit of God in verse 17. The name of Chedorlaomer (in particular) is mentioned by the Spirit of God in verse 17, however it is Melchisedec who mentioned the supernatural act of the most high God in the words, And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. (Genesis 14:20) When men went out to battle in ages past, it was at the beginning of a new day when the sun first appeared in the sky. However, Abraham’s supernatural victory came by night. Remember the first mention of light, now we have the first mention of Melchisedec. What does light do? it divides the darkness.

   Supernaturally Abraham was given victory. The kings of the east greatly outnumbered Abraham and his small army. And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. (Genesis 14:14 – 15)

And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale. (Genesis 14:17)

   A mere man could not have made this bold statement And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. The authority of heaven affirmed that it was God Almighty who had defeated Abraham’s enemies. No one in the surrounding area would see or even believe the supernatural act that had just transpired. We see the Lord here as both Melchisedec and the Angel of the Lord. For we believe that as the Angel of the Lord it was, He who brought forth the defeat of the kings of the east, and then, He appeared to Abraham as Melchisedec with both bread and wine.

The First Mention of The Most High God

   In this section of Genesis Chapter 14, we also have the first mention of the most high God. This is part of the manifestation of Melchisedec, it is not a separate reference to the God of heaven, but the name Melchisedec is totally united with ‘the most high God.’ This also shows a striking familiarity of Christ with Abraham, for He had previously manifested Himself in Ur of Chaldees as the ‘god of glory.’ (Acts 7) And He later appeared to Abraham as documented in the Book of Genesis as the Almighty God. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (Genesis 17:1)

   In Genesis Chapter 14, verse 22, Abraham’s response to the king of Sodom concerning Melchisedec was I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth. Abraham made a spiritually strong declaration that he had lifted up my hand, and/or he had sworn by the name of the most high God. To drive this point home, the Spirit of God used the title, THE MOST HIGH GOD 4 times in this brief section of Scripture. 19 20 21

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

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: (Genesis 14:19)

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. (Genesis 14:20)

And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. (Genesis 14:21) And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, (Genesis 14:22)

   In these four mentions, what is overlooked by many is the FIRST mention. The first mention is as a priest, showing possession of the most high God. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest OF the most high God. (Genesis 14:18) In the remaining three times, it is this God who possesses heaven and earth, showing the connection to God’s dear Son. In the rest of the Bible, the phrase, ‘the most high God’ is used 7 more times, and the final mention is in the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 7:1, For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him.

   This author, however, considers the most striking affirmation of ‘the most high God’ is in the Book of Mark Chapter 5, verse 7. And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. In the gospel of Mark, we have the link that binds the Son of God to Melchisedec in Genesis 14, and in Hebrews 7:1. How the demons have a greater sight than the children of men is beyond me. This allows you to understand the power of sin and darkness, and how it blinds the minds and hardens the hearts of men.

  We also have the binding phrase of Nebuchadnezzar when he saw 4 images in the furnace of fire. The fires were heated seven times hotter that the guards who cast Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into this fiery furnace perished. However, Nebuchadnezzar saw not three, but four images in the furnace, the fourth figure (stated by the Spirit of God out of the mouth of Nebuchadnezzar) was ‘one like unto the son of god.’ Nebuchadnezzar then used the phrase of Genesis 14 when he spoke to the three Hebrews men as the servants of ‘the most high God.’ This connection was with the One who was in the furnace with them, who was ‘the Son of God,’ and ‘the most high God.’

The King of Righteousness Rules

   Let’s go to Daniel 5:21, And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will. We should see the full view that the Spirit of God gives to us in this Scripture. First, we have ‘the most high God’ we already have established that He is possessor of heaven and earth. Now, however, Melchisedec is brought in, for it is Melchisedec (as the King of righteousness) who rules in the kingdoms of men. Nebuchadnezzar did not dispute that a king ruled the earth and over the kingdoms of men and sat upon the throne of eternity.

Servants of the Most High God: Servants of Jesus Christ

   Now let’s go on to the Book of Acts. Why this connection to this Book of Acts at this junction? It is the first connection of the Church Age, and here we find Paul and Silas ministering the word of God in Acts 16:16 -17, And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. (Acts 16:16-17) Once again, we must see what the Spirit has for us in these verses. The damsel cried out by the unclean demon within her when she announced that Paul and Silas were the servants of the most high God; again, this establishes Melchisedec with Jesus Christ.

   These were the words of Paul on the Damascus Road, Lord, what will thou have me to do? Paul’s conversion showed the power of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth. Here with this young girl in Acts 16, the demons reaffirm the servitude of both Paul and Silas to the most high God. Notice also what name Paul called on to cast out the demon within this young woman. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. (Acts 16:18) The name above every name, the name of Jesus Christ. (A little aside: the Spirit of God refers to the demon as ‘he’ and not ‘she’ in verse 18).

  All this connects Christ with the most high God and connects the Church to Hebrews 7:1 with Melchisedec. We see Christ as the Son of God, and now in Chapter 7 of Hebrews He is Melchisedec. Remember, He could not partake of the Aaronic priesthood because He was out of the tribe of Judah. One thing that has not been considered by the scholars is that the priesthood of Aaron was only a type or shadow of the eternal priesthood of the Son of God, Melchisedec. Yes, before the creation, before the foundation of the world, we have two roads leading to the same proclamation: one road stretches in the Old Testament from Genesis 14, through Psalm 78, through Daniel 5, through Mark 5, through Acts 16, and finalized IN Hebrews 7:1. Then we have the New Testament road: Hebrews 1:8-10, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 3:1, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 5:5-6, 10; Hebrews 6:20, all these Scriptures lead us to the one true Priest of the heavenly sanctuary: the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Melchisedec.

   Genesis is always spoken of as the seed plot of the entire Bible, this is where God begins the germination process of His doctrines, and of His most holy things. What begins in Genesis as a seedling concept with roots usually not only continues on, but this seedling develops a strong central stem in the Old Testament with leaves branching off throughout the New Testament and comes to fruition in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Thing

   When God the Holy Spirit selects a particular personality or displays the manifestation of a member of the Godhead, He does not pick a name out of thin air with no meaning for His servant Abraham. Abraham understood both the name and the person of Melchisedec when he lifted up his right hand (not hands) to the most high God possessor of heaven and earth. As I mentioned before, in Abraham’s time there was no established earthly priesthood on God’s part. One of the provisions of priesthood under Aaron was to break the hold of idolatry from His people. Remember, that idolatry was prevalent in the age of Abraham. And including Abraham from Abel, Noah and Abraham there was only these three mentions that have offered a sacrifice unto God, and they were not priests. If there had been a man on earth who had more credentials than Abraham, and was completely separated from all the idolatry around, then why call Abraham? And why allow Abraham to offer sacrifices to the most holy God? Why allow Abraham, or Noah, or Abel to build an altar and sacrifice unto God, if in each one and in their history, there was a godly priest available? The fact that this is the first time we receive this undefinable and unintelligible name only contributes to a supernatural origin, and a supernatural character. This manifestation of the Son of God was supernatural to show Abraham the authority and the care and the ministry of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth. Such a meeting is a holy thing, as the holy thing was given for man’s redemption, this is why we see Him bringing the bread and the wine symbols of His own finished work. This is why we see no altar at this meeting because the work is finished. This One was called ‘the holy thing’ of God, remember the angel called Him that when speaking to Mary. It was as if the angel was referring to the highest Himself, as the mercy seat in the most holy, the most holy thing. (Luke 1:35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

 SIDE NOTE: Let’s connect the dots of the most high God. Let’s take the path that the Spirit of God takes through the Scriptures concerning God’s dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little there a little. All Scripture is profitable, so let’s connect Genesis Chapter 14 through the Scriptures to Hebrews Chapter 7, verse 1. ♦ End of Side Note

    We need to see in this most holy thing as the divine mercy seat in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The holy of holies was called the most holy place. (Luke 1:35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Here in Luke Chapter 1, we have the most holy thing. His blood sealed the everlasting covenant of grace, and He is the fulfillment of the two roads that leads to Chapter 7, verse 1 of the Book of Hebrews. But that’s not all, in verse 1 of Chapter 7, Melchisedec met Abraham when he returned from the slaughter of the kings. He appeared as the supernatural God and Priest, it was He who gave Abraham the victory, therefore, Abraham lifted up his right hand, the right hand is the hand of the oath. Abraham affirmed to the king of Sodom that he had taken an OATH to the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth. This gives the meeting with Melchisedec more credentials, first He met Abraham in the way, while the victory was still fresh in the mind and heart of Abraham. As a result, Abraham realized that his victory was supernatural, therefore, he raised his hand and professed an oath to the most high God, Melchisedec, possessor of heaven and earth. God had given Abraham the victory over His enemies. It was God who wanted His enemies defeated, and Abraham was the tool that God used.

   Lot became the instrument to move Abraham to battle these kings, but it was God’s intention to destroy these four kings of idolatry, and to stem the evil tide of man against God. These four kings only became the enemies of Abraham after they had taken Lot from Sodom. If they had not carried away Lot, Abraham would not have been moved to battle against this overwhelming host. I might add that all of Lot’s blessings only came when he respected God’s man Abraham. When Lot separated himself from Abraham there was only strife and spiritual anguish in Lot’s life. The seed of the strife between Abraham and Lot came from the heart of Lot, and he projected this strife through his servants.

And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. (Genesis 13:8 -9)

   When Abraham told Lot to choose or pick out a portion of the land, Lot should have declined to choose first and allowed the elder and tribal patriarch, Abraham, to divide the land between them. For the promise of God was not given to Lot, but to God’s servant Abraham. Lot had witnessed Abraham’s path from Ur of Chaldees to Haran, to the land, and then down into Egypt, and then back again into the land, with God’s blessing. For Abraham had great riches and servants, and cattle, and sheep in abundance, and Lot had greatly benefitted from his uncle’s relationship with the most high God. Abraham looked on Lot as a brother, as a brother indeed, but Lot was full of his own desires. This led to separation. It was Lot who blamed Abraham and separated himself from his uncle.

Heredity: Genes: DNA: Natural and Spiritual

   Even though Israel would be a nation later in the history of the divine Scriptures, the call of Abraham was the beginning of their journey to become a nation. Included in the promises to Abraham was a nation out of his loins. And remember the statement that Levi paid tithes when he was yet in the loins of Abraham. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. (Hebrews 7:9-10) This not only proves heredity but reveals through Scripture the existence of DNA coding within mankind. It’s a wonder that many (however, not all) in the scientific community would not search the Scriptures, for if they had, they would have come to this conclusion a long time ago. There are other mysteries in the Scriptures, but the scientific community, as a whole, refuses to see. 

   They wonder about spirit yet cannot put in down on paper. But God has described it and the work of the Spirit through many pages in the Scriptures. When a man, or woman, or a child is born from above, it is through the Spirit of God, and not the carnal actions of mankind. It is a divine supernatural birth that the science community is unable to describe or measure. Abraham’s life, movement, and actions cannot be measured outside of moving of the Spirit of God and the supernatural interaction with, and by, God. Abraham was called by the God of glory, he was given a new life, a new hope, and a new promise from God. All this because Abraham walked by faith in the Almighty God. Genesis 14 overflows with the supernatural.

From a Rod – to a Branch – to the Christ

   With this same faith we look into the future, we see with the eyes of faith a man coming supernaturally out of heaven to set up His kingdom for a thousand years. This will be the Man who will sit on His throne as both Priest and King. He will come forth as a rod out of Jesse, fulfilling the covenant that God made with Abraham and with David.

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. (Isaiah 11:1-5)

   There is a question that must be asked. Who is this rod out of the stem of Jesse? The answer is the Lord Jesus Christ. The characteristic of this rod not only shows us the power and might of the kingdom as King of kings but shows us the compassion and the righteousness in which He will rule as High Priest forever after the order and oath of Melchisedec. Notice in verse 5, And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins. This falls in line with Hebrews Chapter 1 verses 8 thru 10, showing us that righteousness belongs to Him, and to us within Him in all its purity.

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Hebrews 1:8-10)

   However, we cannot go there except by His grace, and His love for us. When Aaron went into the tabernacle and was approaching the veil, he had two things on his heart: 1) the love for His God, and obedience to God’s will; 2) the love for the people of Israel that what he was about to do would accomplish forgiveness for their sins. On the cross we have the grand finale of Melchisedec presenting Himself as sacrifice, and the power of an endless life, (which we have much to write about in coming messages).

   The rod out of Jesse will rule over the entire earth. The first conflict in Scripture in the history of mankind when armies opposed other armies is first recorded in Genesis 14. The whole concept of the whole earth being completely absorbed by wickedness is an early window of what will take place prior to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth; consequently, this ancient history of this monumental supernatural defeat of the evil of the world in Genesis 14 is prophetically significant.

Names — Titles — Places

Amraphel king of Shinar

And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; (Genesis 14:1)

   If we were given a list of world leaders during the time period of the great wars both WW I and WW II, we would want to know something about these leaders, and why the whole world was engulfed in war, but the simplest answer would be the evil heart of man. History is important. The Cain syndrome is alive and well on planet Earth. Let’s examine these names in Genesis 14: first we have Amraphel, king of Shinar. This is the physical location where the seed of idolatry germinated. Shinar was the land of his ancestor Nimrod (from the loins of Ham). Nimrod, who was the first king, mentioned in Scripture and crowned in the land of Shinar.

   Is Genesis really the seed plot of the Bible? The last man who will rule with an evil heart upon planet Earth will be the man who is called the Beast, and this man will be crowned in the land of Shinar. He will re-institute, and re-energize idolatry, and the religious madness of Nimrod (the first conqueror to have dominion over all men); he succeeded by allowing the evil hearts of his subjects to run wild in their vain imaginations and actions, thus they willingly accepted social, financial and spiritual slavery. Nimrod was a hunter of men, so the world feared him. His descendant Amraphel was no better. His name by interpretation means ‘keeper of the gods.’ This fits in with the mind and heart of Nimrod; and Scripture is clear that this ‘keeper of the gods’ (Amraphel) was from the land of Shinar.

   In the Book of Zechariah, the last great flood of evil is described by an ephah of evil, and an evil woman cast within that ephah. This ephah is carried (yes, you guessed right) to the land of Shinar.

Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. (Zechariah 5:5)

And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth. (Zechariah 5:6)

And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. (Zechariah 5:7)

And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. (Zechariah 5:8)

Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. (Zechariah 5:9)

Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? (Zechariah 5:10)

And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base. (Zechariah 5:11)

   The connection of Amprahel to the land of Shinar is very important. One little location describes a spiritual deceiver who wanted dominion over man, over the soul of men, and over man’s spirit.

Arioch king of Ellasar

   Then we have Arioch king of Ellasar. In defining his name, we find that he was venerable, (not only aged, but reverenced as well), this would reveal to us a man of pomp, self-interest, and self-motivated, most likely he sought the laud from others. He was king of Ellasar. Ellasar is a location, the location is unsure, but many feel that the meaning is more important than the location. For ‘God is a chastener’ of men, this is the meaning of Ellasar. In our text in Genesis 14 we see the complete power and chastening strength of the Almighty God against these four kings. Most likely this man took pride in his own particular idol; and like Nebuchadnezzar, who built his idol on the plains of Dura in the land of Shinar; this man (Ellasar) most probably had a similar image that he worshiped. The word venerable also describes the possibility that he liked to play priest as well as king over his dominion. He would probably be the one to give the benediction to the people, all this from the land of Shinar and the evil idolatry of Nimrod.

Chedorlaomer

   The next name in Genesis 14:1 is Chedorlaomer, however, let’s read on to Genesis 14:17, And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale. In Genesis 14:17, only Chedorlaomer was mentioned of the kings of the east, this has great meaning, we see this in Isaiah 11:11. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

   And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. (Daniel 8:2) This sets the location that the palace at Shushan (the headquarters of the Babylonian kingdom) was in the province of Elam. A place of governmental strength and control.

   Chedorlaomer was the king of Elam, a man of great power, from a region of power, and most likely from a lineage of powerful important people, for one of the meanings of his name is ‘a king,’ probably decided at his birth. He is an interesting personality for in his name we also have another root meaning ‘a binding of a people,’ and/or ‘binding of the sheep.’ And that he ruled over a multitude, for his name also brings in ‘a generation of a handful.’ This describes his kingdom. And yet, Elam has another root meaning ‘hidden.’ It also has the connotational suggestion of ‘nursing them;’ this powerful king was bringing up his subjects (like children) in the same evil that he embraced. Chedorlaomer’s name probably was more descriptive of his person, showing great pride and imperialistic dominance. Also, in Elam we are reminded later in Scripture (several times) that these people attempted to invade Israel.

Tidal king of nations

   The last name in this list is the grand finale: it is Tidal king of nations; the text says it all. Here we have the unrestrained public organizer with a bigger head in thought than his body. It is no wonder that God placed this name last in the list to bring in the culmination of all nations. For in the end times, all nations will stand up against God’s Christ. Nations will try to overthrow (through battle) the Lord of lords, and the King of kings, but He will destroy them all by the fire out of His mouth; and He (in His great power) will end the domination of all the world leaders and their organizations. Tidal leads by force, and in his force, he is related to the man of force in the prophecy of Daniel. The great unification of the nations has been tried many times in history. Nimrod tried, and God confounded their language, and scattered them wherein they were not able to easily communicate with each other. Since then, men have tried many times to unify the whole world, even in our age, we have the United Nations, we had or have a League of Nations with no power to unify the world. We have united efforts in the military power of the world, as NATO; and we have the ascendancy of the EU in their financial global commitment to control other world nations. Besides these global initiatives, we also have others, oligarchically united (clandestinely funded) organizations attempting to overthrow nations (and their peoples). Also, in the battle for control over humanity, we have forceful financial organizations from their very inception with the despotic goal to force humanity into financial debt and bondage; through leverage, unrighteous laws, (Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? [Psalm 94:20]) (Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; [Isaiah 10:1]) and playing on the greediness of the hearts of their subjects, these financial syndicates rule over the hearts and souls of men by controlling all their possessions. In Tidal, the king of nations, we see a slavistic (my word for a slave society) state. This is a society that whenever Tidal passes by, they shout, Bow the knee, bow the knee.

   The Holy Spirit is showing us through these names, the pomp, the might, and the determination of these four kings. Why are they going to war? Because they have stretched their kingdoms to the land of Sodom and the five cities of the plains. They had put the people and the kings of these cities in financial bondage to their kingdoms. They were made to pay tribute. Tribute is a word that is not used much in our age, but it should be (for we pay tribute in many ways, but we call it by other names). Tribute is much more than praise, and acclamation; it is taxation by an enslaved and conquered nation to its conqueror.

   These five kings rebelled against paying tribute. That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. (Genesis 14:2) All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea. (Genesis 14:3) Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. (Genesis 14:4) Their rebellion came in the thirteenth year of their bondage. These great kings of the east truly didn’t need this insignificant tribute from these five cities of the plains. It was not the lust of money or wealth, this war was instigated by the thirst for blood, satisfied by their swords. We have man against man with no god.

   In Hebrews 7:1, we have a man of God meeting with His God, Melchisedec. In Genesis 14:1, we have the enemy: man against man, and man against God. It is the enemy of the soul of man that stirs the nations, even though he has been cast down to the ground, Satan still works through the world stirring up the kings and leaders of the nations. It is always the desire in the fallen heart of mankind to usurp God’s authority over men. One of the vanities of Satan, and one of the reasons for his being cast down was that he loved pomp. (Isaiah 14:11; Ezekiel 28:12-18) He wanted to exalt himself above the most high God. Don’t we see this heart in these four kings unified in the deceptive religious cult from the land of Shinar.

The Odds: Four Against Five: One Against Four

   As the Holy Spirit describes these kings He also lays before us the number four. Four kings of the east, but they desired to rule over the north, over the south, over the east and over the west. They lusted for grandeur that they would not be able to keep, for they would fall supernaturally by the mighty hand of God. Now the 5 cities of the plains also had 5 separate kings. There were kings everywhere, (here a king, there a king, everywhere a king) man loves to have dominion. In God’s man, Abraham, we see a reserved spirit, and God gives us a view of His humble servant. Abraham was just a Hebrew, he had no kingly crown, he was only a man over his own house, and those who dwelt therein. The world was at war all around him, yet Abraham remained separated and apart from this conflict, he was safe in his God. This great battle of the four kings against the five kings was not fought in a corner. It took place in the vale of Siddim. All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea. (Genesis 14:3) The terrain surrounding the salt sea (which is the Dead Sea) at the time of this battle was a land not encumbered by trees, nor physical obstructions, however, there were great slime pits. And the four kings drove the five kings to those pits and overthrew them. And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. (Genesis 14:10) The Spirit of God also wants to inform us that these men of war (these four kings) had already defeated the minor nations in the land of promise.

And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim, (Genesis 14:5)

And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness. (Genesis 14:6)

And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar. (Genesis 14:7)

And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. (Genesis 14:10)

   They had overcome the Amalekites, and the Amorites; this was prior to the battle with the five kings of the plains. These 5 kings had been in financial bondage for 13 years, and it is quite evident that diplomacy had failed. This should be a lesson (out of Genesis 14) for the world to come, that throughout the history of mankind, diplomacy has only prolonged the agony of defeat. These five kings paid tribute to the united nations of the east; the world’s power stretched its military tentacles to this small almost insignificant part of the world. The lesson for us to understand is that once the world is united in power, it forms a multilateral national, or world power to control the rest of the world. Even the greatest nations will find themselves paying tribute to a global entity that denies their right to national sovereignty. When world power is formed, it is not to respect sovereignty, but to remove it. In this the Devil has been a mastermind in forming his unseen dominion over the souls of mankind. Once these organizations of the world are formed it is almost impossible to break away from them. That is why globalism is contrary to national independence and sovereignty. For the whole purpose of the disputer of this world lays in captivating the souls and hearts of men. Man thinks that there is safety in unity, when in fact, safety is taken away by unity when it is the powerful who are united. The object of being united (whether spiritual or temporal) is to bring all men into bondage to the Devil’s wishes. So, God gives us a lesson, one that we should not forget in Genesis Chapter 14; as the children of God, like Abraham, we should be wiser than the children of men, and of the nations of the world. We should view our world as Abraham viewed his surroundings because he understood that he did not possess the things of this earth. He had lifted up his hand to the most high God, who was the possessor of heaven and earth.

   Let’s consider Psalm 24 in this sphere of Genesis 14, the air around Abraham was charged with electricity, the situation was in embryo: an enslaved world versus a free man; a world at war with men in bondage to other men, yet the man of God, Abram, was a free man. He was chosen of God. He possessed the promises of God, and the land that he dwelt on was the possessed place of God. The land around Abraham, and the world that was his home did not belong to the mighty men of that world, but to God Almighty.

Psalm 24: The Divine Man

   In Psalm 24 we have the divine man. The divine man is in God’s world, in this divine man we find clean hands. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. (Psalm 24:4) His outward man, like the Lord Jesus, is pure from all sin. He also has a pure heart, and within him was no sin, and he would not lift up his soul unto vanity. The only One who could fill this description is Jesus Christ Himself. He is the only One who can stand in the hill of the Lord. He is the only One who can stand in God’s holy place. In Psalm 24 we have the Spirit’s vision of Melchisedec.

The King of Peace

   In the form of the high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec, the Son of God comes out of heaven’s glory and appears to Abraham. The world around Abraham cried, Peace, peace and there was no peace. Did the 5 kings find peace? Did the 4 kings in their overthrow find peace? Only the divine King of peace can give real peace to the souls of men, and one day, to the world. His peace will be an everlasting peace which the children of God today enjoy in their hearts and souls. They have an everlasting peace that has been given them through Melchisedec their great High Priest. These are the words of the Lord Jesus, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27) The character of the Prince of peace is found in Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

   In Psalm 24, pay close attention to the questions from the most high God of the possessor of heaven and earth. Psalm 24 begins with for the earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof, the world and the powers to be, and all that dwell therein. It is God’s glorious creation that He and only He possesses, and this planet that we call home, belonged to Him and is under the fullness of His sustaining divine power. <<A Psalm of David.>> The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1)

   In Psalm 24 we have a three-way comparison and examination of the Lord Jesus Christ. First, as the son of man, He is the divine Man. Secondly, the divine Man has clean hands, speaking of the Lord’s outward ministry, and thirdly, this divine Man has a spotless life. He has a pure heart, and He has not lifted up His soul to vanity, the vanities of man. When His brethren told Him to go up and show himself in Jerusalem, He withheld Himself from the popularity of man.

Psalm 24: Who

   The Spirit presents to us these questions, in verse 3, Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? (Psalm 24:3) The answer is: only One is able to stand, only One is able to take His place in the holy place, and He is the King eternal, the King of righteousness, the King of peace, He is both King and Priest: Melchisedec.

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. (Psalm 24:3- 5)

   In the question that is asked in verse 3 -5, Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? We have the divine answer from the Spirit of God, also we have the reference from Psalm 2:6 Yet, have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion.

   Now we have the comparison in Psalm 2 referring to the Son of God, I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. (Psalm 2:7) Psalm 24 is a dual advent psalm, the first coming of the Lord takes place in verses 3-5. The second advent is in verses 7-10.

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. (Psalm 24:7)

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.(Psalm 24:8)

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. (Psalm 24:9)

Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. (Psalm 24:10)

The Qualifications of Priesthood

   Qualifications of the priesthood from an earthly standpoint. A man out of the line of Aaron must have clean hands, must have a pure heart, and must not be lifted up in vanity. Any of these things in the negative would disqualify a man from being priest on earth. However, we are talking about things above the earth. We are talking about the highest Himself, we are talking about the Priest, the High Priest made higher than the heavens. All this points back to Genesis 14, and Melchisedec, and points forward to Hebrews Chapter 7, verses 1 and 2. Everything in between builds a case that is irrefutable: that Jesus Christ was, and is, and forever will be a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec. Lastly, in Psalm 24, He is the King of glory, and the gates should be lifted up to Him.

The Gates and The Doors

   I always consider the gates as plural, you have the gate of every human heart, you have the gate of the known world, and you have the great gate of the holy city Jerusalem. All these gates will be lifted up for the King of glory. Then you have the doors. This is not door, but doors (plural) the doors of every human heart. I stand at the door and knock.

Who is the King of Glory?

   Twice the question is asked, Who is the King of glory? and it is answered twice. First, it is the Lord mighty in battle defeating His enemies which were Abraham’s enemies. Then the question is again asked, Who is THIS particular King of glory? now, we have the bread and the wine. The Lord of hosts, He IS the King of glory. He meets Abraham, and they partake of the bread and wine. There is no altar because Melchisedec’s work is finished. In Hebrews 7:1 and 2 we have the undefinable Man for before Him there was no GOD-MAN. It was Jesus Christ who took of twain and made one new Man, so making peace for us by the blood of His cross.

   The Lord Jesus Christ has appeared to man in many forms, in many images all being the character and the Person of the Son of God. He has shown Himself time to time, revealing Himself slowly as through a lattice work. (Song Of Solomon) And then the fullness of time came, and God was manifest in the flesh to set forth and to accomplish His wonderful redemption of man. There could be no redemption without Christ, there could be no forgiveness without the blood of the cross, there could be no eternal grace without the sacrifice of Himself, and there could be no future glory without His resurrection. God taking upon Himself the sin of the whole world. And all this began the revelation of Himself in Genesis 1:1, and this revelation still continues today through the Holy Spirit of God. Although faintly (and looking as through a clouded glass) the spiritual form and shape, and the glorious images of the glorious son of man can be seen in the Spirit, in the eye, and in the mind of the Spirit’s unction. As the Holy Spirit has been given to lead us into all truth, He will expand the glory of the Son of God, the son of man, Melchisedec, the great High Priest of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth. (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

To be continued — Amen.

© Copyright 2018, Michael Haigh

Article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.

All Scripture references are from the  King James Bible. (KJB)