Why war? It is the way of the world. In the ancient world, as today, aggressors tried to take away land and property from others. Often, the war caught bystanders in the crossfire.
When four kings fought five in the valley of Siddim, the victors carried Abram’s nephew Lot into captivity. By this time, Abram had a considerable number of trained men in his own household. They pursued the marauders, defeated them, and recovered Lot and his possessions.
Enter Melchizedek, King of Salem. This mysterious figure came as a priest to bless Abram in the name of God Most High. Abram gave him a tenth of the possessions. Why? Who is Melchizedek that would make the great patriarch Abram tithe to him? Do we wonder? In the Old Testament, the New is concealed; in the New Testament the Old is revealed.
Centuries later, the writer of Hebrews used this story to glorify Jesus. Melchizedek was a priest before there were Levitical priests. His name, Melchizedek, meant King of Righteousness, and his title, King of Salem, meant King of Peace. The writer of Hebrews reasoned that Melchizedek must have been great because Abram the patriarch tithed to him. He saw Jesus in Melchizedek. Jesus, greater than Abram, a priest forever, like Melchizedek, was greater than the Levitical priesthood, which came later. Jesus, the King of Righteousness, the King of Peace stands forever as the High Priest who meets our need (Hebrews 7:26). Once and for all he offered himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12). He came first to bear our sins. Someday, he will return to bring salvation to us who wait for him (9:28). War does not win. Peace is inevitable. The King of Peace has paid the price. Worship the King.
