Melchizedek, King Priest of Salem

12 They also captured Lot—Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned.

13 But one of Lot’s men escaped and reported everything to Abram the Hebrew, who was living near the oak grove belonging to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre and his relatives, Eshcol and Aner, were Abram’s allies. Genesis 14: 12 - 13 NLT

"Is this one of your sight words?", John asked.

הָעִבְרִ֑י.  

< = = = Ib-ree, Hebrew, sure.

"This is the first time it is used in the Torah. Long before the word "Jew" was used, God's people were referred to as Hebrews, descendants of Eber."

14 When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men who had been born into his household. Then he pursued Kedorlaomer’s army until he caught up with them at Dan. 15 There he divided his men and attacked during the night. Kedorlaomer’s army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, and he brought back his nephew Lot with his possessions and all the women and other captives. Genesis 14: 14 - 16 NLT

<= = = So Abram was a Marvel Super hero?

Close enough, but keep your eye on the main thing, as we will hear from the superhero about to be introduced God gave Abram that victory. That said, he had to rally his trained men and ride off into the night. But here is where it gets interesting!

17 After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing:

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,

Creator of heaven and earth.

And blessed be God Most High,

who has defeated your enemies for you.”

Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. Genesis 14: 17 - 20 NLT

The scriptures don't really spell out who Melchizedek was. Over the years, I have heard everything from he was Jesus Christ incarnate to a lame theory he was the first Mason. Let's not speculate. Instead, let's give him credit where it is due, he clearly served as a representative of God Most High in Abram's eyes. And make note of their relationship, the greater blesses the lesser,  Melchizedek is the greater. And Abram, whose seed would one day bring forth the Levites, gave his ma'aser, or tenth to Melchizedek.

And note the irony of Abram's company, King Bera representing Sodom which as we have said was exceedingly wicked and King Melchizedek a representative of God Most High. I'll paraphrase.

The king of Sodom told Abram, "Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered." 

Abram replied, "I have solemnly promised the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from you. Otherwise you might say, `I am the one who made Abram rich!'

All I'll accept is what these young men of mine have already eaten. But give a share of the goods to my allies--Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre."

<= = = Woah! Abram is going to have to watch his back around King Bera from now own, Abram really dissed him.

Well Master Cohen, I have been very impressed with the way you have been digging into the story, but Abram is not going to have to worry about King Bera who is about to suffer a pretty bad case of burnout. I know we are running a little late, but I have one more thing to show you and it is important. 

22 Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ Genesis 14: 22, 23 NLT

Abram repeats back what Melchizedek said in terms of a swear, a solemn promise, "God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth". Abram can now define who he worships. We have the first bit of the theology in the history of humankind. The priest said it, Abram repeated it to God in the priest's presence. And now go play, it is a lovely day.

Activities

(Don't try to find the secret message, there will be way too many leftover letters)