1. Introduction
Anyone, who reads Gen 14, may notice one of the most puzzling verses in the Hebrew Bible. It is about Melchizedek story. Our curiosity is stimulated not only by the rare word ‘צדק-מלכי’, but also the mysterious identity and behavior of ‘צדק-מלכי.’ Recently, based on a tradition-historical criticism, scholars debated to disclose the origin of Gen 14:18-20. Although this approach is valuable, I would like to focus on how these verses were interpreted by our predecessors (or ancestors), who had a faithfulness and devotion to God’s word. In this regard, I will compare 11QMelch of Dead Sea scroll, which is originated in the late second or early first century B.C.E. and Hebrews 7 in the New Testament. Based on literary critical
…show more content…
Genesis 14:18-20
Melchizedek episode begins from the story of Abram’s victory. When Abram returns from defeating Chedorlaomer and his allies, the king of Sodom comes out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh, which is the Valley of the king (14:17). Abruptly, Melchizedek appears and prepares bread and wine for Abram. And he blesses Abram, and Abram gives him a tenth of everything (14:18-20). After this short event, Abram continues to talk with the king of Sodom
…show more content…
El-Elyon is one of the titles of the God worshiped by the patriarchs. El-Elyon occurs in the Hebrew Bible only in Ps 78:35. It is a designation of the God of Israel such as El-Olam, El-Shaddai, and El-God of Israel. It is rendered to ‘u¢yistoß’, which means ‘the most high’ in Septuagint.
- NwYøyVlRo l∞EaVl ‹M∂rVbAa JK…wûrD;b r¡Amaø¥yÅw …wh™Ek√rDb◊yìÅw:
The blessing of Melchizedek to Abram is followed. “The blessing of Melchizedek brings together two elements of worship, blessing and praise of God.” The Hebrew could also mean “Blessed is Abram,” an acknowledgment or affirmation of a reality exemplified by the victory.
- X®r`DaÎw Mˆy¶AmDv h™EnOq: This modifies עליון אל. Although קנה means to ‘acquire’ or ‘possess’, in some places it can mean to ‘create’ (Gen 14:19,22; Ex 15:16; Deut 32:6; Ps 78:54; 139:13; Prov 8:22; Is 11:11). “This universalistic formula, echoed by Abram in verse 22, well fits the international background of the events. It acknowledges that the processes of human history are under divine guidance.” Likewise, this verse emphasizes that the victory of Abram is caused from God’s guidance.
- ÔKó®dÎyV;b ÔKyä®rDx N¶E…gIm_rRvSa NwYøyVlRo l∞Ea