What Blessing Did Melchizedek Give to Abram?
A Detailed Study of Genesis 14:19–20
The blessing Melchizedek pronounced over Abram after the rescue of Lot is one of the most significant blessings in the Old Testament. It appears only briefly in the Genesis narrative, yet it carries profound theological importance for understanding God’s covenant, Abram’s mission, and the priesthood that foreshadows Christ.
This article explores the blessing Melchizedek gave, its meaning, and why it matters.
1. The Text of the Blessing
Melchizedek blesses Abram in two parts:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth.
And blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
— Genesis 14:19–20
This blessing consists of:
-
A blessing upon Abram
-
A blessing directed to God for giving Abram victory
Together they acknowledge God’s sovereignty and Abram’s divinely supported mission.
2. Melchizedek Blesses Abram by “God Most High” (El Elyon)
The blessing begins:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High”
This identifies:
-
The source of Abram’s success
-
The One who called Abram from his homeland
-
The God who will later make covenant with him
-
The One who controls all nations and events
Melchizedek names God as:
“Possessor of heaven and earth”
This title emphasizes:
-
God’s absolute sovereignty
-
God’s universal authority
-
God’s ownership of everything Abram is about to receive
-
That Abram’s victory did not come from human strength
By invoking this name, Melchizedek declares that Abram is blessed by the supreme God over all creation.
3. What the Blessing Affirmed About Abram
Melchizedek’s blessing confirms several truths about Abram:
3.1 Abram is chosen and favored
God’s blessing upon Abram is not accidental but intentional. Melchizedek acknowledges what God told Abram in Genesis 12:2:
“I will bless you.”
Melchizedek now publicly confirms that divine blessing.
3.2 Abram’s mission is supported by heaven
Abram is not simply a desert chieftain.
He is God’s representative on earth.
3.3 Abram’s victory is a sign of God’s presence
Abram defeated powerful kings with only 318 men.
This blessing explains how: God was with him.
3.4 Abram’s life is aligned with God’s will
Melchizedek’s blessing essentially says:
“Your journey, your battles, and your calling are all under God’s authority.”
This divine affirmation strengthens Abram on the path to becoming the father of many nations.
4. The Second Part of the Blessing: Praise to God
Melchizedek continues:
**“And blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”**
This acknowledges God—not Abram—as the true source of victory.
Why is this important?
-
Abram does not become proud.
The credit for the victory is directed upward, not inward. -
God’s role in human affairs is highlighted.
God intervenes in history to protect His chosen people. -
Melchizedek affirms spiritual reality behind physical events.
The battle looked like a military victory—but it was a divine deliverance. -
This blessing links Abram’s military victory to God’s covenant purpose.
God is preparing to make Abram a great nation.
5. What the Blessing Reveals About Melchizedek
Melchizedek’s words show:
5.1 He knows the true God
He worships El Elyon, the same God Abram follows.
5.2 He understands God’s sovereignty
He declares God as Creator and Owner of all creation.
5.3 He has spiritual insight
He perceives that Abram’s victory is not ordinary; it is divine.
5.4 He acts as a priest
Blessing is a priestly function, validating his role as “priest of God Most High.”
Melchizedek stands as a spiritual authority—and Abram recognizes it.
6. Abram’s Response to the Blessing
Immediately after the blessing:
Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
— Genesis 14:20
This response means:
-
Abram honors Melchizedek’s priesthood
-
Abram accepts the blessing as legitimate
-
Abram recognizes Melchizedek’s superiority in spiritual office
-
Abram worships God through this act of giving
This moment is crucial for the Book of Hebrews, which later uses it to prove the greatness of Melchizedek’s priesthood.
7. The Blessing’s Theological Significance
Melchizedek’s blessing is important for several major biblical themes:
7.1 It links Abram’s calling to God’s universal authority
Abram’s blessing comes from the God who rules “heaven and earth.”
7.2 It reveals God’s protection over Abram’s life and mission
Every success Abram has flows from God.
7.3 It foreshadows the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant
A covenant that will bless “all nations of the earth.”
7.4 It anticipates Christ’s priesthood
Jesus is later declared “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7).
7.5 It highlights the spiritual nature of true victory
Military strength did not secure Abram’s win—God did.
Conclusion: The Blessing Melchizedek Gave Abram
Melchizedek’s blessing on Abram is short but incredibly profound. It declares:
1. Abram is blessed by the Supreme God
The Creator who owns the universe.
2. Abram’s victory came directly from God
Not from numbers or strategy.
3. Abram’s mission is divinely approved
The journey of faith he began in Genesis 12 is affirmed by heaven.
4. God’s purposes are being established through Abram
This blessing is a step toward the formation of God’s covenant people.
Melchizedek’s blessing is more than a simple congratulation; it is a theological announcement that God is with Abram and that Abram’s life is unfolding under divine guidance and power.