Why Is Melchizedek Called “Priest of God Most High”?
A Detailed Biblical Study of Genesis 14:18 and Its Theological Importance
Melchizedek’s title, “priest of God Most High” (El Elyon), is one of the most extraordinary and theologically significant descriptions in Scripture. Appearing only briefly in Genesis 14, Melchizedek nonetheless stands as a pivotal figure who reveals how God was at work in the world long before the establishment of Israel’s priesthood. Understanding why he is called priest of God Most High unlocks important truths about God’s sovereignty, the universality of His revelation, and the foundations of biblical priesthood that culminate in Jesus Christ.
1. The Title Appears in Genesis 14: A Surprise in the Narrative
Melchizedek appears suddenly after Abram returns from rescuing Lot:
“He was priest of God Most High.”
— Genesis 14:18
At this time in biblical history:
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There is no nation of Israel.
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There is no Levitical priesthood.
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There are no priests defined by law.
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Abram himself had only recently entered Canaan.
Yet here stands a man who:
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Knows the true God,
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Serves Him in a priestly role,
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And is recognized by Abram as legitimate and superior.
This raises a key question: How could a non-Israelite king already be a priest of the Most High God?
2. “God Most High” (El Elyon) Reveals Melchizedek’s Theology
The title El Elyon means:
“God Most High,”
“The Supreme God,”
“The Possessor of heaven and earth.”
This name emphasizes:
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God’s sovereignty over all nations
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His universal dominion
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His supremacy over all false gods
Melchizedek did not serve a local deity or tribal god. He served the Creator, the same God Abram worshipped.
This matters for two reasons:
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It confirms Melchizedek’s priesthood was legitimate and God-ordained.
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It shows that God had witnesses outside of Abram’s family, even among the Canaanites.
The knowledge of God Most High was not limited to one line of people.
3. Melchizedek Served God Before the Levitical Priesthood Existed
Melchizedek’s priesthood is unique because it existed:
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Before the Mosaic Law,
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Before Aaron,
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Before sacrifices were formalized in Israel,
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Before any priestly tribe was chosen.
This means his priesthood rests entirely on:
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Divine calling, not ancestry
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Revelation, not ritual
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Relationship, not regulation
The author of Hebrews uses this to show that Melchizedek’s priesthood is older and greater than the Jewish priesthood that came later (Hebrews 7).
4. Melchizedek Was a Priest-King — A Rare Combination
Unlike the later Israelite system where the roles of king and priest were separate, Melchizedek holds both titles:
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King of Salem (Jerusalem)
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Priest of God Most High
This combination teaches two important truths:
4.1 God intended a priest-king model from the beginning
Melchizedek foreshadows the ideal ruler who combines:
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Righteousness (priest)
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Authority (king)
4.2 This model is fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ
The Messiah would be:
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A king (Son of David)
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A priest (after Melchizedek’s order)
Thus, Melchizedek provides the theological blueprint for Christ’s eternal priesthood.
5. Melchizedek Offered Priest-like Ministry: Blessing and Mediating
Genesis 14 records two priestly actions:
5.1 He brings bread and wine
This symbolizes hospitality, fellowship, and possibly sacramental imagery—echoed later in Christ’s Last Supper.
5.2 He blesses Abram in the name of God Most High
Blessing is a priestly function.
Hebrews 7:7 explains:
“The lesser is blessed by the greater.”
Melchizedek stands spiritually above Abram—not because Abram is weak, but because Melchizedek’s priesthood is divinely established.
6. Abram Recognizes Melchizedek’s Authority
Abram responds by giving Melchizedek a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:20).
This reveals:
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Abram acknowledges Melchizedek’s priesthood
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Abram accepts his blessing
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Abram honors him with tithes
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Abram sees Melchizedek as a true servant of the same God he worships
If Abram—called the father of faith—recognizes Melchizedek’s priesthood, it confirms that Melchizedek serves the true God.
7. Psalm 110 Confirms Divine Legitimacy
A thousand years later, David writes:
“You are a priest forever
in the order of Melchizedek.”
— Psalm 110:4
This means:
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God Himself approves Melchizedek’s priesthood.
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His priesthood is eternal in principle, not temporal like the Levitical priesthood.
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The Messiah’s priesthood would follow Melchizedek’s pattern, not Aaron’s.
Melchizedek’s title “priest of God Most High” is therefore part of a divine plan, not a local Canaanite invention.
8. Hebrews 7: Melchizedek’s Priesthood Points Directly to Christ
The New Testament book of Hebrews explains exactly why Melchizedek is called “priest of God Most High.”
Melchizedek:
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Has a priesthood not based on genealogy
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Has no recorded beginning or end
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Is greater than Abraham
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Represents righteousness and peace
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Prefigures Jesus’ eternal priesthood
Hebrews concludes:
“He resembles the Son of God.”
— Hebrews 7:3
This means:
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Melchizedek is a type, or prophetic foreshadowing, of Christ
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His priesthood points to Jesus’ ultimate role as High Priest
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Jesus’ ministry does not come from Levi but from the order of Melchizedek
Conclusion: Why Melchizedek Is Called “Priest of God Most High”
Melchizedek receives this title because:
1. He served the one true God, El Elyon
A universal God, not a regional deity.
2. His priesthood was divinely established
Independent of Israel, older than the Law.
3. He acted with true priestly authority
Blessing, mediating, and receiving tithes.
4. Abram recognized his spiritual superiority
Showing Melchizedek’s legitimacy.
5. Scripture confirms his priesthood as eternal in design
A model for the Messiah’s priesthood.
6. He foreshadowed the coming High Priest—Jesus Christ
Who combines kingship and priesthood perfectly.
In the narrative of Genesis and the theology of the New Testament, Melchizedek stands as a divinely appointed priest whose ministry points to God’s ultimate plan for salvation.