After Abram’s astonishing military victory and the rescue of Lot, Genesis 14 shifts the focus away from war and toward worship. As Abram returns from defeating the eastern kings, he is met not first by the king of Sodom, but by Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:17–18).

Melchizedek is a unique figure in Scripture. He appears suddenly, without genealogy, without recorded beginning or end. He is both king and priest, a combination that Israel will never successfully unite under the Law. His name means “king of righteousness,” and he rules over Salem, meaning “peace” (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1–2).

Melchizedek brings bread and wine and blesses Abram, declaring:

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Maker of heaven and ...