WHAT I LEARNED WHEN I READ THE BIBLE
After Abram and Lot parted ways, Lot was captured during a battle that took place between 9 kings. The leader of 4 of the kings (who was from Elam which is part of modern Iran) defeated Sodom and Gomorrah and took control of the valley where Lot lived. Abram heard of his nephew’s demise and gathered his men to rescue Lot. After Abram’s victory, the king of Salem came out to bless Abram (Salem was not involved in the battle). The king’s name was Melchizedek. He was a “priest of God most high.” (Genesis 14:18). Many students of the Bible believe Salem was modern-day Jerusalem and that King Melchizedek was a pre-incarnation of Christ. (Hebrews 7:3). We do not know. What we do know is the Bible says Melchizedek had no parents. No beginning or end. (Hebrews 7:3, Psalm 110:4). And we know Melchizedek blessed Abram. Whether Melchizedek was a pre-incarnation of Christ is unclear, but either way we do know his appearance is a foreshadow of the coming Messiah.