Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Malki-tzedek (Melchizedek) in the Torah?
A: Malki-tzedek was the king of Shalem (later Jerusalem) and a priest of the Most High God (El Elyon). According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, he was Shem, the son of Noach, who served as a righteous priest and teacher of monotheism. The Talmud (Nedarim 32b) discusses his role as a priest before the establishment of the Jewish priesthood through Aharon.
Q: Why did Malki-tzedek bring out bread and wine to Avraham?
A: The bread and wine symbolized hospitality and celebration after Avraham's victory in battle (Rashi on Genesis 14:18). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 43:6) explains that this prefigured the future meal offerings (mincha) and wine libations (nesachim) in the Temple service, showing Malki-tzedek's priestly role.
Q: What is the significance of Malki-tzedek being called 'priest of the Most High God'?
A: This title shows that even before the Jewish people existed, there were righteous individuals who served Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 9:1) notes that Malki-tzedek taught monotheism, and his priesthood represents the universal potential for all nations to connect to God. However, Jewish tradition maintains that the eternal priesthood was later given specifically to Aharon's descendants.
Q: Why is Malki-tzedek's city called 'Shalem' (Salem)?
A: The name Shalem (meaning 'complete' or 'peaceful') refers to Jerusalem, as explained by Rashi. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 56:10) connects this to the future site of the Holy Temple. The name reflects both the physical completeness of the location and the spiritual peace that comes from serving Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Malki-tzedek's actions in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing and thanking Hashem after successes (like Avraham's victory), as Malki-tzedek did by blessing Avraham in God's name (Genesis 14:19). The Talmud (Sotah 10a) also derives from here that Torah scholars should be treated with honor (like the bread and wine offering), as Malki-tzedek honored Avraham, the embodiment of kindness and faith.
Identity of Malki-Tzedek
According to Rashi (Bereshit 14:18), Malki-Tzedek is identified as Shem, the son of Noach. The name "Malki-Tzedek" means "my king is righteous," and "Shalem" refers to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), as the city was originally called Shalem (see Rashi and Radak). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 43:6) explains that he was called Malki-Tzedek because his kingship was righteous and his priesthood was legitimate.
Significance of Bread and Wine
The offering of bread and wine by Malki-Tzedek carries deep symbolism. Rashi explains that this act was a precursor to the mitzvah of haktarat ha'omer (the barley offering) and nesachim (wine libations) in the Beit HaMikdash. The Ramban (Bereshit 14:18) adds that bread and wine represent sustenance and joy, symbolizing the divine blessing that Avraham would receive after his victory in battle.
Priest of the Most High God
The verse states that Malki-Tzedek was a "kohen l'Kel Elyon" (priest of the Most High God). The Talmud (Nedarim 32b) teaches that Malki-Tzedek initially held the priesthood, but it was later transferred to Avraham and his descendants because Malki-Tzedek erred by blessing Avraham before blessing Hashem. This teaches the importance of giving precedence to honoring Hashem above all else.
Connection to Avraham