Though the Order of Melchizedek is related to priests and baptism, its influence has permeated cultures across the globe.
But if you’re unfamiliar of what it is and why it’s significant for a modern human, then here’s what you need to know:
- What Is the Order of Melchizedek?
- What Does the Order of Melchizedek Mean?
- What Is the Order of Melchizedek Symbol?
- So, Who is Melchizedek? 3 Main Theories
Let’s dive in.
What Is the Order of Melchizedek?
The Order of Melchizedek is an archaic priesthood that continues to elude history, yet its origin remains unknown.
It shaped Christianity and Gnosticism 2,000 years ago. It was present during the emergence of Judaism over 4,000 years ago. And there are even older parallels between Melchizedek and the ancient Egyptian God, Thoth which predate history.
In fact, the priesthood of Melchizedek influenced the Knights Templar, the Freemasons. It’s even recognized by the Mormon church.
Who was the first high priest mentioned in the Bible?
In the book of Genesis, Melchizedek appears (out of nowhere) to bless Abraham. Abraham then pays tribute to Melchizedek by sharing a tenth of his spoils from his raid on Sodom. In the Bible, he is the first high priest mentioned.
Melchizedek is described in Genesis as ‘a priest of the highest God’ and the ‘King of Salem.‘ The word salem literally translates to ‘peace,’ making Melchizedek the ‘King of Peace.’
Melchizedek is characterized as being, “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.”
And the book of Psalms prophetically illustrates Jesus as “forever a priest in the Order of Melchizedek.”
It is clear Melchizedek commands honor and respect, even from holy figures like Abraham and Jesus. In fact, his description in Hebrews suggests he is an eternal being.
The origin of the Jewish priesthood
The Jewish priesthood is passed patrilineally, which means only the son of a priest can become a priest.
Melchizedek is the first priest in the Torah (the central text of Judaism).
However, the first human priest was Adam, and the priesthood was then passed through his offspring. After the flood, Noah takes the mantle of the high priest, who passes it to Shem (Noah’s son).
The high priest title then skipped nine generations and was passed on to Abraham through Melchizedek.
This poses a conundrum in Jewish law.
In the Torah, Melchizedek does not exist in the patriarchal lineage, yet he is able to bestow the priesthood upon Abraham and his lineage. For this reason, some Jews believe that Shem is Melchizedek.
In Jewish texts, like the Talmud, Melchizedek shares the same Hebrew name with Shem’s nickname (מלכי־צדק). However, there is no evidence to support this outside of Jewish texts.
The priesthood continues to pass patrilineally to this day. Genetic testing has shown that 60% of all Jewish priests share a single common ancestor about 3,000 years ago, around the time of Abraham.
So, Melchizedek may have been the origin of the Jewish priesthood that exists today.
Gnosticism
Gnosticism developed out of Judeo-Christian mysticism around the time of Christ.
The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bruce Codex are Gnostic texts that contain information on Melchizedek. Like the Bible, they seem to create a correlation between biblical figures and Melchizedek.
The deterioration of the Dead Sea Scrolls has obscured much of the text surrounding the coming of Melchizedek. But, he is clearly depicted as the leader of God’s angels in the war against darkness, ranking above the Archangel Michael (whom the Bible cites as the leader of God’s angels)
The Bruce Codex was found in Upper Egypt. The manuscript is a compilation of different texts, many of which are not relatable or easy to understand. It was used by initiates of mystic schools in pursuit of esoteric knowledge.
From initiate to initiate, the Bruce Codex was passed down. Over time, it became a record of secret knowledge acquired through the ages.
Recorded within the Bruce Codex are instructions by Jesus for baptism through fire (as opposed to holy water). Melchizedek was the beholder of this holy fire, which, like holy water, purifies the body and washes away past sins.
Another Gnostic text, the Pistis Sophia, supports and expands Bruce Codex’s explanation of Melchizedek. It portrays Melchizedek as a guide, leading souls towards the light of God (also known as the Light of the Seven).
What Does the Order of Melchizedek Mean?
From Hebrew, Melchi means ‘my king’ and Zedek means ‘righteousness.’ Together, the name translates to ‘My king is righteousness.‘
This distinction implies that Melchizedek is more of an idea or value, rather than a being with an ego.
Zedek is also the Hebrew name for Jupiter. Uncoincidentally, Jupiter displayed unusual brightness during the time of Abraham. The planet helped orient travelers. It would have lit up the night sky during Abraham’s journey back from Sodom (where he encountered Melchizedek).
Supporting this planetary connection, Jupiter happens to be the ruling planet of Aquarius — the constellation associated with baptism.
What Is the Order of Melchizedek Symbol?
Many know it now as the symbol of Judaism. However, the symbol (which consists of two interlocked squares, making what appears to be an eight-pointed star) is known as the seal of Melchizedek.
The meaning and origin of the symbol are unclear. However, according to an article by the Religious Studies Center at Brigham Young University, the squares mostly likely “symbolize honesty, perfection, dependability, integrity, morality, protection, and unchangingness.”
What’s more, the eight points of the star “is traditionally associated with the concepts of resurrection, new beginnings, rebirth, renewal, and baptism.”
So, Who is Melchizedek? 3 Main Theories
The historical record is incomplete and inadequate when it comes to Melchizedek. But there are numerous connections we can make to uncover the mystery.
There are three main theories as to who (or what) Melchizedek is (or was):
- The spirit of Jesus, or the “Holy Spirit” — an eternal being who materializes in specific humans throughout time to lead mankind toward the light of God.
- An idea — the union of priest and king into a single concept, representing a merging of consciousness between two dually opposed ideas (church and state).
- An Ascended Master of Atlantis — a teacher in ancient mystery schools, who was later reincarnated as both Thoth and Hermes.
