The Pre-Figuration of Jesus in the Hebrew Bible? by Myra Kahn Adams for Town Hall
Today, we reach Vol. 50 of these studies. Therefore, I must thank: Lord Jesus Christ, Townhall editors and management, loyal readers – including those who send me inspiring personal Gmails, and husband David for his thoughtful edits.
Over the last year, readers have asked, “Where is Vol. 1?” The topic was Melchizedek, but not headlined “Vol. 1” when posted on RedState in Sept. 2019. Then, last year, when the first study was transferred to Townhall and chronologically inserted into my archive, it was distanced from Vol. 2, dated Feb. 2, 2020. Now, to “celebrate” Vol. 50, I felt called to again write about “Melchizedek” and connect to Vol. 1 given my fascination with the controversy surrounding his brief appearance in Genesis.
Is Melchizedek the pre-figuration of Jesus in the Hebrew Bible? For centuries, scholars have debated that question, and I believe the answer is “yes.”
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Seeking confirmation, I asked Jonathan Cahn, a Messianic Jewish Rabbi who leads Hope of the World ministries. He is also a #1 best-selling author of the Harbinger series with a popular YouTube channel.
Rabbi Cahn responded: “I definitely believe Melchizedek is a type and foreshadow of Messiah – a marker and placeholder for the day when there would come one who was both priest and king at the same time – the Messiah. And also believe the Book of Hebrews makes clear that Melchizedek was not the Messiah – but one made to ‘resemble’ Him. Nonetheless, Melchizedek remains one of the most fascinating and mysterious figures in the Bible.”
Rabbi Cahn’s opinion is acknowledged and appreciated. Now let’s read about Melchizedek in the verses chronicling his first and only appearance. Note the unusual Bible protocol for a “king” to suddenly appear with no introduction or lineage:
