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A Study of the Traditions of Melchizedek in the Dead Sea Scrolls

  • Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies
  • Abbr : KJOTS
  • 2024, 30(4), pp.254-281
  • Publisher : Korean Society of Old Testament Studies
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology

Yoon Kyung Lee 1

1이화여대

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the tradition of Melchizedek from his initial historical appearance in the Old Testament to his depiction in the Qumran Scrolls and the New Testament. In Genesis 14, Melchizedek is introduced as the historical king and priest of Salem who blesses Abram after a victorious battle. This brief yet significant encounter presents Melchizedek as a figure connected to both royalty and priesthood, titles that hold theological significance in later interpretations. By the time we reach Psalm 110, Melchizedek has transformed from a historical figure into a symbolic representation of King David, portrayed as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, sitting at God’s right hand. The New Testament, particularly in the Epistle to the Hebrews, elevates this transformation further by depicting Melchizedek as a typology of Christ, whose eternal priesthood supersedes that of the Levitical order. The Qumran Scrolls play a crucial role in bridging the Old and New Testament perceptions of Melchizedek. Documents such as the Genesis Apocryphon, Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice, and 11QMelchizedek present Melchizedek in a more eschatological and celestial context. In these texts, Melchizedek takes on a role beyond that of a historical king and priest; he is portrayed as a heavenly figure, one who presides over divine judgment and is associated with the ultimate redemption of God’s people in the eschaton. In particular, 11QMelchizedek describes him as a messianic figure who will defeat the forces of evil, represented by Belial, and bring about the year of God's favor, thus fulfilling an essential role in the apocalyptic expectations of the Qumran community. This study traces the development of the Melchizedek tradition through various phases: from his depiction as a historical figure in Genesis, to a symbolic king-priest in the Psalms, and finally to a messianic and priestly figure in the New Testament and Second Temple Jewish texts. By examining these texts, the paper demonstrates how the understanding of Melchizedek evolved over time, particularly in relation to the concept of eternal priesthood and eschatological salvation, and how these developments influenced early Christian theology, particularly in the understanding of Christ’s priesthood. The research highlights the significance of Melchizedek in the theological and eschatological imagination of both Jewish and Christian traditions, underscoring his role as a bridge between the two Testaments and as a central figure in discussions about messianism and divine intervention in the history of salvation.

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