And Melchizedek king of Sales brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High.This man shows up in three verses, but is very important to Christians. I've honestly never really understood why, given that the book where he is repeatedly referenced is Hebrews. I understand why he would be important to Messianic Jews, since he shows that one does not have to be a Levite, or even a Jew, to be God's priest. But while the fact that a non-Jew can be God's priest is significant, I always thought that Melchizedek was held in much higher import than warranted.
However, what happens in this verse is significant. Abram is returning from battle, having saved his nephew and the property of four cities, with only 300 men. As he returns, Melchizedek meets him, and brings provisions. There was no real need for the food or wine; Abram just took all that he could need from the victory. Yet he later says that he would not take any of it, except what the troops had eaten. He doesn't include himself in that group; did he not eat? Did Melchizedek bring food at God's prompting so that Abram could be fed, and maintain his oath?
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