Melchizedek

To be completely honest I didn’t have a real understanding of who Melchizedek was before studying him this week. I knew that he was the one that the Melchizedek Priesthood was named after but that was about it.  By studying the Old Testament and other scriptures relating to him I was able to gain a better understanding of who he was.

Melchizedek was the king of Salem during a time in which the people were very wicked. Melchizedek however, was a very faithful man. The Joseph Smith translation of Genesis tells us that he was a man “who wrought righteousness.” Because of his faithfulness and good works he was made a high priest and was called to preach repentance to the people of Salem. The people listened to Melchizedek and repented. Peace was established in the land for many years. Because of his faithfulness and righteousness the Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God was given the name of the Melchizedek Priesthood to avoid repetition of the name of Deity.

There are many evidences given in the scriptures to suggest that Melchizedek is the same person as Shem, the son of Noah. However, scholars have said this is not enough evidence to either prove or disprove this.