Kings After Battle...Who is Melchizedek?

Torah Study 2/20/10 Rabbi Janet Marder
Genesis 14:17-20
Abraham met the Melech Sodom – the King of Sodom – and yet it is not sure of the exact situation due to some tricky translation from the Hebrew.

There seems to be a military implication in the wording but not sure if it is a confrontation or not.

Where the met – in the “valley” - Rashi says it is just an open flat place. Midrash puts it in a sport arena/grounds.

There is implications that Abraham was to be ‘crowned’ as king – but he rejects that. He refuses the spoils of this battle.

A bit of Abraham character building here.

What is the meeting about and who is this King of Sodom?

Christians use this as a parallel story to that of Jesus. Similar to what appears in Daniel that is a predictor of Jesus.
And Paul in the New Testament says Jesus is Melchizedek.

Melchizedek – A term meaning King of Justice – with a lot written about it!

Brought bread and wine and blessed Abraham. Is it a sign of hospitality that is later linked to Abraham directly?

(Link to Shem, son of Noah. Also appears in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Psalm 110.)

Rashi says this is just normal good behavior and generosity.

Abraham gives Melchizedek a tithe – 1/10 of his property.
It is common to give a tithe to a king – standard taxes of the times.

It is not entirely clear who gave what to whom but this is another detail for commentaries.

Hassidic reading – How the bread and wine is given and how it is consumed in a holy way. A conscious act to gain strength and serve God.

Melchizedek is the first to bless Abraham.

More modern interpretations from Samson R. Hirsch – this defines what it is to be a Cohanim. Need to shape others by a greater force, there to serve God.
From Joseph B. Soloveitchik – Melchizedek (a non Jew) showed respect that Abraham fought for his ideals.