A question for Jews about Melchizedek (Gen. 13:18-20)?

Question

Shalom Aleichem.

Greetings to you,

I was on another question about Melchizedek, king of Salem (Gen. 13:18-20) and one of the participants said that he was a Gentile. Is it true that Judaism holds Melchizedek to be a Gentile? If it is true, does that hold any implications in Judaism about Gentiles being able to be righteous servants of God without any involvement with Jews/Judaism.

Thanks in advance for your answer. Shalom Aleichem.

Answer 1

As I understand it, anyone not descended from Jacob is not Jewish (other than those who have converted to Judaism). Therefore Melchizedek wasn't Jewish. I think there is a Jewish Midrashic tradition that says that Melchizedek was Noah's son Shem.

Regardless of that, Judaism holds that anyone can be a righteous servant of God - provided they observe the 7 basic laws known as The 7 Noahide Commandments (prohibitions against murder, theft, idolatry, sexual immorality, blasphemy, eating part of an animal (including blood) whilst the animal is still alive; establishing courts of justice).  

Answer 2

Your point level is 666. I'm not trying to say anything, it's just funny.

But yeah, I've kind of wondered about that myself.

Answer 3

answer: I'll let others answer about Melchizedek specifically.  As to the question of Gentiles being able to be righteous servants of G-d - Yes, absolutely!  That's why Judaism accepts converts but Jews do not try and convert everyone they meet.  Judaism teaches that someone doesn't have to be Jewish to reach G-d and be considered righteous.  Jews were chosen to uphold the 600+ laws, they weren't chosen to be the only ones G-d works with.  

there is a term in Judaism: Benei Noach – righteous Gentiles

Those that hold to the Noaide laws are considered righteous Gentiles.

Answer 4

I don't know about Melchizidek, in particlur, but many people in the Tanakh are called righteous who are not Jews.

King Cyrus - a pagan - was even called a moschiach, an anointed king.

Any follower of the Noahide Laws is considered a righteous Gentile, and the Talmud states that the righteous of ALL nations will have a share in the World to Come.

http://www.noahide.org/

Wa' alaikum as salaam.