(CORRECTED MISTAKE:) A question for Jews about Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18-20)?

Question

Shalom Aleichem.

Greetings to you,

I was on another question about Melchizedek, king of Salem (Gen. 14:18-20) 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

Too boring to answer.  

Answer 2

Melchizedek’s Priesthood. The first priest mentioned in the Bible is Melchizedek, who was “priest of the Most High God” as well as king of Salem (Jerusalem). Abraham met this priest-king when he returned from defeating the three kings in league with Elamite King Chedorlaomer. Abraham showed he recognized the divine source of Melchizedek’s authority by giving him a tenth of the fruits of his victory and by receiving Melchizedek’s blessing. The Bible does not give the record of Melchizedek’s ancestry, his birth, or his death. He had no predecessors or successors.—Ge 14:17-24

During his time back then there was not Jewish race yet. Yes Abraham is the grandfather of Jacob in which Israel began. But Abraham did recognize his authority.

The High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The Bible book of Hebrews points out that Jesus Christ, since his resurrection and entry into heaven, is “a high priest according to the manner of Melchizedek forever.” (Heb 6:20; 7:17, 21)

To describe the greatness of Christ’s priesthood and its superiority over the Aaronic priesthood, the writer shows that Melchizedek was both a king and a priest by designation of the Most High God, and not by inheritance. Christ Jesus, not of the tribe of Levi, but of Judah and of the line of David, did not inherit his office by descent from Aaron, but obtained it by direct appointment of God, as did Melchizedek.  

Answer 3

i never heard of him.that is in the CHRISTIAN BIBLE

the one i dont believe in  

Answer 4

It is most certainly possible for Gentiles to be righteous servants of God without any involvement with Judaism.  This has been true always, whatever the status of Melchizedek.  You may know that in Israel there is special commemoration of the righteous gentiles who helped Jews during the Holocaust, but the concept of the righteous gentile has always been there.  We have no sense of our religion being the only way to God (which is why we don't proselytise or encourage conversion) and have always accepted that all who lead a righteous life are equally close to God and that all have a place in the world to come.

Answer 5

As others have written, Judaism does not believe that it is the only path to G-d.  In fact, the full version of Judaism with its myriad commandments is only for Jews; Judaism does not allow non-Jews to observe all of its commandments.

That doesn't mean that the Torah  feels it has nothing to say to non-Jews and how they should behave.  In fact, the Torah has 7 commandments designated the Noahide laws which all people are obligated to keep.  They all happen to be found in most civilizations.  Prohibitions against murder,theft, sexual impropriety are some of the 7.

Judaism feels that if non-Jews keep their rules they have earned their place in the world to come.  For Jews the road is a lot tougher.

Malkitzedek (that's how it's vowelized in Hebrew) was not Jewish.  The name literally means "my king is righteous" probably a reference to G-d as his king.

An interesting question is when exactly the first Jews arrived on the scene of history.  A lot depends on your definition of Jew.  And just as American history does not begin with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Jewish history could have started long before the Jews appeared.  One could argue that the first Jews were the nation that left Egypt and received the Torah, as that is the defining document of Judaism.  Absent that covenant, what is a Jew?

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob brought monotheism to the world and were certainly forefathers of the Jewish people.  Jews look up to them and their wives as paradigms of what Jews should be.  The covenant between G-d and Abraham certainly marks an enduring connection between G-d and the Jews, but it was rather ambiguous of the responsibilities that the Jews had to G-d; that only became clearer at the giving of the Torah.

What all this boils down to is that there is certainly a path of righteousness to G-d that does not necessitate embracing Judaism.  There are many moral, ethical and righteous people in the world who have no idea what Judaism is about.  Many even have a strong personal relationship with G-d.  I would only imagine that G-d would see them as righteous servants deserving of His beneficence.

Malkitzedek would certainly fit that model.

And as an aside, the rabbis of the Talmud identify Malkitzedek as Shem, the son of Noah, certainly someone with more than just a passing knowledge of G-d and His power.

Answer 6

You are aware that when Abram - later Abraham, met Melchizedek , he too was a gentile. It was only after his and all his family and servants circumcision that he became Jewish! Whilst in the land of Ur God  called him out and sent him towards the promised land prior to his 'conversion'! Does this alter your question which I'm not sure I understand.

Answer 7

Melchizedek was a righteous Gentile, he was not Jewish.

As always in Judaism, the world has righteous people not necessarily being Jewish. Gentiles can be completely involved in doing good and being servants of God.

Perhaps I should be more clear, he wasn't an ancestor.

He was a righteous priest.