“And the king of Sodom went out to meet him (Abram), after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him...” verse 17.
Abram, victorious in delivering Lot from the power of the enemy, was now confronted with a very real danger to himself. He had gone out in the strength of faith and dependence on God who had given him full and undisputed victory. But it was at this very time that he was in need of extreme caution and further dependence on God, for the flesh in a believer will readily seek to find somewhat to boast in, to accredit itself with the triumphs of faith, and looks for praise and reward for the achievement. Satan had arranged a very subtle temptation for Abram at this time, in the guise of the king of Sodom.
But the eyes of the Lord are ever on His own and in His faithfulness His Word proclaims: “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall... but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12,1312Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:12‑13). Before ever the king of Sodom reached Abram another king came on the scene, at just the right time to prepare Abram for the trial.
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.” verse 18. If we turn to Hebrews 6:66If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:6), we learn that Melchizedek is a type of Christ of whom it is said, “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Then in Hebrews 6 and 7, further references are made showing God’s purpose in raising up Melchizedek at that time, as a type of His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We read of Melchizedek that he was “King of righteousness and... King of peace; without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.” Hebrews 7:2,32To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:2‑3). Thus he was a most unusual man of Scripture, as to his office, without predecessor and without successor — a true type of Christ, the Eternal One. He will be both King and Priest in the millennial kingdom. Christ is the great High Priest of His people now, at God’s right hand ever interceding for them, but this is more after the order of Aaron. He will appear as Melchizedek by-and-by when He comes in His glory and His heavenly saints will be with Him.
Melchizedek presented bread and wine to Abram—the bread to stay and the wine to cheer. And the Lord Jesus ever looks down upon those He loves—and comes, though often uninvited, to encourage and to cheer their hearts, to supply nourishment and joy, and preserve them from the dangers of the way.
Abram was also reminded at this moment too that although he had been the means for overcoming the enemy, the victory had really been God’s. Abram accepted the words and gifts of this King of Peace, and was refreshed in his own soul. It was this that gave him strength to resist Sodom’s king who approached him immediately after.
ML 05/09/1965