Royal Priesthood
Abraham gave a tithe of the spoils to Melchisedec (Gen. 14:18-20). He was a type of the Lord Jesus. This Melchisedec is called both king and priest —“King of Salem” or “King of peace,” and “priest of the most high God.”
In Psalm 110:1 the Lord Jesus is addressed by God, who said unto Him, “Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.” This is followed by, “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec” (vs. 4).
The Lord Jesus on high is now a priest after the Aaronic order, that is, of intercession and compassion. When He comes forth in the millennium, He will act in priesthood after the order of Melchisedec, that is, combining priesthood and kingship in His Person. As Zechariah says, “He shall be a priest upon His throne” (ch. 6:13). It will be what Peter speaks of as “royal” priesthood. It will not be intercessory, but dispensing royal bounties. In Genesis 14, Melchisedec brought forth bread and wine for the refreshment and cheer of the victorious warriors.
King David’s Example
In 2 Samuel 6 we get the account of David’s bringing home the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom, and he “danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod” (vs. 14). The linen ephod was a priestly garment, and so here David is acting as king and priest (royal priesthood). Then he dispenses royal favors, as we read, “He blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine” (vss. 1819). This is also a type of Christ when He sits as priest upon His throne. The Christian anticipates that time and can act as a royal priest now, spreading royal blessings as he goes out and abroad. In contrast, the “holy” priesthood is connected with going into the presence of God to offer up spiritual sacrifices. Compare verses 5 and 9 of 1 Peter 2.
P. Wilson