Melchizedek is one of the biblical figures who has raised many questions and speculations among Bible readers. His name and role are mentioned only a few times in the Bible, but he appears as a mysterious figure and seems to have a special position. Melchizedek is first introduced in Genesis 14 as the king of Salem. He came to Abram after Abram defeated King Chedorlaomer and the King of Sodom, and Melchizedek blessed Abram and praised the Most High God. Abram also gave a tenth of his possessions to Melchizedek, an act that indicates Abram's respect for this figure.

The lack of information about Melchizedek's origins, life, or death has given rise to various speculations about who this figure really is. One popular opinion is that Melchizedek was a Christophany, an appearance of Christ before His coming to earth. Some see Melchizedek as an incarnation of the Holy Spirit or a heavenly being sent to earth. In Psalm 110, Melchizedek is briefly mentioned in the context of the coronation of the kings of Israel, suggesting that this figure has an equal standing before God. This speculation is further complicated by the influence of ancient Jewish literature. For example, in the Qumran texts found in the Dead Sea, Melchizedek is presented as a heavenly figure who plays a role in judging and enforcing justice for God's people in the future. In the text 11Q Melchizedek, Melchizedek is even referred to as the figure who will lead the divine judgment against the wicked nations at the end of time, reflecting his high position and exalted role as a judge.

In Hebrews 7:1-10 there is an interesting description of Melchizedek. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews explains the position and standing of Jesus Christ as a high priest who is higher and more noble, and more special when compared to the high priests of the Jewish people at that time. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews wrote this message in the context of providing an explanation to Christians of Jewish background, who were the target of the letter. The hope is that the people will be more certain of their choice and decision of faith to accept Jesus, even though they still have to deal directly with and interact with the Jews, who at that time were very hostile to them. The people who had just come to know Christ needed answers, so that they could respond to the questions that were often raised by their brothers. By describing Jesus according to the priesthood of Melchizedek, this letter aims to show that Jesus has a position as a priest that cannot be matched by the Jewish priesthood system at that time.

In Jewish tradition, Melchizedek is understood only as a historical figure who has a special position as a just and righteous king, according to the meaning of his name, "King of Righteousness" (Malki-Tsedeq). The Book of Jubilees, which is an ancient Jewish text, only refers to priests in general without mentioning Melchizedek by name. This book emphasizes the importance of the practice of tithing, while the figure of Melchizedek remains unmentioned. Another literature from the 2nd century BC, entitled 'The Vision of Amram', provides another clue about Melchizedek. Amram, a figure in this text, sees two heavenly figures fighting, and many scholars have speculated that one of them is Melchizedek. In other Qumran manuscripts, Melchizedek is referred to as a judge and executor of final justice, a role that symbolizes his divine position as an extension of God's hand in judging the world.

In various writings, both in the Old Testament, New Testament, and other Jewish literature, Melchizedek continues to appear as a figure who has two main roles: king and priest. As the King of Righteousness and King of Salem (which means "peace"), Melchizedek is not only a historical symbol, but more than that, a figure who symbolizes the divine position and the enforcement of God's justice.

Why is Melchizedek known as the "King of Righteousness" and the "King of Salem"? What is the symbolic meaning of these two titles in the Jewish and Christian traditions?

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