Bible Study Part 3: From Abraham to King Solomon

There are many developmental stages in the Bible which act as transitional points in the life of Abraham, his family and ultimately the nation which would emerge from his seed. I would like to focus on five which I believes forms a progression, reaching its apex in the personality of King Solomon. Each personality represents another facet in the divine plan relayed to Abraham:

1. Abraham the monotheist
2. Moses the nationalist
3. Joshua the conqueror of Israel
4. David the king messiah
5. Solomon the builder of the Temple

Blessing God and Israel

At each stage, the hero calls out in God’s name, either in the literal sense, as in the case of Abraham, or figuratively, by shepherding the nation of Israel and guiding them to fulfill their mission, which must include a call to the nations of the world to know God. Each time, there is a gentile counterpart, man or woman, who represents the one who hears the call and comes close to the camp, helps, praises, offers sacrifices, gives a gift of themselves to Israel, and then blesses God. Once done, each individual goes back to their respective homes and presumably continues to preach the lessons learned about God and the Israelites to their compatriots.

Abraham and Malki-Tzedek

As we learned, the entire process begins with Abraham and his interaction with the many kings of the surrounding lands once he arrives to Canaan. Torah spends a great deal of time describing battles and wars about which Abraham, seemingly, has no connection. It is only upon Abraham’s uncharacteristic assumption of warrior and victor that a shift takes place amongst the other kings and their attitudes:

“When he returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh, which is the Valley of the King. And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him, saying, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your foes into your hand.” And he gave him a tenth of everything.” (Genesis 14:17-20)

Immediately after the battle in which Abraham defeated the four kings and saved Lot’s life, an interchange between him and the kings takes place. It was probably not unlike most post-victory meetings, where the spoils were to be divided and new alliances drawn. Precisely at this moment, Malki-Tzedek interjects and praises Abraham, bringing out bread and wine. He then continues to bless Abraham and the God Most High. What prompts Malki-Tzedeck to make such a gesture? We can assume that Malki-Tzedek heard about Abraham’s identity as a man of God, perhaps also a man of kindness; yet, when he saw the strength and fortitude Abraham showed to save his nephew he heard the “call in the name of God” loud and clear and he came to Abraham’s side. He blessed him and blessed his God, and went home.