Prototipuri vechitestamentare ale preoției harice – O comparație de ontologie și slujire
Prominent Old Testament prototypes of the gracious priesthood – A comparison of ontology and ministering

Summary/Abstract: In ancient times, the priesthood of Abraham was the „priesthood” of the firstborn; although they were not called priests, they did the things of the priesthood: they brought sacrifices before God, bloodless, like Cain, and bloody, like Abel or Noah. We later see Abraham as offering bloody sacrifices at God’s command; Melchizedek appears however, about whom we do not know for sure that he is a firstborn, bringing a bloodless sacrifice to God and being called „priest of the Most High God” (Genesis 14,18). We note that the priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to the Levitical priesthood and a foreshadowing of the gracious priesthood brought by Jesus Christ.Melchizedek means king of righteousness, and he was king of a city called Salem and priest of the Most High God before Abraham came to this land. He is presented as an enigmatic character whose history is described in only three verses, in Genesis 14, 18-20, whom Abram respects so much, recognizing him to be greater than himself, from whom he receives blessing and to whom he gives him a tenth of all he owns.. Melchizedek appears to us as an authoritative figure, presented as “king of righteousness” and “king of peace”, but also “priest of the Most High God” who welcomes Abram with bread and wine. Through the gifts he brought to Abraham, bread and wine, Melchizedek symbolizes the Savior Jesus Christ, who left us His body and blood in the form of bread and wine, as food for eternal life. The Holy Fathers see in the sacrificial gifts brought by Melchizedek to Abram the presymbolization of the Holy Eucharist.

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