After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.- Genesis 14:17-20

After the victory of redemption Abram is encountered by the precursor to both Aaron and Jesus Christ: Melchizedek. Melchizedek is a priest in his own right (Psa 110:4; Heb 5:6). The author of Hebrews rightfully points out that this is the greatest of all priestly lines and is in fact the line of Jesus Christ (Heb 6-7). This is argued primarily from the tithe that is offered by Abram to Melchizedek. This establishes the tithe as someone that is not merely a part of the ceremonial law of Israel but is rooted and grounded in redemption and holiness.

Beyond the obvious New Testament references, Melchizedek is also a king. This tying together of the two roles is important and refutes the notions than Christ has ascended to heaven to reign as “priest” but not “king” as some Dispensational thinkers teach.

Also, the introduction of bread and wine is a clear typological introduction to the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-20). It is not merely the Passover that is foundational to the Supper but the work of one who proceeded the Passover and ceremonies. However, it is to be noted how the celebration of feasting came after, or at the same time as, redemption in both cases (Exo 12).

In the concluding remarks from Melchizedek it is seen that Abram’s victory was a clear victory from God who owns and conquers both heaven and earth. Though less direct, this ties into the theme of Christ’s conquering when he offers a benediction upon His disciples concerning this very authority over heaven and earth (Matt 28:18-20).