Melchizedek is one of the most misinterpreted persons in the Bible. He lived approximately 2000 B.C., was a contemporary of Abraham, and was one of the most righteous men who ever lived on the earth. Yet little is known about him, and the little that is said about him in the Bible has been misunderstood by most biblical scholars. For example, in the book of Hebrews we read the following concerning this great prophet:
For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God …To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:1-3.)
Some biblical scholars have interpreted these verses to mean that Melchizedek was born without a mother or a father! In other words, they believe that the words “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life” refer to Melchizedek. That these words do not refer to Melchizedek, but instead refer to the priesthood he held, is made clear in both the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon. Section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants contains the following statement concerning the priesthood of God: “ … Abraham received the priesthood from Melchizedek, who received it through the lineage of his fathers… . Which priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years.” (D&C 84:14, 17.) Concerning this high priesthood the Book of Mormon states, … “which calling, and ordinance, and high priesthood, is without beginning or end—Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years.” (Alma 13:8-9.)