An additional detail concerning Melchizedek is found in a modern revelation. It says the higher priesthood “is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest. Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the Church, in ancient days, called the priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.”2 Alma had told the story of Melchizedek and how famous he had become because he had saved the city of Salem by getting the wicked people of city to repent. He knew Ammonihah could be saved the same way, so he said:
“Now I need not rehearse the matter; what I have said may suffice. Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction.”