Second Melchizedek ruled over the city of Salem (a name which means “peace”). In like manner, Christ will reinstitute the glory of David’s day when nought is known but peace among the Lord’s people. Third, both Melchizedek and Christ were known as the “great high priest.”
In Old Testament times the primary duty of the priest was to offer sacrifice at the altar and to act as mediator between God and men. It was by virtue of the priestly functions that the nations of Israel were reconciled to their God. “Through the ministrations of the priesthood the people of Israel were instructed in the doctrine of sin and its expiation, in forgiveness and worship. In short, the priest was the indispensable source of religious knowledge for the people, and the channel through which spiritual life was communicated.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia 4: 2439.)