Study Notes Week 14

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Aloud together to hear the Word (Leviticus 23:1-3; Nehemiah 8:1-4; Luke 4:16-17)

Bereshiyt (Genesis) 14:1-24

14:1 In the days of Amraphel, king of Shinar; Arioch, king of Ellasar; Chedorlaomer, king of Elam; and Tidal, king of Goyim, 2 they made war with Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboyim; and the king of Bela, also called Zoar. 3 All these joined together in the valley of Siddim, also called the Salt Sea. 4 They served Chedorlaomer for twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to El Paran, which is by the wilderness. 7 They returned, and came to En Mishpat, also called Kadesh, and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that lived in Hazazon Tamar. 8 The king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboyim, and the king of Bela, also called Zoar went out; and they set the battle in array against them in the valley of Siddim 9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goyim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings against the five. 10 Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the [king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah]^(LXX) fled, and some fell there. Those who remained fled to the hills. 11 They took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went their way. 12 They took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. 13 One who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. At that time, he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner. They were allies of Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he [numbered]^(LXX) his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his house, and pursued as far as Dan; 15 He divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. 16 He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot and his goods, and the women also, and the other people. 17 The king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, that is, the King's Valley. 18 Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest to El Elyon. 19 He blessed [Abram],^(LXX) and said, “Blessed be Abram to El Elyon, purchaser of the heavens and the land. 20 Blessed be El Elyon, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all. 21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.” 22 Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to El Elyon, purchaser of the heavens and the land, 23 that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.' 24 I will accept nothing from you except that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion.”

Apocryphon is the plural of apocrypha and means “secret writing” or “hidden writing”. Some of the writings found among the Dead Sea Scrolls have “apocryphon” in the man-made names given to them because sometimes a significant portion of the scrolls contain texts that are not part of the canon of the Hebrew Bible. Thus, many scholars believe these writings were considered sacred by some Jewish sects during the first century and before but may not have been widely accepted as canonical by the wider Jewish community.

The terms “Apocrypha” and “Apocryphon” should not be confused with the Deuterocanon (means “second canon” in Greek) which are considered canonical by the Catholic Church, The Eastern Orthodox Church, The Oriental Orthodox Church, and The Church of the East. The seven Deuterocanon books are 1 and 2 Maccabees, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Wisdom of Solomon (Wisdom), Baruch, Tobit, and Judith. Only modern Rabbinic Judaism and Protestant Christians consider the Deuterocanonical books to be Apocryphon.

“With respect to sacred Scripture, the Apocrypha are those religious books written in the Old and New Testaments eras that claimed a sacred origin but were ultimately judged by the Catholic Church as not inspired by the Holy Spirit. These apocryphal books were thus excluded from the canon of Scripture, and yet in many cases retain some religious value. Our Protestant brothers and sisters mistakenly place the deuterocanonicals (seven Old Testament books) in this category.” – Catholic Answers

“In Jesus’ time, the Samaritans and Sadducees accepted the law but rejected the prophets and writings. The Pharisees accepted all three. Other Jews used a Greek version (the Septuagint) that included the seven disputed books, known as the deuterocanonicals. Still other Jews used a version of the canon that is reflected in the Septuagint and included versions of the seven books in question in their original Hebrew or Aramaic. When the Christians claimed that they had written new scriptures, Jews from a rabbinical school in Javneh met around year 80 [A.D.] and, among other things, discussed the canon. They did not include the New Testament nor the seven Old Testament works and portions of Daniel and Esther. This still did not settle the Pharisee canon, since not all Jews agreed with or even knew about the decision at Javneh. Rabbis continued to debate it into the second and third centuries. Even today, the Ethiopian Jews use the same Old Testament as Catholics [which includes the Deuterocanon].” – Catholic Answers

“‘But the seven deuterocanonical books were added at the Council of Trent (1546) in order to justify Catholic doctrinal inventions.’ This is a myth that always comes up but is simple to answer. At the Council of Rome in 382, the Church decided upon a canon of 46 Old Testament books and 27 in the New Testament. This decision was ratified by the councils at Hippo (393), Carthage (397, 419), II Nicea (787), Florence (1442), and Trent (1546). Further, if Catholics added the deuterocanonical books in 1546, then Martin Luther beat us to the punch: He included them in his first German translation, which he published before the Council of Trent. They can also be found in the first King James Version (1611) and in the first Bible ever printed, the Gutenberg Bible (a century before Trent). In fact, these books were included in almost every Bible until the Edinburgh Committee of the British Foreign Bible Society excised them in 1825. Until then, they had been included at least in an appendix of Protestant Bibles. It is historically demonstrable that Catholics did not add the books, Protestants took them out.” – Catholic Answers

1. Genesis 14:1 In the days of Amraphel, king of Shinar; Arioch, king of Ellasar; Chedorlaomer, king of Elam; and Tidal, king of Goyim, 2 they made war with Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboyim; and the king of Bela, also called Zoar. 3 All these joined together in the valley of Siddim, also called the Salt Sea.
   1. Amraphel, king of Shinar – Amraphel was the king of Shinar, the king of Babel (Babylon) cf. Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20, and, according to the Targum, Amraphel is Nimrod. A careful reading of Genesis 10:8-12 seems to suggest this based on the locations in which Nimrod reigned; “Cush became the father of Nimrod. He began to be a [giant]^(LXX) in the land. He was a [giant hunter]^(LXX) to the face of [Elohim].^(LXX) Therefore it is said, “like Nimrod, a [giant hunter]^(LXX) to the face of [Elohim]”.^(LXX) 10 The beginning of his reign was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 11 Out of that land he went into Assyria, and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, 12 and Resen between Nineveh and the great city Calah.” Rabbinical literature (Rab and Samuel) says Amraphel is identical with Nimrod. Some say Amraphel was his real name, and he was called Nimrod, “the chief rebel,” as leader of the tower-builders, “who led the world unto rebellion” against heaven’s Ruler; others again say Nimrod was his real name, and he was called Amraphel as the one who “commanded them to cast Abraham into the fire” (‘Er. 53a and Targ. Yer. to Gen 14:1). Among other fanciful etymologies the name is explained as that of one whose “commands brought darkness [destruction] on the world”, or of one who “provoked and made sport of the world” (see Gen. R. xlii.; Midr. LeḳaḦ Ṭob to Gen 14:1, ed. Buber, i. 63, note 4; also Beer, “Leben Abrahams,” pp.130, 131).
   2. Arioch, king of Ellasar (Arioch, the king of Cappadocia cf. Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20), so called because he was (arik) tall among the giants (Targum)
   3. Chedorlaomer, king of Elam – so called because he had bound himself (or gone over) among the bondmen of the king of Elam
   4. Tidal, king of Goyim – crafty as a fox, king of the peoples (nations = goyim) subjected to him
   5. The Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20, also called the Tales of the Patriarchs or the Apocalypse of Lamech and labeled 1QapGen, is one of the original seven Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1946 by Bedouin shepherds in Cave 1 near Qumran, a city in the northwest corner of the Dead Sea. Column 21 Prior to those days Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, Amraphel, the king of Babylon, Arioch, the king of Cappadocia, and Tidal, the king of Goyim, which lies between the two rivers had come. They had waged war on Bera, the king of Sodom, Birsha, the king of Gomorrah, Shinab, the king of Admah, Shemiabad, the king of Zeboyim, and the king of Bela. All these formed an alliance to do battle in the Valley of Siddim.
   6. Targum And it was in the days of Amraphel,–he is Nimrod, who commanded Abram to be cast into the furnace; he was then king of Pontos; Ariok, (so called) because he was (arik) tall among the giants, king of Thalasar, Kedarlaomer, (so called) because he had bound himself (or gone over) among the bondmen of the king of Elam, and Thidal, crafty as a fox, king of the peoples subjected to him, —made war with Bera, whose deeds were evil, king of Sedom, and with Birsha, whose deeds were with the wicked, king of Amora: Shinab, who had hated his father, king of Admah, and Shemebar, who had corrupted himself with fornication, king of Zeboim; and the king of the city which consumed (Bela) the dwellers thereof, which is Zoar. All these were joined in the vale of the gardens (paredesaia), the place that produced the streamlets of waters that empty themselves into the sea of salt.
2. Genesis 14:4 They served Chedorlaomer for twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
   1. The Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20 Now the king of Elam (Chedorlaomer), and the kings with him proved to be stronger than the king of Sodom (Bera) and imposed tribute upon them. Over twelve years they continued paying their tribute to the king of Elam, but in the thirteenth they rebelled against him.
   2. Targum Twelve years they had served Kedarlaomer; and in the thirteenth year they had rebelled.
3. Genesis 14:5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to El Paran, which is by the wilderness. 7 They returned, and came to En Mishpat, also called Kadesh, and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that lived in Hazazon Tamar.
   1. The Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20 Thus the fourteenth year the king of Elam sallied forth with all his allies, and they ascended by the way of the desert. They smote and plundered beginning from the Euphrates. They kept on smiting-smiting the Rephaim who were in the Asteroth- Kernaim, the Zumzammin who were Amman, the Emim who were in Shaveh-hakerioth, and the Horites who were in the mountain of Gebal-until they reached El- Paran, in the desert. They returned…in Hazazon-tamar.
   2. Targum And in the fourteenth year came Kedarlaomer and the kings who were with him, and smote the Giants (gibboraia) which were in Ashtaroth-Karniam, and the Strong who were in Hametha, and the Terrible (Emim) who were in the plain of Kiriathaim, and the Choraee (Horites) (dwellers in caverns) who were in the high mountains of Begala, unto the valley of Pharan, which was nigh upon the edge of the desert. [JERUSALEM. All these were joined in the valley of the gardens. And they slew the giants who were in Ashtaroth-Karnaim, the famed who were among them, and the formidable who inhabited the city which they had built, and the cavern people (Horites) who dwelt in the mountain of Gebala, unto the valley of vision which is nigh upon the desert.]
   3. רְפָאִים Rephaim (H7497) is the masculine plural of the word Repha (H7495) which means to heal, be healed, or be a physician (cf. Genesis 50:2; Jeremiah 8:22). רְפָאִים Rephaim is often translated as “giants,” likely due to the Greek Old Testament’s translation of Repha and Rephaim as γίγαντες gígantes which means “giants.”
   4. אֵימִים Emim (H368) is the masculine plural of the word Emah (H367) which means terror, horror, or dread (cf. Genesis 15:12; Psalms 55:4)
   5. Horites = חֹרִים chorim (H2752) means “cave-dweller” and comes from the root word חוּר chur (H2352) which means “to dig” as in a hole of a mountain.
      1. Deuteronomy 2:8-12 So we passed by from our brothers, the sons of Esau, who dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion Geber. We turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. 9 YHWH said to me, “Don’t bother Moab, neither contend with them in battle; for I will not give you any of his land for a possession, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot for a possession.” 10 The Emim lived there before, a great and numerous people, and tall as the Anakim. 11 These also are considered to be Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim. 12 The Horites also lived in Seir in the past, but the sons of Esau succeeded them. They destroyed them from before them, and lived in their place, as Israel did to the land of his possession, which YHWH gave to them.
   6. Josephus 1.9.1 At this time, when the Assyrians had the dominion over Asia, the people of Sodom were in a flourishing condition, both as to riches and the number of their youth. There were five kings that managed the affairs of this county: Ballas, Barsas, Senabar, and Sumobor, with the king of Bela; and each king led on his own troops: and the Assyrians made war upon them; and, dividing their army into four parts, fought against them. Now every part of the army had its own commander; and when the battle was joined, the Assyrians were conquerors, and imposed a tribute on the kings of the Sodomites, who submitted to this slavery twelve years; and so long they continued to pay their tribute: but on the thirteenth year they rebelled, and then the army of the Assyrians came upon them, under their commanders Amraphel, Arioch, Chodorlaomer, and Tidal. These kings had laid waste all Syria, and overthrown the seed of the giants. And when they were come over against Sodom, they pitched their camp at the vale called the Slime Pits, for at that time there were pits in that place; but now, upon the destruction of the city of Sodom, that vale became the Lake Asphaltites, as it is called. However, concerning this lake we will speak more presently. Now when the Sodomites joined battle with the Assyrians, and the fight was very obstinate, many of them were killed, and the rest were carried captive; among which captives was Lot, who had come to assist the Sodomites.
4. Genesis 14:8 “The king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboyim, and the king of Bela, also called Zoar went out…” These 5 kings were wicked in comparison to the four kings based on their names given in the Genesis Apocryphon and their meanings provided by the Targum.
   1. King of Sodom – Bera, the king of Sodom (The Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20) “whose deeds were evil” (Targum)
   2. King of Gomorrah – Birsha, the king of Gomorrah (The Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20) “whose deeds were with the wicked” (Targum)
   3. King of Admah – Shinab, the king of Admah (The Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20) “who had hated his father” (Targum)
   4. King of Zeboyim – Shemiabad, the king of Zeboyim (The Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20) “who had corrupted himself with fornication” (Targum)
   5. King of Bela, also called king of Zoar –
5. Genesis 14:8-10 …and they set the battle in array against them in the valley of Siddim 9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goyim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings against the five. 10 Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits (bitumen cf. Targum a black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons obtained naturally or as a residue from petroleum distillation. It’s also known as asphalt, tar, or pitch and is used for road surfacing and roofing); and the [king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah]^(LXX) fled, and some fell there. Those who remained fled to the hills. 11 They took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went their way.
   1. Jubilees 13:22-23 And in this year came Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and Amraphel, king of Shinar, and Arioch, king of Sêllâsar and Têrgâl, king of nations, and slew the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Sodom fled, and many fell through wounds in the vale of Siddim, by the Salt Sea. 23. And they took captive Sodom and Adam (Admah) and Zeboim…
   2. Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20 – Portion of Column 21 The king of Sodom went out to meet him, together with the king of Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboyim and the king of Bela. They engaged in battle in the valley of Siddim against Chedorlaomer, and allies that were with him. The king of Sodom was defeated and put to flight while the king of Gomorrah fell into the pits… The king Elam plundered all the property of Sodom and of Gomorrah and they captured Lot.
6. Genesis 14:12 They took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
   1. Jubilees 13:23 …and they took captive Lot also, the son of Abram’s brother, and all his possessions, and they went to Dan
7. Genesis 14:13 One who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. At that time, he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner. They were allies of Abram.
   1. Jubilees 13:24 And one who had escaped came and told Abram that his brother’s son had been taken captive and Abram armed his household servants.
   2. Targum And Og came, who had been spared from the giants that died in the deluge (cf. Joshua 13:7), and had ridden protected upon the top of the ark, and sustained with food by Noaḥ; not being spared through high righteousness, but that the inhabitants of the world might see the power of the Lord, and say, Were there not giants who in the first times rebelled against the Lord of the world, and perished from the earth? But when these kings made war, behold, Og, who was with them, said in his heart, I will go and show Abram concerning Lot, who is led captive, that he may come and deliver him from the hands of the kings into whose hands he has been delivered. And he arose and came, upon the eve of the day of the Pascha, and found him making the unleavened cakes. Then showed he to Abram the Hebrew, who dwelt in the valleys of Mamre Amoraah, brother of Eshkol and brother of Aner, who were men of covenant with Abram.
      1. Joshua 13:7 Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” 8 With him the ones of Reuben and the ones of Gad received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of YHWH gave them: 9 from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon; 10 and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the children of Ammon; 11 and Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah; 12 all the reign of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who was left of the remnant of the Rephaim; for Moses attacked these, and drove them out.
8. Genesis 14:14 When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he [numbered]^(LXX) his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his house, and pursued as far as Dan; 15 He divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
   1. Targum And when Abram heard that his brother was made captive, he armed his young men who were trained for war, grown up in his house; but they willed not to go with him. And he chose from them Eliezer the son of Nimrod, who was equal in strength to all the three hundred and eighteen; and he pursued unto Dan.
   2. Did the 318 trained men go with Abram or just his three friends who were covenant allies with Abraham?
      1. The Targum says the 318 trained men “willed not to go with him. And he chose from them Eliezer the son of Nimrod, who was equal in strength to all the three hundred and eighteen.”
         1. Genesis 15:2 Abram said, “[Lord],^(LXX) what will you give me, since I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram said, “Behold, you have given no seed to me: and, behold, one born in my house is my heir.” If Eliezer was born in Abram’s house, why would the Targum say Eliezer is the son of Nimord, which would make Eliezer a son of Ham, not a son of Shem where Abram’s line decends.
      2. Josephus says “he got the victory over so great an army with no more than three hundred and eighteen of his servants, and three of his friends.”
      3. The Torah  says “he [numbered]^(LXX) his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his house,” and then says “he and his servants,” struck them. Genesis 14:2 says, “I will accept nothing from you except that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion. Thus, the Torah indicates that at least some, if not all, of the 318 trained men went with Abraham along with Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.
9. Genesis 14:16 He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot and his goods, and the women also, and the other people.
10. Genesis 14:17 The king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, that is, the King’s Valley.
11. Genesis 14:21-24 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.” 22 Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to El Elyon, purchaser of the heavens and the land, 23 that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept nothing from you except that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion.”
    1. Jubilees 13:28-29 And the king of Sodom came to him and bowed himself before him, and said: “Our Lord Abram, give unto us the souls which thou hast rescued, but let the spoils be thine.” 29. And Abram said unto him: “I lift up my hands to the Most High Elohim, that from a thread to a shoe-latchet I will not take aught that is thine, lest thou shouldst say I have made Abram rich; save only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me–Aner, Eschol, and Mamre. These will take their portion.
    2. Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20 Then the king of Sodom (Bera) came to Abram and said, “My lord, Abram, give me my citizens out of the prisoners whom you rescued from the king of Elam (Chedorlaomer). You may take all the spoils.” Then Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I raise my hands and swear to the Most High Elohim, the Lord of the heavens and land, that I will take none of the spoil that belonged to you. I do not want you to be able to say ‘Abram is wealthy because he took my property as a spoil,’ excluding the food my men have eaten and the portion of the three men who fought alongside me. Only they have authority to give you their portions. So Abram returned all the captives along with all the property to the king of Sodom. Every last one of the captives were freed and sent home.
12. Who was Melchizedek?
    1. Genesis 14:18 Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest to El Elyon. 19 He blessed [Abram],^(LXX) and said, “Blessed be Abram to El Elyon, purchaser of the heavens and the land. 20 Blessed be El Elyon, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
       1. Though most often translated as “God Most High”, אֵל עֶלְיוֹן El Elyon (H5945) can literally translate as “mighty one (or god) of Elyon”. עֶלְיוֹן Elyon means “high” or “upper.”
       2. Jubilees 13:25-26 (…) for Abram, and for his seed, a tenth of the first fruits to the Lord, and the Lord ordained it as an ordinance for ever that they should give it to the priests who served before Him, that they should possess it for ever. 26. And to this law there is no limit of days; for He hath ordained it for the generations for ever that they should give to the Lord the tenth of everything, of the seed and of the wine and of the oil and of the cattle and of the sheep.
          1. Leviticus 27:30 All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is YHWH’s. It is holy to YHWH.
       3. Hebrews 7:1-2 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of Elohim Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (cf. Genesis 14:20), being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”
       4. Genesis Apocryphon 1Q20, Portion of Column 22 King Melchizedek of Salem brought out food and drink for Abram and all his men. He was the priest of the Most High Elohim. Melchizedek blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram but the Most High Elohim, the Lord of the heavens and land! Blessed be the Most High Elohim, who delivered your enemies into your hands!” Then Abram gave him a tenth of all the property of the king of Elam (Chedorlaomer) and his allies to Melchizedek.
       5. Targum And Malka Zadika (Melchizedek), who was Shem bar Noaḥ (Shem, son of Noaḥ), the king of Yerushalem, came forth to meet Abram, and brought forth to him bread and wine; and in that time he ministered before Eloha Ilaha. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the Lord Elohim Most High, who for the righteous possesseth the heavens and the earth. And blessed be Eloha Ilaha, who hath made thine enemies as a shield which receiveth a blow.
       6. Targum Jerusalem And Malki Zedek (Melchizedek), king of Yerushalem, who was Shem, who was the great priest of the Most High.
       7. Josephus 1.10.2. Now the king of Sodom met him at a certain place, which they called The King’s Dale, where Melchisedec (Melchizedek), king of the city Salem, received him. That name signifies, the righteous king: and such he was, without dispute, insomuch that, on this account, he was made the priest of God: however, they afterward called Salem Jerusalem. Now this Melchisedec supplied Abram’s army in an hospitable manner, and gave them provisions in abundance; and as they were feasting, he began to praise him, and to bless Elohim for subduing his enemies under him. And when Abram gave him the tenth part of his prey, he accepted of the gift
       8. Hebrews 5:1-14 For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to Elohim, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 The high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with weakness. 3 Because of this, he must offer sacrifices for sins for the people, as well as for himself. 4 Nobody takes this honor on himself, but he is called by Elohim, just like Aaron was. 5 So also Messiah didn’t glorify himself to be made a high priest, but it was he who said to him, “You are my Son. Today I have become your father.” (cf. Psalms 2:7) 6 As he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” (cf. Psalms 110:4) 7 He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered. 9 Having been made perfect, he became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation, 10 named by Elohim a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. 11 About him we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing. 12 For although by this time you should be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the revelations of Elohim. You have come to need milk, and not solid food. 13 For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. 14 But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
    2. What is the “order of” Melchizedek?
       1. Psalms 110:4 YHWH has sworn, and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
       2. Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people have received the law, what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
       3. Order of Melchizedek = עַל־דִּבְרָתִי מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק divrati melchi-tsedeq (H1700 + H4442)
          1. Order in Hebrew = דָּבָר davar (H1700) literally means “to order words” and is often translated as speech, word, speaking, thing.
          2. Order in Greek = τάξις taxis (G5010) is an arranging or arrangement; an order as in a fixed succession observing a fixed time; the post, rank, or position which one holds in civic or other affairs
    3. The Coming of Melchizedek 11Q13 Column 2 11Q13, also 11QMelch or the Melchizedek document, is a fragmentary manuscript among the Dead Sea Scrolls (from Cave 11) which mentions Melchizedek as leader of Elohim’s angels in a war in Heaven against the angels of darkness instead of the more familiar Archangel Michael. The text is an apocalyptic commentary on the Jubilee year of Leviticus 25. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain texts in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, the language of 11Q13 is Hebrew, date of composition is circa 100 B.C. The below section is from The complete Dead Sea scrolls in English Géza Vermès 2003.
       1. And concerning that which He said, In [this] year of Jubilee [each of you will return to his property (Lev. 25:13); and likewise, And this is the manner of release:] every creditor will release that which he has lent [to his neighbour. He will not exact it of his neighbour and his brother], for Elohim’s release [has been proclaimed] (Deut. 25:2). [And it will be proclaimed at] the end of days concerning the captives as [He said, To proclaim liberty to the captives (Isa. 61:1). Its interpretation is that He] will assign them to the Sons of Heaven and to the inheritance of Melchizedek; f[or He will cast] their [lot] amid the po[rtions of Melchize]dek, who will return them there and will proclaim to them liberty, forgiving them [the wrong-doings] of all their iniquities. And this thing will [occur] in the first week of the Jubilee that follows the nine Jubilees. And the Day of Atonement is the e[nd of the] tenth [Ju]bilee, when all the Sons of [Light] and the men of the lot of Mel[chi]zedek will be atoned for. [And] a statute concerns them [to prov]ide them with their rewards. For this is the moment of the Year of Grace for Melchizedek. [And h]e will, by his strength, judge the holy ones of Elohim, executing judgement as it is written concerning him in the Songs of David, who said, ELOHIM has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the elohim he holds judgement (Psalms 82:1). And it was concerning him that he said, (Let the assembly of the peoples) return to the height above them; EL (god) will judge the peoples (Psalms 7:7-8). As for that which he s[aid, How long will you] judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah (Psalms 82:2), its interpretation concerns Belial and the spirits of his lot [who] rebelled by turning away from the precepts of Elohim to … And Melchizedek will avenge the vengeance of the judgements of Elohim… and he will drag [them from the hand of] Belial and from the hand of all the sp[irits of] his [lot].And all the ‘elohim [of Justice’] will come to his aid [to] attend to the de[struction] of Belial. And the height is … all the sons of Elohim… this … This is the day of [Peace/Salvation] concerning which [Elohim] spoke [through Isa]iah the prophet, who said, [How] beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who proclaims peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion: Your ELOHIM [reigns] (Isa. 52:7). Its interpretation; the mountains are the prophets… and the messenger is the Anointed one of the spirit, concerning whom Dan[iel] said, [Until an anointed one, a prince (Dan. 9:25)] … [And he who brings] good [news], who proclaims [salvation]: it is concerning him that it is written… [To comfort all who mourn, to grant to those who mourn in Zion] (Isa. 61:2-3). To comfort [those who mourn: its interpretation], to make them understand all the ages of t[ime] … In truth … will turn away from Belial… by the judgement[s] of Elohim, as it is written concerning him, [who says toZion] ; your ELOHIM reigns. Zion is …, those who uphold the Covenant, who turn from walking [in] the way of the people. And your ELOHIM is [Melchizedek, who will save them from] the hand of Belial. As for that which He said, Then you will send abroad the trump[et in] all the land (Lev. 25:9) …
    4. Testament of Levi 1Q21 Column 17-18 (T, A) – If present, text within brackets (e.g. […]) represent a Christian interpolation by the translator/author Numerous small fragments representing the Aramaic Testament of Levi from Cave 4 all date to the mid-first century B.C. Part of the Testament of Levi involves Levi being taken to the heavens and promised the priesthood forever, and then seven angels physically give him the insignia of the priesthood (as described in Exodus). This part parallels the beginning and end of a vision in the Aramaic Levi Document, whence the body of the vision is now lost; and is thought to preserve that part of the text.
       1. 17:1 And whereas ye have heard concerning the seventy weeks, hear also concerning the priesthood. 2 For in each jubilee there will be a priesthood. And in the first jubilee, the first who is anointed to the priesthood will be great, and will speak to Elohim as to a father. And his priesthood will be perfect with the Lord, [and in the day of his gladness will he arise for the salvation of the world]. 3 In the second jubilee, he that is anointed will be conceived in the sorrow of beloved ones; and his 4 priesthood will be honoured and will be glorified by all. And the third priest will be taken hold 5 of by sorrow. And the fourth will be in pain, because unrighteousness will gather itself against 6 him exceedingly, and all Israel will hate each one his neighbour. The fifth will be taken hold of 7 by darkness Likewise also the sixth and the seventh. And in the seventh will be such pollution 8 as I cannot express before men, for they will know it who do these things. Therefore will they 9 be taken captive and become a prey, and their land and their substance will be destroyed. 10 And in the fifth week they will return to their desolate country, and will renew the house of the 11 Lord. And in the seventh week will become priests, (who are) idolaters, adulterers, lovers of money, proud, lawless, lascivious, abusers of children and beasts.
       2. 18:1 And after their punishment will have come from the Lord, the priesthood will fail. 2 Then will the Lord raise up a new priest. And to him all the words of the Lord will be revealed; And he will execute a righteous judgement upon the land for a multitude of days. 3 And his star will arise in the heavens as of a king. Lighting up the light of knowledge as the sun the day, And he will be magnified in the world. 4 He will shine forth as the sun on the land, And will remove all darkness from under the heavens, And there will be peace in all the land. 5 The heavens will exult in his days, And the land will be glad, And the clouds will rejoice, [And the knowledge of the Lord will be poured forth upon the land, as the water of the seas; And the angels of the glory of the face of the Lord will be glad in him. 6 The heavens will be opened, And From the temple of glory will come upon him sanctification, With the Father’s voice as from Abraham to Isaac. 7 And the glory of the Most High will be uttered over him, And the spirit of understanding and sanctification will rest upon him [in the water]. 8 For he will give the majesty of the Lord to His sons in truth for evermore; And there will none succeed him for all generations for ever. 9 And in his priesthood the Nations will be multiplied in knowledge upon the land, And enlightened through the grace of the Lord: In his priesthood will sin come to an end, And the lawless will cease to do evil. [And the just will rest in him.] 10 And he will open the gates of paradise, And will remove the threatening sword against Adam. 11 And he will give to the saints to eat from the tree of life, And the spirit of holiness will be on them. 12 And Beliar will be bound by him, And he will give power to His children to tread upon the evil spirits. 13 And the Lord will rejoice in His children, And be well pleased in His beloved ones for ever. 14 Then will Abraham and Isaac and Jacob exult, And I will be glad, And all the saints will clothe themselves with joy.