Beraishis 14H – Malki Tzedek, King of Shalem, Declares God as קונה שמים וארץ

Malki Tzedek was recognized as a priest of God. But the land of Canaan was polytheistic. The God Malki Tzedek worshiped was only recognized as the God above all the other gods. קל עליון

His city was called Shalem, peace. This peace was based on Tzedek, the teachings of God that man is to live a just and charitable life. Tzedek brings about peace.

Malki Tzedek’s notion of God was not widespread. He was relegated to teach this way of life only to those whose nature inclined them so and chose this way. Others worshiped other gods such as the god of revenge or the god of war or the god of licentiousness. (Malki Tzedek greeted Avraham, tired from battle, with food to rejuvenate him. The king of Sodom offered nothing and only had requests and no gratitude. He didn’t feel ashamed not offering anything. He simply worshiped a selfish god and was comfortable being selfish.)

Malki Tzedek blesses Avraham with the words, “Blessed be Avram to God the Most High, Owner of heaven and earth קונה שמים וארץ.”

As the priest of Shalem he had been known only as a priest of God the Most High. The polytheistic world that he lived in would only accept his belief in God as being removed from this world – A God above the gods who strolls above the heavens. Malki Tzedek (none other than Shem, the son of Noach, who experienced the Mabul and witnessed God in this world -GS) certainly understood that God was owner of this world but he hadn’t translated that understanding into a plan of action for the world. But then came Avraham’s victory! Malki Tzedek could now openly declare that God is owner of heaven AND EARTH. Just as the hosts in heaven pay homage to God and obey His will, so must all man exercise his free will to obey God. This new declaration of Malkie Tzedek emerged from what he observed in Avraham and how God came to his aid. Avraham’s victory clarified God’s involvement in this world and God’s expectations of man in this world.

In Shalem, Malki Tzedek taught that God, the Most High, who owns Heaven and Earth, requires man to live a life of Tzedek. But that was theoretical. Avraham, who was commanded by God to “be a blessing” (Beraishis 12:2) devoted all his spiritual and physical powers to this in actual practice. He risked his life in battle to live up to the command of living a life of Tzedek and God came to his aid. The world can now learn from this that more is expected from everyone!

Malki Tzedek told Avraham, “You are and will be blessed for the God of heaven and earth. The blessing given to you establishes the kingdom of God, owner of heaven and earth. The Most High gave you victory and thus demonstrated His power and His closeness to His servants. As a result, His kingdom will be blessed, in that people will be inspired to undertake His service.

See 14I, where Avraham teaches the king of Sodom and Malki Tzedek a higher level of belief in God.

Beraishis 14:17-20
pages 340-342