The Mysterious Melchizedek

00:00:00 Speaker 1: This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed Human. 00:00:04 Speaker 2: Previously on The Chosen People. 00:00:08 Speaker 1: I've traveled far to bring you this news. I fear they may be hunting me yet. It's your nephew, Lot. They've taken him. 00:00:16 Speaker 2: This time, Abram was determined to answer the call. 318. 00:00:22 Speaker 3: Against a whole eastern army. 00:00:25 Speaker 1: Led by a king who has conquered many nations. The Amorites have agreed to join us as well. We won't be alone. And you know that my God will be with me. 00:00:36 Speaker 2: Abram, his 318 men, and the combined forces of the Amorites set out and quickly found the trail of King Kedaleomer and his four-king alliance. They had traveled hundreds of miles from where they started, Abram's God sustaining them and granting them victory after victory. And it was there that Abram and his men made their last stand With face caked in blood and sand, Abram screamed with passion, dicing the enemy one by one. Each was a barrier to his nephew. 00:01:12 Speaker 4: Abram, you came! 00:01:14 Speaker 5: You came for us! 00:01:16 Speaker 1: Of course I did. 00:01:18 Speaker 2: Together, Abram and Lot set about aiding the captured women and other prisoners. They also discovered that the gold and silver Lot lost in the abduction was still there. along with riches from other kingdoms the four-king alliance had plundered. 00:01:33 Speaker 6: What's more, I will bless those who bless you. I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples of Earth will be blessed through you. 00:01:55 Speaker 2: Abram frowned at the figures on the hill in the distance. His force had nearly doubled since the final victory at Hobach, but they were now crippled to a crawling pace with the addition of non-fighting men, servants, women and even a few children. They were also laden with the possessions of the cities of the plains, now theirs. The wealth they travelled with was staggering, making them an easy target for would-be enemies or opportunists. a lone figure broke from the amassing group on the hill and headed right for Abram's camp, a messenger. 00:02:33 Speaker 1: Gather my commanders, Mamre and his brothers Escol and Einar, and have them meet me in the general's tent. Tell them we're about to have a word from these strangers. 00:02:43 Speaker 7: Yes, Master Abram. 00:02:45 Speaker 2: Abram went through the crowded camp without looking back, trusting his men to perform their duties. He knew the messenger would be intercepted at this camp's perimeter and brought directly to him. 00:02:59 Speaker 4: Uncle, I've heard the news. Who is that over the ridge? And what do they want? 00:03:06 Speaker 1: They have sent an emissary, so we will soon learn what they want. And should it be an attack? 00:03:12 Speaker 2: Lot was not the same man since the abduction. Abram did not know all of the horrors he faced. Although Lot's body had regained strength, A lingering weariness torched behind his eyes, haunting him. 00:03:27 Speaker 1: Why don't you join me in the general's tent and hear firsthand? I could use another man with your understanding of business to treat a mysterious visitor. 00:03:37 Speaker 2: Affection drove Abram to include his nephew. He could read the validation in Lot's eyes at the gesture of being included. Abram pulled back the entrance to his general's tent and found his commanders waiting. Eshkol, Anna, and Mamre stood at attention and addressed Abram. 00:03:58 Speaker 1: And so it seems our notoriety has caught up with us. 00:04:01 Speaker 3: Yes. 00:04:03 Speaker 8: It was only a matter of time before the word spread to the other nations of our conquest. 00:04:08 Speaker 9: Yes, but the question is whether these are friends or foes. Did we offend the allies of King Keteleomer, or have the liberated nations come to thank us? Abram, what do you anticipate? 00:04:21 Speaker 2: Abram didn't want to encourage their speculation. 00:04:24 Speaker 1: It's useless to speculate. Keep your minds sharp. The messenger will be here momentarily. I suggest we listen to what he has to say and save our strategizing for when we know more. 00:04:36 Speaker 2: As if summoned by Abram's words, two of Abram's trained men entered the tent and announced the messenger's arrival. Eliezer, Abram's trusted servant, followed not a moment later. flanked by a shrew-looking man. 00:04:52 Speaker 7: General, commanders, introducing the emissary of King Bera, the King of Sodom. 00:04:59 Speaker 1: Thank you, Eleazar. Emissary, you may speak. General, commanders, I commend. 00:05:06 Speaker 10: Your victories over our enemies. We are profoundly grateful on behalf of King Bera and the people of Sodom. His Highness, King Bera, has traveled far to meet with you and express his. 00:05:19 Speaker 1: gratitude. 00:05:22 Speaker 9: Ponderous. Indeed. It is a great honor that you would travel all this way, but I find it curious that you wouldn't simply wait for us to pass through your region. Your men would have learned that Abram's nephew Lot was among those captured. Word of his disappearance would have reached your ears, so why come here, I wonder? 00:05:43 Speaker 2: Abram nodded at Mamre's words. He commended his friend's caution with the king's man. Just because they had gone to war with the cities of the plains' enemies, it did not make them allies. And though Sodom had become Lot's home, Abram had heard that the people were wicked and their politicians slippery. He did not wish to become entangled in one of their twisted webs. 00:06:07 Speaker 10: General, your commander is astute. 00:06:09 Speaker 1: You're right. 00:06:10 Speaker 10: We did learn that Lot was among the abducted people and that it was the reason you pursued them. We, of course, were concerned for our neighbor, but we were in no position to pursue ourselves. Our great city is still in shambles, and it will be some time until it is restored fully, if ever. And we suffered heavy losses among our fighting men and the city's watch. 00:06:35 Speaker 8: Yes, but here you are now when we are only a day's walk from our home of Hebron. Another interpretation of your arrival could be you were eager to see if we were returning home or going to Sodom. 00:06:48 Speaker 1: And it is no secret that we carry a vast fortune. So, speak plainly. Are you here to lay claim to it? 00:06:58 Speaker 10: Again, General, your commanders do you credit. 00:07:01 Speaker 1: I see that you are the full measure of. 00:07:04 Speaker 9: The man you have been rumored to be. 00:07:06 Speaker 10: You have achieved much in a short amount of time here in Canaan, I assure you, though. My king only wishes to meet you. 00:07:15 Speaker 1: Your words flatter me, but you can understand why we are cautious? 00:07:21 Speaker 4: Uncle, you cannot mean to reject an audience with a king. You would make it impossible for me to return to my lands. 00:07:28 Speaker 1: Lot, I thought you would have learned to be cautious yourself by now. 00:07:33 Speaker 9: Enough. 00:07:34 Speaker 1: Lot is right. And if we are to preserve his new home, we cannot afford to slight King Bearer. Emissary, we will not go into this meeting blind. You will tell us your numbers, and we will meet in a place of our choosing, so you cannot lay a trap and... Abram, I've just. 00:07:52 Speaker 7: Received word that another visitor is at the perimeter. 00:07:55 Speaker 9: He wishes to have an audience with you as well. 00:07:57 Speaker 7: It's that strange general who calls himself a king. He's unaccompanied. No emissary, no guard, just him. 00:08:08 Speaker 2: After learning more about their host... Abram sent King Bera's messenger away with instructions on where and when to meet the following day. He then turned his attention to learn more about this unexpected king. 00:08:22 Speaker 1: Tell me more about this visitor at the perimeter. Did you learn his name? He calls himself Melchizedek, king of Salem. 00:08:31 Speaker 2: Something unlocked in the corridors of Abram's mind. Suddenly, he felt the presence of another, his god. The word righteous fell upon his mind like a gentle rain. 00:08:45 Speaker 7: Righteous. 00:08:47 Speaker 2: He did not know how he knew the meaning of this mysterious man's name, but he knew with certainty it was righteous. 00:08:55 Speaker 1: And what of his people? Which clan holds the city? And what do we know of them? 00:09:01 Speaker 9: The Jebusites. They've held the city a long time, but we've never had a conflict with them. I've never heard of a king by that name, though. He must have just recently risen to power. I'm surprised we've never learned of this Melchizedek. Salem is not so far from us. 00:09:18 Speaker 2: I am surprised as well. 00:09:20 Speaker 5: And to come out alone to meet us, that is far stranger. 00:09:26 Speaker 1: Is it safe to tree with this king? Well, he hails us alone. I suppose we should see what he has to say. It's the only way to learn whether he lives up to his name. 00:09:38 Speaker 5: How do you mean? 00:09:39 Speaker 1: He is the king of Salem, the city of peace. 00:09:43 Speaker 9: Abram, what say you? Should we send for him to meet us? 00:09:46 Speaker 6: Yes. 00:09:47 Speaker 1: Let's see what this King Melchizedek has to say. 00:09:51 Speaker 2: Moments later, Abram's men brought King Melchizedek before them. He was a nondescript-looking man. but his appearance and attire were noteworthy. Most surprising, he was barefoot. A linen turban with a gold plate about his brow sat upon his head. There seemed to be an inscription, but Abram couldn't determine what it said. He wore a dark blue woven robe over a white tunic. A strange, colorful garment was over the top of both, fastened at his waist and stretching the length of his chest and over his shoulders. The embellishments on both symbolized something, but Abram wasn't sure what. The king did not come empty-handed. He smiled at the four men and Abram's trained men who escorted him inside the tent. In one hand was a wrapped bundle, and in the other was a clay pitcher. 00:10:50 Speaker 1: King Melchizedek, you honor us with your visit. Tell us, what have you come to say? 00:10:57 Speaker 5: I have much to say, Abram the Hebrew. But first, you are my guests here in the Valley of Shavar, and on the doorstep of my city. I would first be sure that you have had bread and wine as a mark of hospitality, and a token of my friendship. 00:11:14 Speaker 2: The king then gestured for the puzzled men to join him at the table beside the receiving area of the general's tent. He then began to break the bread and pour the wine into the cups at hand. Abram found it especially strange that this king was serving them, especially one whose name meant righteous. He did not call for an attendant and waved one away when they sprang forward to assist. When the table was prepared, Melchizedek again motioned for the men to sit at the seats he had prepared. 00:11:48 Speaker 5: Come, let us eat and drink together. 00:11:52 Speaker 1: Who are you? What kind of king are you that you would serve us yourself? 00:11:58 Speaker 5: I am a king, yes, but I am also a high priest. 00:12:02 Speaker 9: A priest of what god? 00:12:04 Speaker 5: El Elyon, the one and only true god there is. the one who created both the heavens and the earth. He has many names, but he is one God. The God Most High is what I call him before you now. This is the God of Abraham, the God who has given him favor in his land. He is the God who blesses his friends and curses his enemies. This is the God who has granted you your victories and destroyed your enemies before you. It is to this God that I have devoted my entire life, and the same God to which Abram has devoted his. 00:12:48 Speaker 2: The men on either side of Abram were speechless. The assuredness with which the man spoke was unlike anything they had experienced. He spoke with authority. Abram had not considered that others knew his God. He had certainly seen his God do incredible things, and was sure enough in his own faith because of it, but now encountering another who had the same faith, perhaps even a greater one, was truly remarkable. Abram was in awe. 00:13:21 Speaker 1: High Priest, what would you say to us? 00:13:24 Speaker 5: I would bless you, Abram, before these witnesses, if you would receive it. 00:13:29 Speaker 1: You would bless me? 00:13:31 Speaker 5: Yes, on behalf of our God, for it is in His power and authority Anything at all comes to pass. 00:13:40 Speaker 1: Will you receive it? I would. You honor me greatly. 00:13:45 Speaker 2: Melchizedek then stood, gently placing his hands on Abram's shoulders, closed his eyes, and began his blessing. Blessed be Abram. 00:13:56 Speaker 5: By God Most High, creator of heaven and earth. In him, you and your great nation will have a protector and provider. And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand. He is forever your defender and advocate. We praise his holy name and give him all the glory and gratitude for everything we have. 00:14:24 Speaker 2: Abram was struck to the core by the high priest's words. They rang of truth and promise. So moved by the words, and with an overwhelming gratitude for his God, he racked his mind for a way to respond. His God had granted him victory after victory, and he had expressed gratitude with his lips, but now, at this moment, it just didn't seem enough. There had to be something tangible he could do to show the God Most High how grateful he truly was. Abram had seen various forms of sacrifice in his homeland of Ur and later in Haran and in the cultures of Canaan and Egypt. In the past, he had not known what to do to worship his God other than pray and give him his obedience. But now, perhaps he could borrow a gesture and hope that it was found to be worthy of worship in the eyes of his God. 00:15:25 Speaker 1: High priest, righteous Melchizedek, I am moved by your words and in awe of our God. I have long felt his guidance and seen his protection and provision time and time again. Thank you for this reminder of our God's overwhelming generosity. I wish to honor our God through a tithe. Since our God gave me all I possess, I would return a portion to him. Tell me, Will he find it to be a worthy sacrifice? 00:15:59 Speaker 2: I believe he would. 00:16:02 Speaker 1: Will you help me do this? I would impart my tithe into your hands. 00:16:07 Speaker 2: Yes, Abram. 00:16:08 Speaker 5: I will accept this gift on behalf of God Most High. 00:16:13 Speaker 2: Melchizedek and Abram walked along the hillside together. Abram was cautious not to ask too many questions. Melchizedek seemed almost like a vapor to him. If he grasped too firmly at him, he would disappear. Melchizedek remained for the rest of the day. As the sun set and the fires burned to cut the cold, Abram could tell that his companions were growing wary of the king of Salem. They certainly appreciated what he had said and represented, but Abram could also surmise they didn't fully understand. Melchizedek arranged for servants from his priesthood to come and accept the tithe, and he and Abram spoke together until late in the day when he finally had to depart for his city and his evening meal. 00:17:05 Speaker 1: Will you stay a little longer? 00:17:06 Speaker 7: I'm afraid not. 00:17:08 Speaker 5: The moon and sun must continue their churning, though I wish they would stop so we could have more time. 00:17:14 Speaker 6: Perhaps one day they will. 00:17:17 Speaker 2: Melchizedek departed alone through the valley toward the city of Salem. As the pale moon's beam fell behind a few clouds, Abram found himself wondering if they would ever cross paths again. The next morning, the euphoria of meeting Melchizedek was cut with business. Abram, Lot, Mamre, Eshcol, Anna and a portion of their armed men went to the agreed-upon location to see what the king of Sodom had to say. They walked on foot to an ebony tree. Its trunk was dark, as if it had been dipped in iron. Waiting in its shadow, sitting atop his horse with a procession of foot soldiers and aides beside him, was King Bera. The king of Sodom wore a dark robe with crimson threads woven into an image of a three-headed serpent. Even from a distance, Abram could tell that he didn't like this man. If even half the stories coming out of Sodom were true, King Bera was a man of extraordinary wickedness. The king bore his teeth in a smile, his voice higher than expected for a man of his stature. 00:18:35 Speaker 9: Ah, the savvy Abram of the Hebrews. We meet at last. 00:18:41 Speaker 1: Abram the Hebrew, your highness. 00:18:45 Speaker 3: Yes, yes, the Hebrews. 00:18:47 Speaker 9: I have been most anxious to meet you, though. It seems you did not share that same sentiment. But here we are, in the location you selected, and with an understanding of the number of men I brought as an escort. 00:19:00 Speaker 1: King Bearer, I'm sure a man like yourself would understand our vigilance. 00:19:05 Speaker 9: A man such as myself? 00:19:07 Speaker 3: A man who knows what it's like to be... cut off guard. Abram, I will give you this. You and your Amorite allies certainly know how to make an impression. One can only hope they won't remain your only allies. 00:19:24 Speaker 2: Abram had anticipated this. King Bearer's compliance with their demands was a sure sign that he wanted something from Abram. He just had to wait to hear what that something would be. 00:19:36 Speaker 9: I have come to make Abram a generous offer. As you guessed in your meeting with my emissary yesterday... We are aware that you now possess all that is plundered for my city, as well as all our people who were taken. 00:19:49 Speaker 2: Abram. 00:19:51 Speaker 9: Do not fear, Abram. Call off your Amorite guard dogs. I told you I had come to make a generous offer. I see you have all our possessions and people. But I would allow you to keep all the possessions. Call it an act of gratitude, goodwill even, for destroying our enemies and avenging our city. 00:20:14 Speaker 2: Abram smiled. There it was. This was what the king wanted. Giving up the possessions he lost in a raid to gain a friend. To curry favor with Abram and the Amorites. King Bera was looking to own Abram through this gift. 00:20:33 Speaker 1: We weren't avenging your city. We destroyed your enemies while rescuing one of your people. Your Highness. 00:20:42 Speaker 9: So you've come for your people, Your Highness. But would you take back the very people we went to war to rescue? 00:20:49 Speaker 1: Your Highness, you would capture Lot and his family again? 00:20:52 Speaker 9: Einar, my friend. 00:20:56 Speaker 1: Surely the king views Lot as his own man, and surely the king would allow him to return to his lands, should that be what Lot desires. What say you to that, King Bearer? 00:21:10 Speaker 9: It is as you say, Abram. I would gladly allow Lot and his family to come back, and I would give you all of my possessions, all that in hopes that we may become friends. 00:21:22 Speaker 1: Your possessions that we liberated? and rightfully earned in battle? Ashur, please. 00:21:30 Speaker 8: This is a most generous offer, your highness. 00:21:33 Speaker 4: One I'm sure my uncle will accept, and I would be most honored to return to Sodom at your invitation. 00:21:39 Speaker 1: Your highness, you do extend quite the gesture of friendship to us. I will gladly see your people safely back with you. As for your possessions, you can keep them as well. 00:21:52 Speaker 2: Lot and the others gaped at him. But, feeling confident in his decision, Abram continued. 00:22:00 Speaker 1: As my friends know, I have devoted my life to the God Most High. All I have is His, and all I do is in His name. My victories are His, and not my own. So it is to Him that you should be grateful, and not me. My possessions are the same. Everything I own is His. I'm not a self-made man. Therefore, I have little taste for ambitious friendships. And I would not take even a thread or sandal strap or anything that belongs to you. I see the invisible strings attached to them. I will sever them now and give you what is yours. I will not allow you or anyone to say I made Abram rich. I cannot be owned because I am already under the lordship of another. 00:22:55 Speaker 2: To this, no one gathered had anything to say. Abram could tell Lot was nettled at the loss of the massive fortune, but held his tongue. Mamre and his brothers were similarly dumbfounded, but could appreciate Abram's conviction. 00:23:13 Speaker 1: I will take nothing, save what the men and women have eaten in our travels. I will take nothing, but As for the share that would go to my Amorite friends. 00:23:22 Speaker 2: He had Mamre, Eshkol, and Anna's attention now. 00:23:26 Speaker 1: They should not be deprived of what you offered. They should take their portion of your possessions. They had as much a part of the rescue as I did, and should be rewarded. And since you have extended an invitation to return to Lot out of the kindness of your heart, You will swear to protect him and his family as they travel with you back to Sodom. And you will show him kindness and allow him to dwell safely in your lands, since you are a gracious and good-willed friend. 00:24:01 Speaker 2: King Bera smiled through gritted teeth. Abram knew this gesture would leave him outside the good graces of Bera, but he didn't care. The king of Sodom now had to give up his possessions to three Amorite lords. 00:24:16 Speaker 9: Very well, Abram. I will agree to escort Lot back to Sodom. As for the possessions, I will take back your portion and leave the rest to these Amorites. 00:24:28 Speaker 1: Thank you, your majesty. I will tell stories of your kindness. 00:24:34 Speaker 9: Save your stories. Lot will be the only friend you have in Sodom. 00:24:37 Speaker 2: King Bera and his men prepared to escort their people back to Sodom. Abrams readied for the final leg of their journey home. As they worked, Abram found his thoughts returning to his strange encounter with Melchizedek. The blessings spoken over him gave words to what Abram had felt inside. A steady joy came upon Abram. It felt like courage, resolve. Abram was pleased to know that he had done right by his God and that his reward would be something akin to a legacy, enduring and everlasting, just as the God Most High had promised him. Steve Gatina, Max Bard, Zach Schelleberger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr., Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Lashinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Brie Rosely and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey.com productions on the Prey.com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review. 00:26:09 Speaker 1: This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human.