Who was Melchizedek?

[George]

Genesis 14:  And Malchizedek the king of Salem brought out bread and wine, and he was a priest to the Most High God.

What is his background?  Who was he?  What were his parents names?

Thank you.

[searchinmyroots]

This might provide some information for you -

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/messiaht...589#p69589

[Jason]

Do you suggest that we have the parents' names for everyone who suddenly appears in the Bible? That's an odd question.

Malkitsedek was the king of Salem at a time that was relevant in the name of Abraham. It might have been a regal name, much like Avimelech. Do you know who Avimelech's parents were?

[George]

This might provide some information for you -

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/messiaht...589#p69589

Do you suggest that we have the parents' names for everyone who suddenly appears in the Bible? That's an odd question.

Malkitsedek was the king of Salem at a time that was relevant in the name of Abraham. It might have been a regal name, much like Avimelech. Do you know who Avimelech's parents were?

I expected to read from someone that his parents' names were unknown for sure.  

This is what Rashi said:  

• The Midrash Aggadah (Targum Jonathan, Ned. 32b, Mid. Ps. 76:3) states that he was Shem, the son of Noah
  

 

[RabbiO]

Midrash is just that, simply midrash.

[Jason]

It is a common tradition, though, that Malkitsedek was Shem.