Meeting a priest by the name of Melchizedek, he gave him a tenth of the spoils and delivered to the king what rightfully belonged to him.

Zondervan (2011-04-05). The Story, NIV: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People (Kindle Locations 387-388). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.  of the key names in this section of the story is the name Malchizadek, the priest from Salem. He doesn't play a large role in terms of his place in this story in chapter 2. When you read about him in Genesis 14, you find that Melchizedek comes to Abram as he returns from battle in the King's valley. He brings out bread and wine and performs a kind of liturgy - or worship service praising God. Then, Abram gives him a tenth of everything he owns.

It doesn't appear to be all that involved or even significant a story. But it is. You might not notice it if this is the first time you've read through the Bible, but Hebrews makes a big deal about this character, as does David in his Psalm 110:4. Interestingly, the name "Melchizedek" is a combination of two Hebrew words. the First, Malek, is the word for King, and the second is zedek, meaning righteousness. So, the King of righteousness comes out to meet Abram, serves him bread and wine and blesses him, exalting God, and then Abram responds by giving him a tenth of what he owns. Later, the writer of Hebrews makes strong connections between Jesus and this priest of old.

This what we call a Jesus sighting. Jesus is all throughout the Old Testament. Jesus shows up in all kinds of ways. One really helpful discipline along the way is to keep a journal of Jesus sightings. We've already had a couple in chapter 1:

• The "plural" for God used in the creation story includes Jesus present at creation, which is mentioned later in John 1.
• The slaughtering of animals to provide "covering" for the sins of Adam and Eve is a picture of the blood of Jesus being shed to cover us from sin.