Key research themes
1. How Do Second Temple Period Texts and Hebrews Interpret Melchizedek’s Priesthood and Its Significance?
This research area investigates the development of Melchizedek traditions during the Second Temple period, focusing on how these traditions — particularly in Jewish apocalyptic literature and the New Testament Epistle to the Hebrews — reimagine Melchizedek’s identity beyond the brief biblical mentions. It examines interpretive expansions on Melchizedek’s priesthood, his cosmic or heavenly status, and his typological role in early Christology, highlighting the creative appropriation of Genesis 14 and Psalm 110 texts that shaped understandings of priesthood and messianic expectations.
2. What Are the Varied Jewish Interpretations and Political Implications of Melchizedek Traditions in the Late Second Temple and Rabbinic Periods?
This theme focuses on Jewish exegetical expansions and polemical transformations of Melchizedek’s figure and priesthood from the Dead Sea Scrolls through rabbinic literature. It examines how Melchizedek’s status was debated, sometimes diminished in rabbinic circles, as a reaction to Christian Melchizedekian Christology and priesthood claims. The discussions illuminate ongoing priestly disputes, sectarian identities, and ideological conflicts regarding legitimate priesthoods, covenant inheritance, and social-religious authority within Judaism.
3. How Do Extra-Biblical and Apocryphal Texts Contribute to the Mythic and Theological Construction of Melchizedek?
This theme explores apocryphal materials—such as 2 Enoch, the Slavonic Book of Nir, and other pseudepigraphal texts—and their roles in augmenting Melchizedek’s mythic profile. It investigates how these texts merge priestly, royal, and cosmic functions into Melchizedek’s portrayal, conveying theological messages about divine election, eschatological roles, and priestly legitimacy. This corpus reflects the cross-cultural and intertextual dialogue between Jewish, Christian, and Hellenistic traditions shaping Melchizedek’s reception.