King of Righteousness.

Meaning the 'King of Righteousness', Melchizedek is one of the names of God, given to the 'Great High Priest' who ordained and blessed Abraham. Melchizedek was a name of God given to this man after his repentance when he became the 'King of Salem' as a Righteous King. Melchizedek and his city may well have been translated. It is somewhat ironic that the Priesthood uses the name of Melchizedek to avoid the too frequent use of the more proper name of that priesthood which is after the order of the Son of God, yet Melchizedek, 'King of Righteousness', is also another name for God. Jehovah, Christ as King David, is the 'King of Righteousness' who will reign in the millennium.

A notable prophet and leader who lived about 2000 B.C. He is called the king of Salem (Jerusalem), king of peace, and “priest of the most High God.” Unfortunately, information concerning him in the Bible is relatively scarce, being limited to Gen. 14: 18-20; Heb. 4: 6; Heb. 7: 1-3. Mention of the priesthood of Melchizedek is given in several other instances, primarily in Psalms and in Hebrews. However, latter-day revelation gives us much more about him and his priesthood (see JST Gen. 14: 17-40; JST Heb. 7: 1-3; Alma 13: 14-19; D&C 84: 14; D&C 107: 1-4). From these sources we realize something of the greatness of this prophet and the grandeur of his ministry.

See also Jebus; Jerusalem; Melchizedek Priesthood.