Manna and Melchizedek

“Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you… And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel… In the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD… And the children of Israel did eat manna” (Exodus 16:4-35).  “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God… being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace… having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually… For He testifieth, Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:1-17). 

The glory of the Lord portrayed  

In Manna, which depicted Christ,

Reflects His beauty here displayed: 

The Bread from heaven sacrificed. 

The Bread of Life is here foreshown: 

Our Lord descended from above  

And made His saving power known

By laying down His life in love.

The Manna, like our Lord’s salvation,

Provided an alternative: 

Instead of death by their starvation,

By manna they could choose to live.

How many types we may explore

Depicting Jesus Christ our Savior! 

Melchizedek is yet one more

To demonstrate His saving favor.

Melchizedek, a priest and king,

Was king of Salem (meaning peace),

And king (his name interpreting)

Of righteousness that would not cease.

Melchizedek, with bread and wine,

Met Abraham whom he then blessed:

His righteousness and peace combine

To speak of Christ in whom we rest! 

How sweet, Lord, is the meditation

On types which show us more of You!

How marvelous is Your salvation,

Which in these types we also view.

We see Your grace and truth, O Lord,

In all these patterns that we check.

We see Your beauty in them poured,

In Manna and Melchizedek. 

O Lord, our cup is overflowing

With blessings You have shown us here! 

So teach us how we may be showing

These types to make Your Gospel clear.