What was Salem?

Salem was an ancient city referenced in Hebrews 7:1-2 in connection with Melchizedek, a mysterious and priestly king who met Abraham. The name “Salem” (שָׁלֵם, Shalem in Hebrew) means “peace.” In Greek (Σαλήμ, Salēm), it appears transliterated in the New Testament. Salem is widely understood to be the historical precursor or ancient name of Jerusalem (cf. Psalm 76:2), anchoring it as a significant place not only in Jewish history but in redemptive history as well.

Biblical References

• Hebrews 7:1-2 – “This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High…”

• Genesis 14:18 – “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine.”

• Psalm 76:2 – “His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.”

These references suggest Salem was both a literal city and a typological setting that anticipates something greater to come—namely, the coming of Jesus Christ as eternal King and Priest.

Historical and Biblical Background

Salem first appears in Genesis 14, during Abraham’s time. After rescuing Lot, Abraham (then Abram) was met by Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. Melchizedek blessed Abraham and received a tenth of everything from him, highlighting Melchizedek’s spiritual superiority.

While the Old Testament offers no further historical elaboration on Salem’s political geography, Psalm 76:2 makes the connection between Salem and Zion, reinforcing the identification of Salem with ancient Jerusalem. This identification is crucial for understanding the symbolic and redemptive significance the New Testament assigns to Salem in Hebrews 7.

Theological Implications

Typology and Christ

Salem, as the domain of Melchizedek, foreshadows a future and greater reality: the eternal kingship and priesthood of Jesus Christ. Melchizedek’s dual role as king and priest is unique in the Old Testament and anticipates Jesus, who fulfills both offices perfectly. Hebrews 7 underscores this:

• Jesus is a priest forever, not in the order of Aaron (who served under the Mosaic Law), but in the order of Melchizedek, whose priesthood is timeless and superior.

• Salem, the “city of peace,” symbolizes the peace Jesus brings between God and sinners.

Jesus is King of Peace and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), reigning from the heavenly Jerusalem, the ultimate fulfillment of all that Salem typifies.

Peace and Righteousness

The name “Salem” connects closely with the Hebrew word shalom, meaning peace, wholeness, and well-being. In Hebrews 7:2, Melchizedek is also called “king of righteousness”—linking peace and righteousness as central elements of his reign. This dual theme is echoed in Christ’s kingdom:

• “The work of righteousness will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17).

• “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Continuity of God’s Plan

From Genesis to Hebrews, Salem serves as a thread of continuity in God’s plan of redemption. It connects Abraham, the covenantal patriarch, with Jesus, the promised Messiah. The location, the figure of Melchizedek, and the title “Salem” point toward a unified narrative that culminates in the gospel.

2. Priest-King Typology

The union of priestly and royal authority in Melchizedek is exceedingly rare in the Old Testament, where these offices were usually separated. Jesus, as the perfect fulfillment, is both High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–15) and King of kings (Revelation 19:16), and Salem is the backdrop where this typology first emerges.

3. God’s Dwelling Place

Psalm 76:2 describes Salem as God’s dwelling. This anticipates not only Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem but also the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22), where God now dwells with His people through Christ and will dwell forever in the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21:2-3).

What It Means for Christians Today

For today’s Christians, Salem is more than an ancient city. It is:

• A symbol of the peace that comes through Christ.

• A reminder of Jesus’ eternal priesthood, which assures believers that their salvation is secure and complete (Hebrews 7:25).

• A call to rest in the righteousness and peace of God, not earned through the law, but received by faith in Jesus.

Believers now belong to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, whose peace and righteousness were prefigured in Salem (Hebrews 12:22-4).

Reflection Questions

1. Why is Melchizedek’s role as king of Salem important in understanding Jesus’ priesthood?

2. How does the meaning of “Salem” deepen your understanding of the peace Jesus provides?

3. What does the connection between Salem and Jerusalem tell us about God’s unfolding plan of redemption?

4. In what ways can you personally pursue and reflect the peace of Christ in your life today?

5. How does seeing Salem as a foreshadowing of the heavenly city shape your hope for the future?

Salem, though briefly mentioned, stands as a significant theological marker pointing directly to the majesty, peace, and righteousness of Jesus Christ. In Him, the shadow becomes substance, and the city of peace finds its ultimate fulfillment.