One of the outstanding features
of the Melchizedek priesthood was its apparent power to effect victory over
enemies. In his blessing on Abram, Melchizedek says, "blessed be El (Elyon
who has delivered your enemies into your hand! " This same power to effect
victory over enemies inhered at Shiloh in the ark (I Sam. 3: 3: 4: 3-4) and
after the destruction, of Shiloh when the priesthood transferred to Nob, in the
linen ephod, the holy bread and in the cultic object, the sword of Goliath (I
Sam. 21: 2-10). ' -It is thus highly probable that the peculiar power of the
Shilonite priesthood to effect victory over enemies went back to the time of
Melchizedek with mom that same power rested. Even though E (Ex. 17: 6-16), the
Deuteronomist (Deut. 20: 1-9), and the Priestly source (Nu. 10: 9,35-36; 31: 6)
recall the power of the Mosaic-Aaronitic priesthood prior to, and during, a
battle against enemies, nowhere does this power appear to be as integral a part
of their priesthood as it was of the priesthood of Melchizedek and the
Shilonites. The participation of the Mosaic-Aaronitic priest in battle was but
one of many sacral actions he performed; the relationship of Melchizedek and
the priests of Shiloh-Nob to battle was, however, an outstanding aspect of
their sacral power. (John G. Gammie, “Melchizedek:
An Exegetical Study of Genesis 14 and the Psalter” [PhD Dissertation;
University of Edinburgh, 1962], 91)
