Who is this King of Righteousness?

At Bible study, we were looking at Melchizedek, because we are in Hebrews, chapter 7. I was doing some studying on him this morning, and found that there are heaps of insinuations, speculations and mistranslations connected to his name, along with a few interesting facts.

Here is what we know for sure about him:

1. His name literally translates: Melek (king) and Zadok (righteous).

2. His first appearance in Scripture is Genesis 14:18, where Abraham pays tithes to him.

3. He was the King of Salem (Genesis 14:18) It should be noted that If Salem is Jerusalem, although that is not certain, it is not on the expected return route from Damascus to Sodom.

4. He blessed Abraham and brought him bread and wine – Genesis 14:18

5. Messiah will be “a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalms 110:4) (Yeshua quotes Psalms 110:1 in Mat 22:44 and in Luk 20:42

6. He was King of Peace, King of Salem, and King of Righteousness (Hebrews 7:2)
7. He was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews7:3)

7. Levi, who receives tithes according to the Law paid tithes through Abraham (not being born yet), (Hebrews 7:9)

8. Messiah will hold a Priesthood similar to Melchizedek’s (Hebrews 7:15,16)

As for extra biblical writings about Melchizedek (this list includes some pretty outrages claims, see disclaimer on previous post):

One historian believes that that he was crucified in Jerusalem as a false messiah.

The Dead Sea Scroll, 11QMelch from Qumran, calls him the agent of the future jubilee salvation, and even substitutes Melchizedek for YHVH.

Melchizedek is said to atone for the sins of the righteous and to execute judgment upon the wicked (11QMelch)

In the so-called “War Scroll” (1QM 13:10; 16:6-8; 17:7), Melchizedek appears to be the archangel Michael, who is “the prince of light” (1QM 13:10-11; cf. 1QS 2:20-22; CD 5:17-19) and “the angel of [God's] truth” (1QS 3:24).

He is called the Heavenly Prince (11QMelch) (often seen as related to the Prince in Eekiel.45:17)