Let’s look at what the Bible and history suggest about Salem:
Salem in the Bible
- Genesis 14:18 introduces Melchizedek as “king of Salem.”
- Psalm 76:2 says: “His dwelling place is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.” Here, Salem is directly linked with Zion (Jerusalem).
Historical and Scholarly Views
- Salem = Jerusalem
- Most Jewish and Christian scholars agree that Salem was the early name for Jerusalem.
- The name “Jerusalem” itself is thought to come from two parts:
- “Yeru” (foundation or city)
- “Salem” (peace) → making it the “City of Peace.”
- This matches the description of Melchizedek as “king of peace.”
- Other Theories
- Some suggest Salem might have been another town near Shechem (north of Jerusalem).
- The Jewish historian Josephus (1st century) identified Salem with Jerusalem.
- Early Christian writers followed the same view.
- Symbolic Meaning
- Whether or not Salem was another city, the biblical writers used it to connect Melchizedek’s kingship with righteousness and peace, qualities fulfilled perfectly in Christ (Hebrews 7:2).
Why It Matters
- If Salem was Jerusalem, then Melchizedek’s priesthood foreshadowed Christ’s coming ministry in the same holy city.
- Jerusalem later became the center of worship for Israel, where the temple stood, and where Jesus was crucified and raised.
- It ties together God’s plan from Abraham through Christ to the eternal “New Jerusalem.”
✨ Summary: Salem is most commonly understood as the ancient name for Jerusalem, the “City of Peace,” where Melchizedek reigned as king and priest—and where God’s plan of salvation would later be fulfilled in Christ.
