This monograph seeks to answer the question why Melchizedek, who is a
minor figure in the Old Testament, is selected by the author of the
Epistle to the Hebrews to represent the priesthood of Christ. In the
course of his study, Professor Horton surveys the traditions about
Melchizedek from the Old Testment period, in Philo, Josephus and Qumran,
to the later sources in Rabbinical and patristic writings and the
Gnosticism. The book concludes with a critical examination of the claims
made for the dependence of Hebrews on the Qumran figure and tradition.
The author finally rejects this interpretation in favour of a source and
background for Hebrews in an independent and largely original
interpretation of the Old Testament passages.