Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1 - History of Interpretation of Melchizedek

Chapter 2 - Melchizedek the Man in the Context of Gen. 14

Chapter 3 - From Sodom to Shalem: Polishing the Patriarch

Chapter 4 - From ?El ?Elyon to YHWH: Conflating Deities and Monotheistic Apologetics

Chapter 5 - Evidence of Sectarian Redaction in the SP and MT

Chapter 6 - From Shalem to Jerusalem: Sectarian Relocation Via Redaction

Chapter 7 - The Tithes that Bind: Seeking Precedent for Tithing to the Jerusalem Priesthood

Chapter 8 - Psalm 110: From Davidic King to Melchizedek

Chapter 9 - Conclusion

Appendices

Bibliography

Notes

Index

About the Author

Dr. Robert R. Cargill is Associate Professor of Classics and Religious Studies at The University of Iowa and the editor of Biblical Archaeology Review. He has appeared on CNN, History, Discovery, National Geographic, and other channels. He is the author of The Cities that Built the Bible and Qumran through (Real) Time.

Reviews

"the book engages with relevant questions in the interpretation of Gen. 14, specifically how to deal with the rather disjointed pericope of vv. 17 & 21-24 with vv. 18-20, highlighting important textual problems, and certainly correctly observes interpretative tendencies during the Second Temple Period" -- Moritz F. Adam, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
"a very interesting book. You should read it. You should encourage your library to buy a copy." -- Jim West, Ming Hua Theological College
"A detailed and innovative exploration of Melchizedek, one the most enigmatic figures in the Hebrew Bible. Readers of this engaging and meticulously argued book will gain much insight into the role and development of Melchizedek-including his possible evolution from King of Sodom to King of Shalem." -- Marc Zvi Brettler, Bernice and Morton Lerner Professor of Jewish Studies, Department of Religious Studies, Duke University
"In Melchizedek, King of Sodom, Robert Cargill pulls back the layers that have enshrouded this mysterious biblical figure with equal parts critical rigor and imagination, resulting in a fascinating, thought provoking book.ÂCargill's work sheds much-needed light not only on the origins of the literary character Melchizedek but on how ancient authors attempted to address the controversies associated with his name and lore.ÂThis is is a superb
contribution to the field that will be of great interest to anyone who studies the growth and reception of the Book of Genesis and the traditions it contains." -- Mark Leuchter, Director of Jewish Studies, Professor of
Hebrew Bible and Ancient Judaism, Temple University