Who Ordained Abraham? It was Melchizedek

The Priesthood after the Flood

After the flood, Noah gave the priesthood to his righteous children and grandchildren. One righteous man who lived after Noah and who received the priesthood was Melchizedek. Melchizedek was so righteous that the priesthood was named after him (see D&C 107:2–4, which also explains that the priesthood was named after Melchizedek to avoid repeating the Lord’s name too often). Melchizedek ordained Abraham to the priesthood, and Abraham ordained others. Thus, the Melchizedek Priesthood continued to the time of Moses.

Source: Lesson 2: The Priesthood from Adam to the Restoration,” Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part A, 9

From Joseph Smith’s inspired pen comes new knowledge about Old Testament writings and characters.

6. MELCHIZEDEK. Melchizedek is something of a mystery man in the Bible, being mentioned only briefly in connection with Abraham (Gen. 14:18–20), in Psalms (Ps. 110:4), and a few times in Hebrews (Heb. 5–7). In these passages he is presented as a great priest unto whom Abraham paid tithes, but little else is forthcoming. From latter-day revelation we learn that he was a great preacher of righteousness who brought a whole people to repentance (see Alma 13:18–19); that he ordained Abraham to the priesthood (D&C 84:14); that he was such a great high priest that the priesthood was named after him by the church in ancient times (D&C 107:1–4). None of this is contained in the Bible.

Source: Robert J. Matthews, “Modern Revelation: Window to the Old Testament,” Ensign, Oct 1973, 21

From Joseph Smith’s inspired pen comes new knowledge about Old Testament writings and characters.