Question
Dear Gramps
In Alma 13 it states that Melchizedek was regarded as the Prince of Peace. Isn’t that a title we give to Jesus? Is Melchizedek the same person as Jesus?
Confused
Answer
Dear Confused,
You are right, that is a title that we give to Jesus. Both Isaiah 9:6 and 2 Nephi 19:6 refer to the Savior as the Prince of Peace.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
However, the phrase, Prince of Peace, is a title, and more than one person could have the same title, such as President, or Commander. So the great king, Melchizedek was also called a Prince of Peace in both the Book of Mormon and in the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible—
But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father (Alma 13:18).
And now, Melchizedek was a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called the Prince of peace (JST Gen 14:33).
But not only were the Savior and Melchizedek called the Prince of Peace, but Abraham was also called by that title—
And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers (Abr 1:2).
Gramps
