Genesis

Verse 18
This is the Melchizedek the priesthood was named after.

Reasons Shem, the son of Noah, and Melchizedek could be the same person. No one knows for sure.

“1. The inheritance given to Shem included the land of Salem. Melchizedek appears in scripture as the king of Salem, who reigns over this area.

“2. Shem, according to later revelation, reigned in righteousness and the priesthood came through him. Melchizedek appears on the scene with a title that means ‘king of righteousness.’

“3. Shem was the great high priest of his day. Abraham honored the high priest Melchizedek by seeking a blessing at his hands and paying him tithes.

“4. Abraham stands next to Shem in the patriarchal order of the priesthood and would surely have received the priesthood from Shem; but D&C 84:5–17 says Abraham received the priesthood from Melchizedek.

“5. Jewish tradition identifies Shem as Melchizedek.

“6. President Joseph F. Smith’s remarkable vision names Shem among the great patriarchs, but no mention is made of Melchizedek.

“7. Times and Seasons [15 Dec. 1844, p. 746] speaks of ‘Shem, who was Melchizedek. . . .’

Verse 12
The horror of darkness that fell upon him could have been like the experience Joseph Smith had in the Sacred Grove.

Genesis 16

This is a very juicy chapter!

The idea that slaves/servant could be “given” to anyone is so icky. I’m glad that is no longer accepted.