Melchizedek, also known as Melchisedech, Melkisetek or Malki Tzedek, is a biblical figure known for his wisdom. He was the king of Salem and priest of El Elyon mentioned in the 14th chapter of the Book of Genesis. He brings out bread and wine and then blesses Abram and El Elyon, in the time of Abraham.
Chazalic literature, specifically Targum Jonathan, Targum Yerushalmi and the Babylonian Talmud, presents the name as a nickname title for Shem, the son of Noah. In Christianity, according to the Epistle to the Hebrews, Jesus Christ is identified as "High priest forever in the order of Melchizedek," and so Jesus assumes the role of high priest once and for all. Josephus refers to Melchizedek as a "Canaanite chief" in War of the Jews, but as a priest in Antiquities of the Jews. Philo identifies Melchizedek with the Logos as priest of God, and honored as an untutored priesthood.
The Qumran Scrolls, also indicate that Melchizedek was used as a name of the archangelMichael, interpreted as a heavenly priest; Michael as Melchi-zedek contrast with Belial, who is given the name of Melchi-resha "king of wickedness." This connection with an archangel may be the reason he is sometimes treated as an angel in some depictions, specifically a power.
Melchizedek is also an angel in Gnosticism, governing peace and righteousness. While Jesus was the savior of the people, Melchizedek was the savior of the angels, and sometimes is said to be greater than Christ himself. According to gnostics, he was the former king of Salem before ascending to heaven without dying.
Kaneko's design for Melchizedek is a blend of modern elements and, much like Ippon-Datara and Zaou-Gongen's, draws inspiration from Todd McFarlane's designs, drawing patterns and colors from this figure of Redeemer in particular. Aside from this design serving as inspiration, Kaneko has also revealed that he is a collector of Spawn figures.[1] The Mercedes-Benz star can also be seen on his face due to inspiration from Japanese wordplay: "Mercedes" (メルセデス, merusedesu)? sounds similar to "Melchizedek" (メルキセデク, merukisedeku)?. The inspiration for his metal panel wings is less clear, but they look similar to the wings of X-Men's Archangel, this 90s action figure in particular.
The Star of David can also be seen on his chest due to his origin in Abrahamic mythology.
Profile
Shin Megami Tensei V
"A Christian Gnostic angel said to be the "savior of angels." In the Bible, he is referred to as "Melchizedek, king of Saelm.""
—Shin Megami Tensei V lore
One particular Melchizedek can be found in Honjo. Compared to most of the angels, this Melchizedek is not as aggressive towards the protagonist despite their Nahobino status. It gives them an Angel Ring and requests him to defeat Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael, three seraphim who used to serve Baal to put their Magatushi within to free Michael. After the protagonist defeats the seraphim, Melchizedek takes the ring and frees Michael from his prison.
He later meets the protagonist again in the Empyrean, where he allows them to meet Michael; if the protagonist had followed the path of chaos, he will demand a varying amount of Macca in return to convince Michael to meet them. If the protagonist sides with Nebiros and Belial, after defeating Michael, Melchizedek expresses his disappointment towards the protagonist; having heard of their ability to fuse demons they've defeated, he prevents Michael from such a fate.
An unrelated trio of Melchizedek later intercepts the protagonist's journey to the throne in the Empyrean to test if they are worthy of claiming the throne, who the protagonist defeats.
Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers
"An angel of Gnosticism, governing peace and righteousness. While Jesus was the savior of the people, Melchizedek was the savior of the angels, and sometimes is said to be greater than Christ Himself. To be specific, he is actually a Power, and used to be human, the king of Salem."
"An angel of Gnosticism, said to be born from Sophia. In the Bible, he is mentioned as a righteous king."
—Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth compendium
Persona 5
"An angel of Gnosticism, governing over peace and righteousness. Though said to be the savior of the angels, he used to be a human, the king of Salem."
—Persona 5 background
Melchizedek is the fifth Persona of the Justice Arcana and can be found as a Persona in the Depths of Mementos with the title "Pagan Savior." He is the first Persona to learn the Mahamaon and the God's Hand skills. When itemized through Electric Chair execution in the Velvet Room, Melchizedek produces a Mahamaon Skill Card. Melchizedek is required to summon Throne through advanced fusion, alongside Power and Dominion. He is also required to perform an advanced fusion to summon Metatron alongside Principality, Power, Dominion, Sandalphon and Michael. Melchizedek is also utilized in the advanced fusion recipe to summon Sraosha.
Devil Children Fire Book
Melchizedek is one of the brothers Enoch and confronts Jin as he goes through Enoch's palace. After his defeat, it is revealed that he is not the true Melchizedek and the demon disguised as him disappears. The real Melchizedek's statue can be found in the Highest Peak, where he can be freed by Jin.