SALEM
“peace”.
(a) Symbolic name given to Jerusalem (Ps. 76:2).
(b) Perhaps Melchizedek’s title as king of peace (Gen. 14:18; Heb. 7:1, 2).
However, several cities have been suggested. There are those who believe that he reigned over Jerusalem; Jerome was convinced that the true place was a city near Scythopolis, called Salem.
With respect to this question, the mention, in the Ebla tablets (see MARDIKH, [TELL]), of Salim and Urusalim should be taken into account.
In such a case, Melchizedek may have been king of the first city, probably the one indicated by Jerome, and not of Jerusalem.