Initial D: Biblical Scene

At left, the priest Melchizedek offers a golden vessel to the patriarch Abraham, who kneels before him with his army. According to a biblical story, Melchizedek presented Abraham and his associates with bread and wine after they returned victorious from battle. Medieval Christians viewed this event as a precursor to the offering of bread and wine at mass, which symbolizes Christ's sacrifice of his body and blood. The sacrificial theme of this image reflects the use of this chant it introduces, which was sung during the penitential season of Lent.