Jesus & Psalm 110

Shortly before His ascension, Jesus taught His apostles that the Psalms contained Messianic prophecies which He fulfilled (Luke 24:44). We can use these Psalms in a few ways. First: As a book of evidence, confirming our faith in Jesus as the Christ, the promised Messiah. Second: As an additional source of insight into our Lord’s suffering and glorious triumph.

Some Psalms that speak of Jesus. Messianic prophecies in the Psalms are fulfilled in Jesus.

1. Some Psalms speak about how men would rage against Him (Ps 2:1-3; Acts 4:23-28).

2. Some of the Psalms speak about His suffering on the cross. (Psalm 34:19-20; John 19:36).

3. Some of the Psalms speak about His resurrection. (Psalm 2:7; Acts 13:33)

4. Some of the Psalms also speak of His ascension into heaven (Psalm 68:18; Eph 4:8-10). 

5. Some of the Psalms speak about His coronation to sit and reign at the hand of God.

What we can learn from Psalm 110 Let’s first consider who wrote this and who they were speaking about as well.

The Author: King David. Jesus confirms this (Matthew 22:41-46).

Who is this speaking about? This is about Jesus! Jesus confirms this (Matt 22:41-46).

a.      Peter says this is about Jesus and not David (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:32).

b.      The Hebrew writer says this is about Jesus (Heb 1:1-13).

What can we learn about Jesus?

c.       Jesus is Deity. He is God the Son.

d.       Jesus is Reigning in Heaven.

e.      This also means His kingdom has been established. He will continue to rule until His enemies become His footstool (1 Corinthians 15:25-28).

Yet (Psalm 110) also teaches us that Jesus holds the office of priest as well. He is King and Priest! None of Israel’s kings ever legally combined these offices although some tried (2 Chron 26:18-21). God’s promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) necessarily kept the kingship within the tribe of Judah and the priesthood was linked by covenant with the tribe of Levi. The only model or precursor for this combination of offices (King and Priest) was Melchizedek, who lived in Abraham’s time, before the covenant with Israel (Genesis 14:18-24). Notice what David says in (Psalm 110:4).“The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind…” This is emphasized in the New Testament as well (Hebrews 7:18-22). Jewish priests became priests without an oath but through regular descent at the appropriate age. But Jesus became priest by an oath. A law can be annulled, but an oath lasts forever. God who can’t lie has confirmed the priesthood of Christ by His oath (Hebrews 6:16-18). “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Concerning the priests: The priests of Israel came from the tribe of Levi (Hebrews 7:11). Jewish priests made sacrifices for their sins and the people (Hebrews 5:1-3, 7:27-28). In the days of Israel, there were many priests because they would die (Heb 7:23).

Concerning Melchizedek: His name means “son of righteousness.” Salem means “peace.” Christ, like Melchizedek, is at once both king and priest (Zechariah 6:12-13).  Melchizedek was made like the Son of God (Hebrews 7:3). “According to the order…” refers to how there would be a similarity of arrangement with Christ as King and Priest like Melchizedek. It’s the idea of ‘after the order.” They were not the same person however, as some allege. “Without mother or father, without genealogy…” This doesn’t mean he is immortal or that he didn’t have parents. Rather his birth and death not recorded. The Jews carefully traced the genealogy of other priests. There’s no mention of him being born into a priestly family. Like Christ, M “stands alone as a priest without a genealogical table to verify his line of priesthood. He was not limited to a tribe or race. His priesthood was providentially prepared like Christ’s. “Having neither beginning of days nor end of life.” There was an age limit for priests in Israel. Furthermore, since no successor is recorded his priesthood remains permanent and changeless.

The priesthood of Jesus is different than the priests of old. The Levitical priesthood did not bring about perfection or completeness (Hebrews 7:11). Therefore, a change of law was necessary (Hebrews 7:12).

The Priesthood of Christ is in fulfillment of prophecy (Hebrews 7:13-17). But how? Christ is not a priest by fulfilling the fleshly requirements, but rather He is like Melchizedek in that His priesthood is according to the power of an indestructible life as the Hebrew writer mentions in 7:16. Jesus is our final priest. His priesthood is permanent in nature (Hebrews 7:23-24). Jesus offered Himself once for all for our sins (Hebrews 7:27). Jesus died, but death could not stop Him as it did other priests (Hebrews 7:23-24). He always lives to make intercession. His duties will not pass to another person. Jesus was/is holy, innocent, undefiled, and separated from sinners compared to the priests of old (Hebrews 7:26). As our great High Priest, He is able to save forever or completely (Hebrews 7:25). He can save all men who are willing to repent and be baptized. He supplies our needs.

What Does This Mean for Us?

For Americans, this prophecy in (Psalm 110) may not be appreciated as it should. The significance of Christ as our High Priest may not always register. But it should! To the Jews, the High Priest stood between him and God. They administered sacrifices for their sins, and therefore his role was extremely important. The Hebrew writer is not making a comparison of the first covenant and the second as bad vs. good. Rather, it’s Good vs. Better. What we have in Christ is FAR BETTER! Jesus is far superior than other priest that’s lived. Therefore, we should have great Trust and Assurance in Him and what He accomplished and has ushered in.

What can we take away from this brief study of Psalm 110?

Let us appreciate the richness of the Psalms. These Psalms should strengthen our faith and confidence in Christ’s work. Jesus reigns in Heaven and His kingdom has been established. Jesus is King and He must reign in our hearts. Jesus as our High Priest is merciful and faithful and will come to our aid (Hebrews 2:17). Jesus as our High Priest is reason for us to remain faithful. He can give us the help we need. He’s already provided us with our greatest need (Hebrews 4:14-16). We can all approach God’s throne in prayer through Christ with great confidence. Isn’t this even more reason for us to be people of prayer?

Because He is our Great High Priest, we are a part of a better covenant with better promises. This is reason for us not to lose confidence in our salvation or our Savior (Hebrews 8:1-6).