Psalm 110
The Messiah's Reign
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Intro
Psalm 110 is a prophetic psalm about the Messiah's kingly and priestly roles. In the New Covenant, this Psalm has special significance as it is directly applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament, affirming his status as the eternal priest and king.
Section 1: The Lord's Exaltation of the Messiah (Verses 1-3)
"The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” The LORD extends Your mighty scepter from Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth."
Harmony
The Father's exaltation of the Son is evident in Acts 2:34-35, where Peter quotes this psalm in his Pentecost sermon, identifying Jesus as the Messiah.
Talking Points:
The recognition of the Messiah's authority and dominion over enemies.
The imagery of the scepter representing the Messiah's kingly rule.
The voluntary submission and service of God's people in the Messiah's reign.
Questions:
How does understanding Jesus' authority impact our faith and obedience?
What does it mean for Jesus to rule in the midst of his enemies?
How do we offer ourselves freely in the service of Christ?
Section 2: The Messiah as a Priest Forever (Verse 4)
"The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'"
Harmony
Jesus is affirmed as a priest in the order of Melchizedek in Hebrews 5:5-6, fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 110.
Talking Points:
God's oath establishing the Messiah as a priest forever.
The uniqueness of the Messiah's priesthood, modeled after Melchizedek.
The eternal nature of the Messiah's priesthood, which surpasses the temporal Levitical priesthood.
Questions:
How does the eternal priesthood of Jesus influence our understanding of His role in our lives?
Why is it significant that Jesus' priesthood is in the order of Melchizedek?
How does the eternal nature of Jesus' priesthood contrast with the Levitical priesthood?
Section 3: The Messiah's Victorious Reign (Verses 5-7)
"The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings in the day of His wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead; He will crush the leaders far and wide. He will drink from the brook by the road; therefore He will lift up His head."
Harmony
The victorious reign of the Messiah is prophesied in Revelation 19:11-16, portraying Christ as the King of kings who executes righteous judgment.
Talking Points:
The assurance of the Messiah's victory and judgment over kings and nations.
The grim imagery depicting the extent of the Messiah's righteous wrath.
The contrast between the violence of the judgment and the calmness of drinking from a brook, reflecting the Messiah's complete control.
Questions:
How do we reconcile Jesus' role as a loving savior with his role as a judge?
What does the violent imagery in this passage tell us about the seriousness of sin and God's holiness?
How does the image of the victorious Messiah impact our understanding of God's sovereignty?
Summary
Psalm 110:1-7 is a prophetic revelation about the Messiah's reign and priestly role.
Through the lens of the New Covenant, this Psalm is directly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as confirmed in Acts 2:34-35, Hebrews 5:5-6, and Revelation 19:11-16.
This Psalm invites us to recognize Christ's authority, appreciate His eternal priesthood, and anticipate His ultimate victory, thereby deepening our faith and commitment to Him.