Messianic Psalms

I. Introduction: Over a thousand years before Christ, psalmists foretold the coming of a king to rule the people of God—the Messiah. In this lesson we will learn about the Messianic psalms and what purpose they have for us.

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Psalm 2

II. Definition of the Messiah

A. The term “Messiah” describes one who has been consecrated by God and anointed with oil to occupy the office of the priest or king.

B. Priest

C. Exodus 40:13; Leviticus 6:22 – anointing for the work Several times in Leviticus the priest is called “the anointed priest”

D. King

E. 1 Samuel 10:1 – Saul anointed king1 Samuel 16:1; 12-13 – David anointed king

F. Though priests and kings were anointed for their office, it is the king who is called “the Lord’s anointed.”

G. 1 Samuel 24:6, 10 – David called Saul “the Lord’s anointed”2 Samuel 23:1 – David is “the anointed of the God of Jacob”

H. Gospel Usage

I. The name “Messiah” is used two times in the gospels (John 1:41: 4:25)

J. The more prominent name in the gospels is “the Christ,” which also means “the anointed” Messiah is a Greek adaptation of the Hebrew word (mashiach) Christ is the Greek name from the Greek word “to anoint.” The terms Messiah, Christ , and anointed one are synonymous (John 1:41; Mark 15:31-32)

K. Meaning

L. The Messiah referred to the king whom God would raise up to save Israel Israel hoped for a glorious future in which they would again reign among nations and the Messiah would usher in that kingdom.

M. Based on prophecies of Daniel, the New Testament era was the period in which the Messiah would appear—anticipations were high.

N. Matthew 2:1-4 – Wise men came to see the king; the Christ John 7:25-31 – Confusion about the Christ

O. Jesus acknowledged that He was the Christ

P. Matthew 16:13-19 – Peter’s confession Matthew 26:63-64 – On trial

Q. Messianic Psalms look forward to the coming of this anointed king.

III. The victorious Messiah

A. Psalm 2

B. The Messiah would not be welcomed by the rulers of earth

C. Herod tried to kill Him (Matthew 2:16) The Jewish leaders plotted against Him and eventually used the Roman government to have Him executed.

D. The Father laughed at the futile efforts of His enemies for He brought forth victory in the face of what appeared to be defeat

E. Psalm 2:6 – Though opposed, God set His King in Zion

F. Acts 2:25-36

G. Quoted another Psalm, Psalm 16:8-11, to show that God would not allow Christ to decay in the grave—foretold of the resurrection With the resurrection from the dead, and the ascension to the Father’s right hand, Jesus has been made Lord and Christ despite the efforts of men to stop His coronation.

H. Though many, including the apostles, were confused by the crucifixion, Christ told followers that he had to suffer, Luke 24:46

I. Psalm 22

J. Psalm 22 describes the suffering that Jesus would endure before His victory over sin and death.

K. On the surface it would appear that God had forsaken His suffering servant.

L. The people despise and mock Him, v.6, 7 He is surrounded by vicious enemies, v.12-13, 16 His body is battered and worn, v.14-15, 17 However, His hope is not gone, v.3-5, 19-21

M. God had not forsaken His Son, but answered His call

N. “You have answered Me,” v.21. The Father did not hide His face from the Son, v.24 Through His death, Jesus Christ gained victory, v.28, 30-31

O. Having received the throne of God, Jesus rules with authority as the King of Kings and those who trust Him are blessed, Psalm 2:7-12

IV. The King and Priest

A. King

B. As a descendant of David, Jesus would be in the royal family and allowed to inherit the throne of David, Psalm 89:3-4

C. The Davidic kings of Judah ceased to rule on the throne in Jerusalem when they became wicked and had to be taken captive to Babylon.

D. Jeremiah 22:24-30 Though Jeconiah had sons (1 Chronicles 3:17 lists them), God would consider him as one who died without heirs.

E. If any descendant of David attempted to rule on the throne in Judah, he would not prosper!

F. Premillennialism contends that Jesus will come to earth, sit on David’s throne in Jerusalem, and reign for 1,000 years. This cannot be, else His kingdom would not prosper.

G. Jesus is ruling on David’s throne, but in heaven

H. Solomon illustrates how the throne of David and throne of God are used interchangeably

I. Throne of Jehovah – 1 Chronicles 29:23 Throne of David – 1 Kings 2:24 Throne of Israel – 1 Kings 8:20

J. Christ’s throne is David’s throne and the Lord’s throne

K. Acts 2:30 – throne of David Hebrews 8:1 – Priest and king on His throne

L. Priest

M. Not only is Jesus a king, He is a priest

N. Just as He could not reign as king on the earth (He would not prosper), He could not be a priest on the earth.

O. Priests were from the tribe of Levi, Numbers 3:9-10 Jesus could not be an earthly priest in Israel, Hebrews 7:11-14

P. Psalm 110:4 – A priest from the order of Melchizedek

Q. The story of Melchizedek appears in Genesis 14:18-20 Abraham paid tithes to this “king and priest” of God after defeating Chedorlaomer and his alliance. We know nothing of Melchizedek’s past nor what happened to him after this incident.

R. The Hebrew writer, in chapters 7-8, wrote that the priesthood of Melchizedek was superior to the Levitical priesthood.

S. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. Levi symbolically paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham Hebrews 7:7 – Therefore, Melchizedek’s priesthood is superior

T. Jesus could not be an earthly priest in Israel (He is of the wrong tribe and would be killed if He attempted to be a priest) and could not prosper as an earthly king in Israel; therefore His reign has to be in heaven.

V. Glorious King and Queen

A. King Jesus

B. Pictured in royal splendor, Psalm 45:2-5 Rules with righteousness, Psalm 45:6-7 He is victorious over evil and rules His kingdom with a benevolent hand.

C. The Queen – His church

D. In Ephesians 5:22-33 (do not read), Paul described the church as Jesus’ bride whom He loves, nourishes, and cherishes.

E. The Psalmist describes the beauty of the holy bride, Psalm 45:11-15

F. She is clothed in royal beauty to be received by a loving groom. Revelation 19:7-8 – John describes her beauty as righteousness

G. What better description of Jesus’ love for His church than a groom who has wooed his bride, offering himself to her, and desiring an unending existence with her.

H. What better description of the church’s love for Christ than a bride who freely gives herself to a loving husband who will nourish her growth, desire her happiness, and protect her even if it means giving up his own life.

I. She willingly submits to his rule for she knows he rules in love and justice. His people are volunteers, Psalm 110:3

VI. Summary: The Messianic Psalms describe a loving and benevolent king who, as priest, is sympathetic and intercedes for them. Will you submit to His rule? Will you freely give yourself to Him and become part of the bride of Christ—the church?