God’s Messiah • Psalm 110:1-7
By Philip Price
In Genesis 14, we read that four kings from the Mesopotamian region had joined together to defeat the rebellious Canaanite city-states (Gen. 14:1-12). They ransacked the cities on the plains. In response to their aggression, Abram led 318 soldiers several miles north to gain a God-ordained victory over the armies of the oppressors (Gen. 14:13-16).
After Abram returned from his campaign, Melchizedek, the King of Salem, and Priest of the Most High God, brought him bread and wine. Then, he blessed Abram, who responded to the divine blessing by giving a tenth of everything he possessed (Gen. 14:17-20).
Interestingly, other than the encounter in the valley, Melchizedek is only mentioned one other time in the Old Testament and that reference connects him with a prophecy regarding the Messiah (Psalm 110:4). The actions of Melchizedek are unpretentious, but his dual role as King and Priest profoundly foreshadow the Messianic roles of Jesus. Likewise, David, the author of Psalm 110, emphatically declares that Jesus is King, Priest, and the conquering Messiah.
Christ the King — Crowned in Majesty (Psalm 110:1–3)
Psalm 110 was written by David (Matt. 22:43-45) and is the most cited psalm in the New Testament. David begins Psalm 110 by writing, “This is the declaration of the LORD to my Lord” (v. 1, CSB). The first LORD is written in all caps and represents the Hebrew name for God, Yahweh. The second rendering of Lord only capitalizes the first letter and signifies the Hebrew name Adonai, which is a title of authority and honor. Adonai is used for people, as well as God. In this instance, the Spirit led Daivd to communicate that God’s declaration was not to him, but to the Messiah. We know prophecies were clear that the Messiah would come from the bloodline of David (II Sam. 7:12-16, Isa. 11:1, Jer. 23:5-6). Importantly, David declared the coming Messiah would be his Lord and, in other words, his King.
The Messiah is told to, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool” (v. 1). This directive from God to the Messiah indicates two truths about Jesus. First, He is the supreme ruler of all (Col. 1:17). Second, by dying on the cross, Jesus provided the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world (Heb.10:12-14).
The Messiah has a mighty scepter (v. 2) and will rule over all nations. People will volunteer (v. 3) to battle alongside the Messiah. No one is forced to serve Jesus, but we serve Him in holy splendor due to the love he has for us and our love for Him. Womb of the dawn and dew of your youth communicate that the army of the Lord will always be refreshed, invigorated, and willing to follow the Messiah into battle.
Christ the Priest — Clothed in Mercy (Psalm 110:4)
God swore an oath (v. 4) to the Jewish patriarchs (Num. 11:12) and he will never take it back. God also promised David that there would always be one of his lineage on the throne of Israel and the Messiah would rule as the King of all forever (Ps. 132:11-18). Jesus is undeniably in the line of David (Matt. 1:1-17).
However, Jesus will reign eternally both as King and Priest. Melchizedek was the King of Salem (probably modern-day Jerusalem) and the Priest of the Most High God (Heb. 7:1). The Messiah is a priest forever according to the pattern of Melchizedek (v. 4). The Bible does not record a beginning or an end to the life of Melchizedek (Heb. 7:3). This is true of Jesus, who is forever the High Priest from whom we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Furthermore, Abram gave a tenth of his belongings to Melchizedek, demonstrating that Melchizedek was greater than him and his descendants, including priests in the line of Aaron.
Christ the Conqueror — Coming in Might (Psalm 110:5–7)
After the psalmist defines the roles of the Messiah as King and Priest, he describes the day that Jesus will return. He will judge the nations and dethrone all leaders. He will crush kings on the day of his anger (v. 5). Then, the Messiah will deliver His people and cast devastating judgement on those who oppose Him (Psa. 110:6, Rev. 6:17). Finally, the triumphant king will drink from a refreshing stream and lift his head as the victor (v. 7).
Reflection: What does it mean that Jesus is king, priest and the coming conqueror?
Price is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Jackson County Baptist Association, Pascagoula. He is a member of Ridglea Heights Church, Moss Point.
