Psalm 110 offers one of the most unique descriptions of the Messiah who would come as both king and priest. Referencing the story of Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek, ruler of Salem (Genesis 14:18–20), this psalm tells us that the Messiah will be an eternal priestly king like this mysterious figure.
SERMON OUTLINE
“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Psalm 110:4)
An Oracle of God: The Victorious King (Psalm 110:1-3)
An Oath of God: The Eternal Priest (Psalm 110:4-7)
The Priestly King: Melchizedek, David, and the Messiah
Jesus the Messiah: Our Promised Priestly King
Advent Worship of Jesus through Psalm 110
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This weekend, we continue our series, “Songs of the Savior: Psalms for Advent,” by looking at Psalm 110. Before you begin the study, ask God to speak to you through His word, and then read that Psalm aloud.
- Psalm 110 is one of several royal psalms, evoking imagery related to the king of Israel and his rule in relation to surrounding nations. It can be divided into two sections (vss 1-3 and vss 4-7), each with a promise and fulfillment. Verse 4 stands out as unique and is the center point of the psalm.
- “The Lord” at the beginning of vs 1 is the translation of God’s name, YHWH, while the next “my lord” is the Hebrew word adoni. This is the first-person, singular, possessive form (“my”) of the word adon, which can mean master or lord, usually referring to God when plural (Adonai) and always, as here, referring to a human being in the singular. God is making a promise to the king (lord) here. What is that promise?
- Verses 2-3 speak to the fulfillment of that promise from verse 1. How would you summa- rize that fulfillment of God’s promise?
- With verse 4, we encounter another promise, or oath, from God. To understand this promise we need to understand who “Melchizedek” is. Read Genesis 14:14-20 for background on this unique biblical figure. Melchizedek’s name literally means “king of righteousness.” In Genesis 14, he is also identified as the king of Salem, or king of peace. Later kings of Israel ruling in Jerusalem, “the city of peace,” were sometimes referred to as kings of righteousness and peace. Given all of this background, why do you think Melchizedek might be referenced here in Psalm 110?
- While David and his line were not priests in the same since as the Levitical priests of the Temple, Israel had a priestly function in relation to the world. Read Exodus 19:4-6 on the calling of Israel. Why would their ruler might be considered a priestly king?
- Turning to verses 5-7 we have the fulfillment of this second promise. This verse brings together the work of God and the anointed ruler to overcome the nations. How would you describe the fulfillment of God’s promise in these verses?
- At face value, this psalm is about a blessing given to a king, but read through Jesus’ life these words take on a deeper meaning in the New Testament. Read the following verses and see how they reflect the words of Psalm 110 into the life of Jesus: • Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42-43 • 1 Corinthians 15:25 • Hebrews 5:6 • Acts 2:34-35 • Hebrews 1:13 • Hebrews 7:15-17, 21
- Jesus fulfills the identity of the priestly king promised in Psalm 110. As we continue in our journey through Advent with the psalms, what is one thing God is speaking to you about worshipping Jesus and preparing your heart for Him through this study? If you are on your own, write these things down and let this shape your prayer life in the days to come. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers aloud together. Close in prayer. Close in prayer.