Text: Psalm 110
The prophecy in this psalm helps to explain certain things about Christ, His kingdom, and His reign as king.
Jesus Was Superior to David (v. 1)
- This psalm is clearly prophesying about Christ – David calls Jesus “Lord” (cf. Acts 2:34-36; Matthew 22:41-46)
- Jesus descended from David (Matthew 1:1), yet was David’s Lord – Jesus could not have been just a man; must have been the Son of God
Christ’s Kingdom Would Originate in Zion (v. 2)
- He would “stretch forth [His] scepter from Zion” – Zion is Jerusalem
- The law would go forth from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3)
- The kingdom would be established in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4-5,8; Mark 9:1; Acts 2:1-4,47)
His People Would Serve Him Voluntarily (v. 3)
- Those who follow Christ are those who have chosen to follow Him (Luke 9:23)
- The gospel is preached because salvation is a matter of individual choice (2 Corinthians 5:11)
- We strive to change people’s minds, not force them to obey (2 Corinthians 10:5)
He Would Be a Priest According to the Order of Melchizedek (v. 4)
- This put Jesus in a unique position of both King and Priest (Hebrews 7:1)
- Different priesthood from the Levitical priesthood meant the law would have to change (Hebrews 7:11-12)
- Jesus did not add to the old law, but replaced it (Hebrews 8:8-13; Colossians 2:14)
His Kingdom Would Be Greater Than All Other Kingdoms (v. 5)
- His kingdom would destroy other kingdoms (Daniel 2:44)
- He would possess greater power than any human ruler (Ephesians 1:20-21)
- Even when they appeared to have triumphed over Him, He put them to shame (Colossians 2:15)
He Would Judge All Men from Every Nation (v. 6)
- Judgment would be based upon His law (John 12:48)
- This is not national judgment, but individual judgment of men from every nation (2 Corinthians 5:10)
