The reign of Yahweh through the 'priest-king' - The Interpretation and Application of Psalm 110

Abstract

This paper attempts to interpret and apply Psalm 110. Psalm 110, which is the most frequently cited Old Testament text in the New Testament, has drawn much attention since the age of the early Church Fathers. This psalm was interpreted as a text that predicts the ministry and activities of Jesus Christ, thus forming a firm foundation of the messianic thought. In particular, the references to the ‘sitting on the right side of the throne of God’ and the ‘eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek’ were the main texts that enable Psalm 110 to be read as a prophecy of Jesus Christ. However, it cannot be confined to a messianic prophecy of Jesus Christ. Originally, it was a psalm that had been used as a so-called “Royal Psalm” in the situations of ancient Israel. In such a current, in the New Testament time it could be understood as a psalm with prophetic meanings about Jesus Christ. Further, it can be understood as a text that refers to Christians as “priest-kings,” who are admitted by faith as children of God and people of the covenant. In that sense, Psalm 110 has the following three dimensions: First, Psalm 110 is a psalm about the ancient Israelite king of Zion, who fulfills the reign of Yahweh. Second, Psalm 110 is a prophecy of Jesus Christ performing the duties of a priest-king on the right side of the throne of God. Third, Psalm 110 is a promise to Christians who participate in Gods reign with Christ.