A Heavenly Conversation

Here we see David privileged to listen in to a conversation between the heavenly Father and his Son, reigning on earth. He listens in as the Father (“the Lord”) makes some astounding promises to his Son (“my Lord”), promises all fulfilled in Revelation. No wonder this psalm is quoted in the New Testament more than any other. This psalm is usually classified as a royal psalm (with 2,45 and 72). Royalty in Israel involved three leadership assignments: prophets who spoke God’s words to humanity, priests who spoke humanity’s words to God, and kings who made sure that these two had the space and freedom to carry out their work.

The prophetic tone of the psalm communicates God’s certainty and comfort, letting us know that there is a divine game-plan, and that it will be carried out. He will accomplish it through his Son, David’s Lord as well as his descendant. That Son is also a priest, following in the footsteps of a mysterious Gentile, Melchizedek, king of Salem, thought to be another name for Jerusalem, “the city of peace” (Gen. 14:18). Melchizedek first appears as Abraham’s superior in Genesis 14:18-20, then features time and again in Hebrews 5-7.

Jesus will now wrap up prophetic, priestly and royal roles into his own job description, but not without conflict! The psalm is full of military or warfare language, but the King will triumph over his enemies. His life, including the time before Christmas and after the ascension, is characterized by “a long obedience in the same direction” (the title of a book by Eugene Peterson). So should ours be. May our direction be in harmony with our destination!

Jesus is more than great Teacher. This psalm, along with other Scriptures, show him to be the Messiah, the Savior. Thank God he has chosen you to be his child and follower.