Two Messianic Psalms. Psalm 96 and Psalm 110.
The book of Psalms is known as “Praises” in the Hebrew text. The term “Psalms” comes from the Greek verb denoting the plucking of strings showing that the Psalms are poems set to music.
We will look at two Messianic Psalms; Psalm 96 and Psalm 110. Both magnificent in their own right but looked at together give good insight into the coming of and the establishment of the messianic kingdom.
Psalm 96 is entitled “a Song of Praise to God Coming in Judgment”. It opens with a call to the people of Israel to rejoice about the Lord’s coming. Verses 10 and 13 give some indication of what the messianic kingdom will offer; stability, righteousness and truth. But there are no further details.
Psalm 110 is entitled “Announcement of the Messianic Reign”. It gives more detail concerning the process whereby the kingdom will be established and the outcome of that process. It starts with a conversation between Jehovah and Yeshua concerning the planning for the establishment of the kingdom. It tells of how Messiah will reign but also of the great battle which must proceed the kingdom before the victory is won.
Introduction to Psalm 96.
Clearly this is a messianic Psalm. It announces that the King is coming in judgment. This writing of this Psalm can be placed in its historical context. It is also found in 1 Chronicles 16: 23 – 33. It is a song of praise written when David caused the Ark of the Covenant to be brought to Mount Zion. It was then place in the tabernacle which David had prepared.
The “new song” of verse 1 is the anthem that will be sung when Yeshua returns to earth to begin His glorious reign. Therefore, this Psalm has a significance beyond its historical context. It anticipates kingdom praise for the Lord which even nature will join.
Isaiah 2: 2 and 3.
“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
Psalm 96 also expresses the intense joy that will saturate earth when Messiah is ruling in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 25: 9
“And it will be said in that day:” Behold this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.””
Psalm 96 verse 1.
“O sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth.”
As we have seen this “new song” which will be sung when the Lord Yeshua returns to earth to commence His glorious reign. This is not only a new song indicating a new beginning, but it will be sung universally. We see that “all the earth” is invited to join in. This is how we know that a new song marks a special event.
Revelation 14: 3
“They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no-one could learn the song; and no-one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.”
Psalm 96 verse 2.
“Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.”
All the earth is called on to “bless His name” and to continually bear testimony to His power to save. Salvation is coming for all who love and obey God and His law, both Jew and Gentile. To “proclaim the good news” is to call for genuine praise of God including testimony to others of God’s plan for redemption.
Psalm 96 verse 3.
“Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.”
For a declaration to be made “among all peoples” is a bold statement for David’s time; that one day the message of God’s mercy would be known the world over. Of course, this was the commission which Yeshua gave His disciples. The message of God’s salvation, “His wonders” will be known “among all peoples”. This declaration derives from God’s promise to Abraham that through his descendent all the world would be blessed.
Genesis 12: 2 and 3.
“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
As we said this verse also anticipates Yeshua’s commend to spread the news of God’s goodness to a desperate world.
Matthew 28: 19 and 20.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you …”
Verse 3 talks of God’s glory. “His glory” is more than just His majestic splendour. It includes all the reasons for loving and praising Him such as His acts of creation and redemption.
Psalm 96 verses 4 – 6.
“For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.”
These verses introduce a section of praise for God. All other so-called gods are mere useless idols. The Holy One of Israel created the heavens and the earth; He alone is great. HIs attributes proceed Him like inseparable attendants. Majestic honour goes before Him, and beautiful strength waits on Him “in His sanctuary”.
Psalm 96 verses 7 – 9.
“Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.”
The term “families of the peoples” again refers to the Abrahamic covenant. The singers of this Psalm are called upon to acknowledge God’s glory and strength. One day the praise of God will come from all nations.
In some cultures, gods could rise or fall but David makes clear that the Holy One of Israel is eternal and omnipotent. If we really appreciate the good news and greatness of God, we will want to magnify His name. The “families of the peoples” are called to join in telling how majestic, stately and mighty He is and to “bring an offering” to lay at His feet in homage. To worship Him in “the beauty of holiness” means to worship the Lord because of the splendour of His holiness. To acknowledge His majesty results in making one “tremble before Him”.
Psalm 96 verse 10.
“Say among the nations,” The Lord reigns; the world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously.””
When the Lord reigns, the world will be “firmly established”. Instead of the continuation of the international chaos in human history. The world will be settled and efficiently managed by the Messiah in the millennial kingdom.
Micah 4: 3.
“He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
Not only will the Lord establish international peace and stability, but the future messianic kingdom will also have impeccable justice.
Isaiah 11: 1 and 2.
“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of the roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.”
Psalm 96 verses 11 and 12.
“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and all its fullness; let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.”
The return of Yeshua brings joy to heaven and to the earth. Even the natural world responds to what we long for. All creation is involved.
Romans 8: 19 – 22.
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subject to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labours with birth pangs together until now.”
Psalm 96 verse 13.
“For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth.”
In this final verse, the cause of all joy is confirmed; “He is coming”. He will rule over the world. He will rule in perfect “righteousness” and in absolute honesty.
Psalm 98: 9.
“For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity.”
And the Lord’s final victory is prophesied in Revelation.
Revelation 19: 20.
“Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.”
So, let us take heart. He is coming to bring stability and just administration to this earth and we will reign with Him.
Introduction to Psalm 110.
This is Psalm of David but most definitely a messianic Psalm.
It is the most quoted and reference Psalm in the New Testament. The Psalm starts with a conversation between God the Father and God the Son.
First, we see the Son as the glorified One at God’s right hand. This, of course, is His present situation. Then, we see Him in His coming role as the King of Glory returning to earth to take the Sceptre of universal government and as the eternal priest of the Order of Melchizedek.
The exact occasion or situation which led David to compose this Psalm is not known. But it might be associated with the declaration of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7: 12 and 13). The coming Messiah will establish David’s throne forever. Therefore, the title “Son of David” was the most used messianic title in Yeshua’s time.
Psalm 110 verse 1.
“The Lord said to my Lord,” Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.””
Here we see the beginning of the conversation in heaven between God the Father and God the Son. The first “Lord” is Jehovah and “my Lord” is Yeshua.
The high position of sitting at God’s “right hand” is given to Yeshua upon His ascension. God the Father promises to utterly destroy Yeshua’s enemies. The Son’s position in heaven is a temporary one. He will return to earth in glory.
This verse of the Psalm is of course quoted by Yeshua (Matthew 22: 41 – 45) to show that not only would Messiah be a descendent of David but also his Lord I.e., someone greater than himself. Obviously, no son of David could be greater than himself except, of course, the coming Messiah (God’s Son).
Psalm 110 verse 2.
“The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies!”
Between verse 1 and verse 2, we have the here and now, the church age, which started with Yeshua’s enthronement and will continue until His second coming.
Isaiah foretold that Messiah would be coming to rule over a reformed Israel.
Isaiah 59: 20 and 21.
““The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” says the Lord.”
In verse 2 of Psalm 110, we see Jehovah sending forth Messiah’s royal “rod” from Zion I.e., Jehovah establishes Yeshua as king with Jerusalem as His capital. Yeshua is given authority to rule over all the earth.
The term “rule in the midst of Your enemies” indicates that prior to this time Yeshua has destroyed His unreconstructed foes. He will however reign over those who had been his enemies but have become His friends and gladly submit to His rule.
Zechariah 14: 9.
“And the Lord shall be king over all the earth.”
Psalm 110 verse 3.
“Your people shall be volunteers in the day of Your power; in the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.”
Here “Your people” refers to those people who will join the King in His great battle (See Revelation 17: 14) I.e., those who are “called, chosen and faithful”. These redeemed inhabitants will serve Yeshua willingly as “volunteers”.
The term “day of Your power” refers to the power which will be displayed during the millennial rule of Messiah.
He will demonstrate His holiness, eternality and deity. In verse 3, this is likened to a constant state of youthfulness – a period distinguished by strength and purposeful activity.
Psalm 110 verse 4.
“The Lord has sworn and will not relent, You are a priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Jehovah has decreed and will not change His mind that Messiah be the eternal High Priest as well as King.
As we know, according to the Levitical system, a priest had to be a descendant of Aaron, appointed because of human descent. But Melchizedek was a contemporary of Abraham and therefore cannot be his descendant.
Melchizedek was the king of Salem. “Salem” means peace and the city was late renamed Jerusalem. Melchizedek appears in Genesis chapter 14. His name means “king of righteousness”. He was both a king and a true priest of the Most High God.
Yeshua shall have an eternal priesthood and will be the only mediator between God and man forever. The uncorrupted kingship and spiritual priesthood of Messiah will give the world an administration such as it has never seen before.
Psalm 110 verse 5.
“The Lord is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath.”
Messiah is engaged in battle and the Father is His shield at His “right hand”. Before we saw Messiah sitting at the right hand of the Father. But now the Father stands at the right hand of the Son. The picture here is of the Father supplying the needs of the Son for victory. This reversal of sides is not unique.
Isaiah 41: 13.
“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.””
The last three verses of the Psalm, picture Messiah as a mighty conqueror, putting down all lawlessness and rebellion prior to the inauguration of His kingdom.
The Father provided the defeat of Messiah’s enemies on earth, so that the Son can fulfil God’s land and nationhood promises to Abraham and His kingship promise to David.
The term “the day of His wrath” is elsewhere referred to as “the day of the Lord” or “the day of your power” is the global expression for the end of Daniel’s seventieth week. It is God’s wrath which will be poured out on the unrepentant world; so that Yeshua’s millennial kingdom can be set up.
Psalm 110 verse 6.
“He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of many countries.”
Yeshua is marching against the Gentile nations towards what will be a bloody and monumental battle. Corpses will be strewn across the landscape.
This battle was foretold by Joel, Zechariah and in Revelation. Joel foresaw two armies: the gentile nations and the “mighty ones” of the Lord.
Joel 3: 9 – 11.
“Proclaim this among the nations: prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near, let them come up. Beat your plough shares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am strong”. Assemble and come, all you nations, and gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O Lord.”
Psalm 110 verse 7
“He shall drink of the brook by the wayside; therefore He shall lift up the head.”
The Son wins the victory, He will hold up His head high in triumph over His enemies.
Psalm 22: 28.
“For the kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations.”
As He goes forth to deal with His foes, the King shall “drink of the brook by the wayside”. Since water in scripture is often a representation of the Holy Spirit, this phrase suggests that as the Lord goes forth, He will be refreshed and re-invigorated by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Thus comes the victory.
Conclusion.
These two messianic Psalms alone and taken together give quite an insight into the coming of the messianic kingdom.
We should, of course, rejoice in the redeeming of the earth by Yeshua ending the pervasive evil influence of Satan. The Lord’s kingdom will be like nothing the earth has ever seen!
But it comes after an outpouring of God’s holy wrath on unsaved mankind and following a bloody, destructive war.
May as many people as possible be saved out of this terrible tribulation!
Amen.