The Psalms have been read and sung since the days of antiquity. When we read the Psalms, we can feel the anguish, joy, peace, and comfort from the writer. When it comes to the Messiah there is no shortage of material that can be extracted from the Psalms. The concept of redemption is a very prominent theme, and one must have a redeemer in order to have redemption. In the Psalms we not only see the redeemer, but we see the death of the Messiah, and as king. It is known for its anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Messiah and Divine Sonship In Psalms
The Messiah is brought up as early as chapter two. In this chapter the Messiah is in the figure of a king. Psalm 2:6 states, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” Verse 7 depicts a reassurance of divine sonship, and it is this sonship of the king that is referenced in Hebrews 1:5. This was done to remind the reads that Christ was superior to the angels.
Messiah and the Crucifixion In Psalms
Psalm 22 is a Psalm that has very clear parallels to Christ’s death in Matthew 27:26 and Mark 15:34. Psalm 22:1 states, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Christ cried out these same words in Mark 15:34. Psalm 22:18 describes evildoers casting lots for the clothing. This was fulfilled by Christ in John 19:23-24. In verse 16 the psalmist also writes about the Messiah’s hands and feet being pierced. This Psalm is anticipatory, as it awaits the suffering of Christ, and his victory.
Psalm 45 is also considered a Messianic Psalm because whole sections are used in the epistle to the Hebrews. The author of the Epistle uses Psalm 45:6-7 to establish the superiority of Christ. In this passage He is described as the king forever, and thus his superiority is established.
Make Your Enemies Your Footstool
Perhaps one of the greatest examples one could give of the Messiah in the Psalms is Psalm 110. This is seen in verse one which states, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” This very passage is quoted in Mark 12:36-37, and Christ says that it is David who was speaking about Him.
This Psalm also makes an appearance in the book of Acts and is quoted by Peter in his sermon on Pentecost. This Psalm also refers to Christ as being a priest in the order of Melchizadek (Psalm 110:4). This parallels with Hebrew 5:6, as the author utilizes this Psalm describe Christ as high priest.
These are only some of the passages in Psalms that speak of the Messiah. There are several more such as chapters 18, 61, 72, 89, 132, and 144. In addition, there are several more Psalms that were quotes directly by Christ to describe various things in man’s life.
Good Friday
Psalm 22 has a very special correlation to Good Friday as Jesus repeats those words in his final breathes. There is much going on in the world, and there may be temptation to ask where God is. God is still with you though it may not seem like it. In Christ we see the image of his ultimate love for us. The act on the cross was prophesied in many places in the Old Testament. The Psalms, especially Psalm 22, almost give a first person account of one who experienced such torment.
I urge you to mediate today on the events that took place those many years ago. Fast and pray for the events unfolding in the world. It is only Jesus that will bring about healing. On the first Good Friday he took the first step by dying for the redemption of all men. Reflect on what Jesus did for you on the cross.
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