Book Review: The Messiah and the Psalms by Richard P Belcher JR

BELCHER’S APPROAH TO THE PSALMS

            Belcher has a Christological approach to the Psalms. He discusses the fact that Jesus opened the Old Testament Scriptures to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and later to the rest of the disciples. Christ uses the word “all” in relationship to the Old Testament. “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He explained what was said in the Scriptures concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). “Thus Jesus himself gives the divine authorization for reading all the Old Testament in reference to him.”[1] God had a plan and a purpose that was laid out in the Old Testament. It was not always easy to see depending on how it was approached. The Jews expected a Messiah that would deliver them on a physical and economic level not a spiritual level. “They expected that when the true son of David would arrive, God himself would reign. It would mean the rule of God’s justice, liberation of the oppressed, the restoration of peace among humankind and in nature itself.”[2] Belcher points out that “the Old Testament is not fully understood until it is read in light of its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.”[3] There are Psalms that are considered Messianic, but the New Testament refers to many more than just these particular Psalms, and Christ included the Psalms in Luke 24:44 where He states that “everything must be fulfilled in the law of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms.”

            Belcher has a strong, well organized book. He discusses both Luther’s use of Christological interpretation and Calvin’s historical interpretation of Psalms 1. He give a concise look at three ways the Psalms can be interpreted which are the historical-critical, literary-critical, and historical-grammatical which he appears to prefer.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF BELCHER’S APPROACH

            There is no doubt that Belcher has a deep love and respect for the Scriptures. His view of divine authorship is very clear to the reader. He shows the reader how to find Christ in the Psalms. The strength of the book is felt in its organization, and the fact that he goes through many Psalms giving to readers the benefit of his expertise. He shows the reader how to approach a Psalms through the genre, because this opens the meaning of the Psalms. Belcher maintains his technique throughout the book. This should allow any reader to be able to use his technique on any Psalms.

            There is at times a problem relating Christ to a Psalm, and in fact the reader must be flexible to be able to find Christ in every Psalm. Christ is the life of the Scriptures. He flows through it. Psalms 1 is a good example of the difficulty that can arise. Calvin points out that, “It is appropriate to conclude that ‘the man’ who is blessed because he meditates on the law of God refers to any Israelite.”[4] Luther “in his interpretation of Psalm1:1 he sets forth that the literal sense  Jesus Christ made no concessions to the design of the Jews.  The allegorical sense is related to the church, which means that the holy church did not agree to the evil designs of the Jews against Christ.”[5]

ANALYSIS OF PSALM 45

            Psalm 45 is one of the royal Psalms. It is a royal wedding song that extols marriage, and if the reader looks at verses 6-7 and compares them with Hebrew 1:8-9 the reader would find a repetition of this thought. “But to the son he says: your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is a scepter of Your kingdom” (Hebrews 1:8). The words ‘Your throne,

O God’ begins to lead the reader into a picture of the Messiah. His throne is forever and ever. The scepter was a representation of power and authority. The Messiah has a scepter of righteousness which is the scepter of his kingdom. In Genesis 49:10 we find Jacob’s last words prophesying of the Messiah that will come through the tribe of Judah. “Until Shiloh comes; And to him shall be the obedience of the people” (Genesis 49: 10b). The definition for Shiloh as found in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance says, “An epithet of the Messiah.” The Roman soldiers mocked Christ by giving Him a scepter of a reed. Matthew 27:29b says, “and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!”

            The word God according to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance says that it is Elohim which is a plural of eloha. “gods in the ordinary sense; but spec. used …. of the supreme God;

“Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions” (Psalms 45:7b). This would appear to speak of the king as God, and then we see God the Father and God the Son who was anointed by the Father. This declares the deity of Christ. The anointed one refers to Christ the Messiah, and the bride is the church. She has left all relationships behind, and has become part of the king’s family. Revelations 19: 7-8 speaks the bride of Christ.  The bride of Christ is resplendent in gold.

            Psalms 45 is a beautiful depiction of the relationship between Christ and the church. The institution of marriage is to give a picture of Christ relationship to the church. A man and wife should be as one with their energy given to the same things. The church is to further God’s Kingdom here on earth. The kingdom of heaven is within us, and we are His representatives here on earth. 

ANALYSIS OF PSALM 22

            Psalms 22 is a lament Psalm that ends on a note of triumph. This Psalm shows David in his distress, but it is prophetic also. At points the reader becomes aware of the similarities with Christ’s crucifixion. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Are familiar words that haunt us and remind us of the costly salvation Christ achieved through the cross.”[6] David’s cry to God in his distress brings us to the cross and then Christs’ resurrection. David walked with God, and was a man after his own heart. In this Psalm he reaches through generations to express not only his distress in the present, but the distress of a future descendant. We can read in Matthew 27:26 and Mark 15:34 the same words that begin this Psalm. “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voiced, saying, “Eli, Eli, sabachthani?” That is, My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” This Psalm is a reference to both David and Christ.  

This Psalm gives a description of the suffering that ends in death. It reminds us that Christ said, “I thirst” (John 19:28).  Acts 2: 30-33 speaks of David as a prophet who spoke of Christ. “Five phrases are used to describe how others view the psalmist: reproach, despised, ridicule, shoot out the lip and shake the head.”[7] “Not only does the psalmist cry out to God with unparalleled expressions of pain and loss (verse 1), but the writer also expresses hope in something close akin to resurrection (verses 29-30). Thus, Psalm 22 is appropriate for the hope that accompanies Jesus' passion as well as the grief. It anticipates a vision of God who holds the believer even after death that will only be expressed fully centuries later.” [8]

                                                       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Richard P. Belcher Jr. The Messiah and the Psalms. (Ross-Shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, Ltd., 2006), 33.

Creach, Jerome. Commentary on Psalms. St. Paul, Minnesota: Luther Seminary, 2012). http//www.workingpreacher.org/preaching .aspx

Wright, Christopher R.H.. Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament. (Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2014), 19.

           

[1] Ibid., 32.

[2] Christopher J.H. Wright. Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament. (Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2014), 19.

[3] Richard P. Belcher Jr. The Messiah and the Psalms. (Ross-Shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, Ltd., 2006), 33.

[4] Ibid., 18.

[5] Ibid., 16.

[6] Ibid., 116.

[7] Ibid., 168.

[8] Jerome Creach. Commentary on Psalms. St. Paul, Minnesota: Luther Seminary, 2012). http//www.workingpreacher.org/preaching .aspx

WORSHIP THEOLOGY

How does revelation, repentance, redemption, regeneration, relationship, and restoration correlate with our worship theology and the organizational presentation of our weekly liturgy? Explain. 

            Our worship theology is determined by who we have become through the revelation of Christ in our lives. It is through the working of the Holy Spirit the we become aware of our inadequacies, and realize our need for repentance and redemption. “This means everything when we speak of worship, because the new life brought about by the Spirit of God is what gives us the ability to become worshippers of the living God. Only when we are quickened by this wonderful life can we learn what praise and worship are all about”[1]It is when we humble ourselves before God, and cry out for forgiveness that we are redeemed and restored to right standing with God. It is at this point that God begins to build a relationship with us, but this is only possible through our surrender and our humility before an awesome God. If we are truly God’s people we will grow in becoming like Christ.”[2]

We read the word, and communicate with God. We share our experiences with other Christians as they share with us. All these aspects of our lives begins to reveal God to us. His goal is to reveal who He is to us, and as we begin to understand who He is we fall more and more in love with Him. The more we are in His presence the more we want to be in His presence. “If you have a love for God, a love for the Word, and are exemplifying the fruit of the Spirit in your life, it is probable that you are engaged in other disciplines as well such as prayer and fellowship.”[3]The weekly liturgy is part of the whole. It is through these that we can come together and experience Him even more. Through the Eucharist we remember and celebrate the work of salvation, and we gain strength to be all He would have us be.

            The worship theology correlates directly with our revelation of God. When we look at Paul and his teaching we understand that his theology came from his revelation of Christ which began on the road to Damascus. Paul had a relationship with God. He communicated with God, and listened when God communicated with him. They had open communication, and Paul’s theology was built from this. We also must remember that he was a Pharisee. He had lived according to the law and been trained in the law.

 The Bible is our revelation of God, and so staying in the Word is extremely important. We are told to, “study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needs not be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

.

           

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[1] Kevin J. Navarro.  The Complete Worship Leader. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2001), 56-57.

[2] Ibid., 57.

[3] Ibid., 59.

Analysis of Psalm 91 (New Posts to Devotions)

Psalm 91 (KJV)

91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

² I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

³ Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

⁴ He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

⁵ Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

⁶ Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

⁷ A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

⁸ Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

⁹ Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

¹⁰ There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

¹¹ For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

¹² They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

¹³ Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

¹⁴ Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

¹⁵ He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

INTRODUCTION

            This eloquent and stirring Psalm is attributed to either Moses or David. Moses is thought to be the author due to a rule that specifies that if a psalm is not titled then it is attributed to the previous psalms author which in this case is Moses. However, The LXX Septuagint attributes it to David. It is titled “Praise of a song, by David.”[1] David was spoken of as “the sweet Psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1). Whoever wrote it has blessed many generations of reader. We should keep in mind that psalms were sung in Israel even as many are in the church today.

            Psalm 91 is one of the most powerful declarations of the protective power of God. It not only gives us what he will do, but we are told what is required of us. Life’s journey can be perilous, but this Psalm has been a comfort to many throughout time. Its message is timeless. As God was with the Israelites, He is also with his children today. He does not change. We can trust Him, and have confidence in him as he reveals himself through His Word. We can run to him no matter what our situation. Psalm 91 tells us He is our refuge and our fortress, and we can put our trust in him. 

GENRE

            Psalm 91 is a song of confidence and trust in God. It is used during lent, because of Satan’s use of verses 11-12. (Matthew 4: 5-6). We see the protection of God for we are told that “He gives his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). The Psalms of confidence are Psalms of Orientation. When difficulties of life arise one finds strength in the knowledge that God is there protecting and caring. The presence of God builds confidence and trust. Psalm 91 promises a lot. Verse 10 says, “No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come nigh your dwelling.” Richard P. Belcher Jr. asked the question, “Does God promise to much here? What happens when the promises are not fulfilled?”[2] We must keep our eyes on those that the Psalm was originally written for while remembering the Words of Christ. Christ said the servant is not greater than his Lord. If they persecute me they will persecute you (John 15:20). He also tells us “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Psalms 91 is a portrait of his care for his children. One can have confidence in this, because Christ has overcome the world. His walk was one of suffering, but he overcame it all, and brought us salvation. In the end, we have victory.

STRUCTURE

            Psalm 91 has three sections which consist of 1) verses 1-8, 2) verses 9-13 and 3) verses 14-16. “The first two sections have the same three parts: a description of the believer who confesses Yahweh as refuge, Yahweh’s promise of protective action, and promises of the believer’s security…. The third section (vv, 14-16) stands apart as a prophetic oracle (cf, Ps. 62, another psalm of trust closing with a reference to God’s speech, which forms the basis of the preceding personal confessions).”[3]

There are four sections used to expand on the meaning of this Psalm that should be looked at. 1) One is the confession of trust in the Lord.  2) Two gives the assurance that those who trust in God need not fear any evil. 3) The third section is the promise of God’s protection. 4) Four is a description of the Lord’s protection. He says he will “be with him in trouble, and deliver and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:15b-16).

SUMMARY OF PSALM 91

            Psalm 91 is beautifully poetic. The use of imagery paints a picture of Gods protective power. One can be swept away into the presence of the Most High God. The KJV is especially beautiful to read. He is dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. Everyone has that place where they go whether it is an actual place or in a corner of their heart, where they draw close to God. Here there is peace that passes understanding. One is in the shadow of the Almighty. Verse 1 uses the imagery of being so close to Almighty God that His shadow covers the person. There can be no fear when one is that close to God.

            It starts out in the third person in verse 1, and in verse 2 it moves to first person moving to second person in verses 3-13. This person can expect deliverance from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. The Interlinear Bible reads the fowler’s trap and destruction’s plague. The LXX Septuagint states, “from the snare of the hunters, from every troublesome matter.”[4] God is described as a mother hen who gathers her chicks under her wings to keep them warm and safe. The Psalmist uses this description in 61:4 and 63:7. We find Christ using this description when speaking to Jerusalem: “How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing” (Matthew 23: 37). The use of shield and buckler implies total protection. It does not matter what it is; terror, weapons, plagues, destruction. The question is asked in the Word. Is anything too hard for God? (Gen. 18:14; Jer. 32:27).

If we are to have the protection of the Most High we must make Him our refuge and dwelling place. “The tremendous promises in 91:3-13 must be understood in the light of the covenant that God made with his people, for they are a reflection of those covenant promises.”[5] The blessings were dependent on the person’s response to God. Matthew Henry gives the three characteristics of those whom these promises belong: “They are such as know God’s name…They are such as have set their love upon Him; They are such as call upon Him…”[6] In verse 14 -16 we hear God speaking. God gives his reason for deliverance: He set his love upon me and, because he knows my name. The word used for love is khaw-seef’ which is to bind together.[7] It is a close relationship. God wants a relationship with His people. Verses 14- 16 has eight things God will do for those who set their love upon him and know his name: He will deliver, set him on high, answer him, be with him in trouble, honor him, satisfy him, and show him. There is no way anyone can out give God. God is generous beyond measure. Israel never lived in the fulness of his blessing. Do his children today live in the fulness of His blessing? It is something each of us need to consider.

LITERARY FEATURES OF PSALM 91

            The Psalms were written to reach the depth of the human experience. Psalm 91 from the first verse grabs our attention with its strong messianic focus. In verses 14-16 God Himself speaks. The first verse begins with “He”, and tells us a very important thing about him. He dwells in the secret place of the Most High. He is not an opportunistic visitor. His confidence is steady and unyielding. God is his father, and his mother God is his all and all. He walks so close to the Almighty God that His shadow covers him granting protection from anything that might arise. He shares his joys, his sorrow, himself with God, and God responds with love. It is this close relationship that he desires to have with his children. The use of figurative language paints this amazing picture for us. We see it used all throughout Psalm 91. Verse 9 refers to God as my refuge, and the Most High as a dwelling place.

            It is not surprising that God uses language at its richest to reach us. He is our creator, and the creator of our languages. We have literary devises, because He placed them in the heart of man. God’s truths are revealed to us in a way that touches us where we live, and in a way that is easy to remember. When reading the Bible, we also must remember there is a cultural issue also. “While we intuitively identify the category of a piece of literature we read in our own cultural, the same intuitions do not work when reading literature from cultures not our own, like those of the Bible.”[8]

In verse 4 it says, “He will cover you with His feather”. The visual that most people will see is a bird with its babies hidden warm and safe under its wings. It is a sight that if we have not seen it in nature we have seen it on television, or pictures in a book. It is a comfortable memory. It is a concrete idea. It affects us on the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual level.

            A merism occurs in verse 5 where it tells us that “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, or the arrow that flies by day.” Using night and day communicates to us that we do not have to fear at all in an entire twenty-four-hour period. God is always caring for us no matter what a twenty-four-hour period may bring. Whether it be terror, arrow, pestilence, or destruction God has our back. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

            We see the use of hyperbole in verse 13 where it speaks of treading upon the lion and cobra and trampling them underfoot. It is a picture of the evils that might threaten. No matter what it is “through God we shall do valiantly; for it is he who shall cast down our enemies” (Psalm 60:12). The hyperbole makes exaggerated claims that should not be taken literally. “Since poetry tends to utilize hyperbole and by its nature engages in strong images to make the point sharp and succinct, the patrons of this explanation purpose that the problem is resolved in the nature of poetry itself.”[9] Which brings us back to 11 and 12. Does God literally give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways? Do they bear you up lest you dash your foot against a stone? Satan used this against Christ in His temptation, and Christ answered with, “It is written, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Matthew 4:5-8).  It tells us in Hebrews 1:14 “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” It might appear that the first part is a statement, and the second part a hyperbole that might be an exaggerated claim. Dashing the foot against a stone might be falling into temptation, or making a mistake that could be fatal. It does let us know that God looks out for us.

INTERPRETIVE ISSUES

            One of the interpretive issues is the change in the person.  It starts in third person, and then goes to first person than to second person with God speaking in the last three verses. It raises the question of who is speaking? What is the problem being addressed, and how is the problem solved? Some believe it was a general blessing or possibly a temple entrance liturgy. By beginning with “He” it leaves it open. It could be anyone who has sought God and found Him, and is dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. Verse 2 is the speaker who tells us that God is his refuge and fortress. In verse 3 the speaker appears to be telling another person that God will deliver him, and goes through all the different situations of deliverance. God speaks in the third person. The Psalm appears to have been left open for the reader to determine. “The variety of images all9ows this psalm to be used for any situation [10]of threat.”

All the situations that it speaks of could apply to experiences in war. In the book, Psalm 91: Military Edition: God’s Shield of Protection tells of a soldier who had gone into battle. He was a Pennsylvania lieutenant who was on a mission. He was discovered by the enemy and had only a moment to cry out to God. He was shot in the chest and knocked back. The man with him thought him dead, and grabbed the gun from his hand and began shooting. The enemy was driven back, and it was discovered that the bullet had gone into the Bible he was carrying stopping at Psalm 91 pointing to verse 7. Psalm 91 may to be left open, so it becomes applicable to the lives of many throughout the generations. Using the third person to begin it says there is security for those who trust in the Lord.

            The metaphorical language used leaves it open for interpretation. God does not make mistakes. His Word preforms what He sends it to do. The Gospels refer to Psalm 91 in reference to Christ temptation. Christ uses the words of Psalm 91 to counter Satan. The question of whether Psalm 91 was used to drive out evil spirits has also been suggested.

            Psalm 91 is not easily classified. It has been considered a lament as well as praise and Thanksgiving. These might be included with the category of trust and confidence.  Bullock uses the pestilence in verses 3-7 as a reason to categorize it as a lament. He also uses the complaint against the authors enemies in verse 8. He finds the problem, complaint, and solution. The solution is in 9-13. “There we find a divine message in the form of an oracle.” [11]

THEOLOGY AND APPLICATION

There are those who look at Psalm 91 as a great comfort, and those who feel that its stance is unrealistic. The Psalmist gives a picture of God’s protection in the most horrendous circumstances, but while he does show us God’s action he believer is given a picture of what is required of him if he is to enjoy these promises. This brings us to the age-old question: Why do bad things happen to good people? This is a question that can be difficult when witnessing, and the question of why would a merciful God allow so much suffering? We do not like the answer to this question, because it takes us back to the garden of Eden. God not only created man with a free will, but also the angels have a free will. God is not going to override our freedom of choice, and we make bad choices.

Let us look at Lucifer’s choices. In the end, he tried to take the throne of God. He wanted to be God. We can read in Isaiah 14:12-17 which speaks of Lucifer as does Ezekiel 28. It is debated whether these are speaking of Lucifer or the king of Babylon or Tyre.  “He smote the people, not in justice, for their correction and reformation, but in wrath (v.6), to gratify his own peevish resentments, and that with a continual stroke, pursued them with his forces, and gave them no respite, no breathing time, no cessation of arms. He ruled the nations, but he ruled them in anger.”[12] We see the desire for ultimate power either way. They wanted to be gods. There is always a battle between good and evil. In fact, if you look at movies like the Avengers it is a battle between good and evil. It is the struggle that has raged since the beginning.

We watch the news and see all the wars and hear the rumors of war. The real battle that is being waged in between God and Satan for the souls of man. Psalm 91 gives us hope. It tells us of God’s protective power, and His love for His children.

Looking at verse 1 we see him dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. If we leap ahead to verse 14 where God speaks He tells us that “he” has set his love upon God. The LXX Septuagint says, “He has hoped in me.” This is one of the reasons that God will deliver him. The other reason is because “he has known my name.” God will answer when he calls, and be with him in trouble. God does not promise no trouble, but we know He is with us. He will deliver, honor, and satisfy. Most importantly “And show him My salvation.”

We have our eyes on our situations in life, and God is concerned about our homecoming when we leave this life. “For those He foreknew He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29).

CONCLUSION

Psalm 91 may to some seem to be a bit overstated, but as we walk the walk we find that He is always with us guiding, protecting, comforting. He is the source of our total supply. As we read this Psalm we should be reminded that it was written before Christ came, and our perspective may be slightly different from the author and the audience of the time this was written. We have the Holy Spirit with with us always. Psalm 91, whether written by Moses or David, was written when they lived under the law. The writer could speak of God’s protective power without forgetting that these blessing were obtained by more than following the law. They were obtained by loving God. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). When Christ came, He added to it. “This is the greatest and foremost commandment. The second is like it. ‘You shall love your neighbor as youself.” (Matthew 22:38-40).

Psalm 91 is a psalm of trust and confidence in God. When we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, under His wings he will be our refuge and our fortress. How can a person be afraid when they are in the presence of the Almighty? If these promises seem to fall short now as we daily face realities they will be fulfilled when we see Him face to face.

“When we look back on our life from the perspective of eternity, we are going to see that the power of Satan was so great, that the weakness of our flesh was feeble, and that the hostility of the world was so strong, that every day of our lives – if God had not intervened – we would never have made it through a day.”

John Calvin

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Belcher Jr., Richard P. The Messiah and the Psalms. Ross-Shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, Ltd.,2006.

Brenton, Lancelot. LXX SEPTUAGINT: An English Translation of the Greek Old Testament. United States of America: Beloved Publishing, 2014.

Broyles, Craig C. Psalms. Grand Rapids, Michigan: BakerBooks, 1999.

Bullock, C. Hassel. Encountering the Book of the Psalms. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2001.

Futato, Mark D. Interpreting the Psalms. Grand Rapid, Michigan: Kregel, 2007.

Green, Sr., JAY P. The Interlinear Bible Hebrew-Greek-English. United States of America: Hendrickson Publishers, 2015. 

Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. Peabody, Mass: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1996.

Strong, James. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Iowa Falls, Iowa: World Bible Publishers, no date given,

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[1] Lancelot Brenton. LXX Septuagint. United States of America: Beloved Publishing, 2014, 451.

[2] Richard P. Belcher Jr. The Messiah and the Psalms. (Ross-Shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publication, Ltd., 2006), 58.

[3] Craig C. Broyles, Psalms. (Grand Rapid, Michigan: BakerBooks,1999), 361.

[4] Lancelot Brenton. LXX Septuagint. (United States of America: Beloved Publishing, 2014), 451.

[5] Richard P. Belcher Jr. The Messiah and the Psalms. (Ross-Shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publication, Ltd.,2006), 59.

[6] Matthew Henry. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible, vol. 3. (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Publisher, Inc., 1996),482.

[7] James Strong. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. (Iowa Falls, Iowa: World Bible Publishers, No year given), Hebrew 2836.

[8] Mark D. Futato. Interpreting the Psalms. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel,2007), 141.

[9] C. Hassel Bullock. Encountering the Book of Psalms. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2001), 228.

[10] Craig C. Broyles. Psalms. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: BakerBooks1999), 361.

[11] C. Hassel Bullock. Encountering the Book of Psalms. (Grand Rapids: Michigan: Baker Academic,2001), 139-142.

[12] Matthew Henry. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. Vol.4 (Peabody, Mass: Hendrickson, Publishers, Inc. 1996), 

BIBLE STUDY: THE MESSIAH IN THE PSALMS

We will open with prayer.

            The first question that arises is: Why should we believe that we will find the Messiah in the book of Psalm?  We find the answer to this coming from Christs own lips. Turn to Luke 24: 44-45. Would someone read this for us.

God spoke of His plan for mans’ redemption as woven throughout the Old Testament. It was outlined in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. Christ was the fulfillment of the plan. The threefold classification of the Old Testament sums up its content. For the disciples or for us to begin to understand Gods’ plan we need to have it opened to our understanding. This is what Christ was doing in this portion of Scripture after He had risen. It is what He did on the road to Emmaus. Could someone read verse 32?

They said, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road.” When Christ speaks to us through the word, and through His Holy Spirit there is that exhilaration. Turn to Col. 3:16-17. Would someone read this Scripture?  In the early church, they sang the Psalms. We sing them even today. Can anyone think of some of the Psalms we sing today? The Psalms bring us to the point of worship. All the Psalms reflect Christ and His work, but the Messianic Psalms have long been established as Christological.

The genre of the Psalm according to Richard Belcher “helps one to understand a psalm in terms of content, mood, and structure. The genre of a psalm also has implications for how a psalm relates to Christ.”[1] One needs to take into “consideration the context of the psalm in its historical or literary setting, the unfolding of revelation through redemptive history, the unity of the purposes of God for his people, and the fullness of revelation in Jesus Christ.”[2]

ROYAL PSALMS

The Royal Psalms are based on the covenant promises made to the house of David. Kingship is the main topic of these psalms. They speak of the king and the anointed one and at times of David by name and Christ by inference. Psalm 2 is a good example. Will someone read Psalm 2.

What does verse 6 tell us about the king? In the middle east and other places the king was referred to as God’s son.

 Matthew 3:17, acts 13:33

These two verses refer to Psalm 2. What does this tell us about the king, and rule of the kingdom.

Discussion on verses 6-12.

TYPOLOGICAL PROPHETIC MESSIANIC PSALMS

             

            These Psalms use analogies and comparisons. The comparisons are usually between Christ and David. Will someone please read chapter 41? 

There are four movements in this Psalm. 1) There is confidence that God will deliver. 2) David’s distress is described. 3) Hope in the Lord is restored. 4) There is praise.

Lets look at each movement, and the scriptures that reflect it.

Discussion:

How will the Lord bless those who consider the poor?

Read 1John 1:9-11

Looking at verse 4 we see the admission of sin, and a request for mercy. What is David accusing his enemy of doing?

Read Matthew 26: 14-16 and 30-35

Discussion:

Who was David’s enemy according to verse 9?

This psalm begins with God blessing man and ends with man blessing God.

How can this be applied to our lives today?

Discussion:

PROPHETIC TYPOLOGICAL PSALMS

            These Psalms also have the comparisons and analogies. These Psalms, although they speak of the psalmist experience they reach beyond his experience to another’s experience. This Psalm would be important in the teachings of the apostles of the early church. Would someone read Chapter 16? 

This psalm has four movements; 1) A petition for deliverance. 2) Condemning the wicked and their ways. 3) Praises of the relationship David has with God. 4) Confidence in God’s ability to spare his life and bless him.

Let's look at each of these movements in chapter 16.

Read Acts 2:22-31

David died and was buried and he returned to the dust he was taken from, so we realize that David had to be speaking of someone else. That someone was Christ.

Discussion:

Compare David and Christ using the Scriptures in Psalm and Acts.

PURELY PROPHETIC PSALMS

            These are direct prophecies. One is found in Psalm 110. There are not many of these. This Psalm is quoted more frequently in the New Testament than another Psalm. Read psalm 110.

 “Lord” in this instance is another word for Yahweh. Jesus interprets this passage in Matthew 22:41-45. Would someone read this passage? 

This passage affirms that David wrote Psalm 110. Chapter 110 would appear to be completely prophecy with David speaking under the influence of the Spirit.

 Christ to be a priest after the order of who, and where do we see this in the New Testament?

Read Hebrews 5:5-11; 6:20

Discussion:

ESCHATOLOGICAL KINGSHIP PSALMS

These Psalms focus is on the reign and rule of God. Psalm 47 is a good example of this. Would someone read this Psalm? 

I am sure as this was read it was recognizable as a song we sing.

What words of praise do you see in this chapter? Words like awesome, etc.

How far does His reign reach?

Discussion:

This chapter was probably a celebration of a mighty victory won through Yahweh’s strength. It also stretches beyond to the day when Yahweh will rule over all.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

Discussion:

The Psalm needs to be read with a Christological view. Christ is the theme upon which God’s Word is based. He flows through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the New Testament brought light to the Words of the Old Testament.

All the Psalms have a relationship to Christ, but there are five types of Messianic Psalms. The first would be the Royal Psalms. These are the indirect Messianic Psalms. Turn to Psalm 20, and would someone read this aloud.

Where does the kings power come from according to this Psalm? (Discussion)Yes, the king’s power comes from Yahweh. Verse 1 speaks of God answering in the day of trouble. We as believers can also appreciate how God delivers us in the  verses 1,5, and 7.

 How is His name used? (Discussion) Very good point. This is applicable to us today. God is our deliverer. Others may trust in horses or chariots, but his children understand that these are sources that he uses to deliver. Believers understand that God is the source of our total supply. Our jobs are a source used by God to supply what we need. Doctors are a source that God uses in our healing. Everything comes from God. He gives us our life and sustains it. We do all things in the name of God, and lift our praises to him, for his acceptance and deliverance even as David did. How do these Scriptures show us Gods sovereignty? (Discussion)

The Royal Psalms show the high hopes and the disillusionment of Israel with the kingship. They were to face the Babylonian exile, and in the 6^th century B.C. the loss of the Davidic kingship. The New Testament interprets the Royal Psalms through Christ who is King and High Priest. The Royal Psalms include Psalm 2, 20, 21,45,72,101,110,132. Psalms 89 is an example of a Royal Psalm that also contains a lament.

Now we will look at the typological Prophetic Psalms. 

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[1]Richard P. Belcher Jr. The Messiah and the Psalms. (Ross-Shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, Ltd., 2006), 197. 

[2] Ibid., 195.