How does Psalm 111:9 connect with the New Testament understanding of redemption? The verse in focus “He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name.” (Psalm 111:9) Redemption promised: Old Testament heartbeat • “Redemption” (Hebrew: pᵊdût) carries the idea of a ransom paid to free someone from bondage (cf. Exodus 6:6; Leviticus 25:47-49). • Psalm 111 celebrates Yahweh’s historic rescues—Passover, Exodus, and every deliverance that followed. • The psalmist links this rescue to an everlasting covenant, hinting that God’s saving work will reach beyond Israel’s immediate crises. Redemption accomplished: New Testament fulfillment • Jesus steps onto the scene as the ultimate Redeemer: – Luke 1:68 – “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.” – Ephesians 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” – Hebrews 9:12 – “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all... having obtained eternal redemption.” • Each verse echoes Psalm 111:9—God Himself “sent redemption.” Christ’s cross is the ransom price, His resurrection the public receipt. Covenant forever: from Sinai to Calvary • The psalmist’s “covenant forever” finds its fullest expression in Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). • Hebrews 9:15 explains that the death of Christ secures “the promised eternal inheritance.” • The permanence of God’s covenant love, celebrated in Psalm 111, now rests on an unbreakable foundation—the finished work of the Messiah. Holy and awesome name: the revealed identity of the Redeemer • Psalm 111 ends in worship; the New Testament shows why: – Acts 4:12 – “There is no other name under heaven... by which we must be saved.” – Philippians 2:9-11 – God bestows on Jesus “the name above every name,” inviting every knee to bow. • The “holy and awesome” name of Yahweh is embodied in Jesus (John 17:6), the visible expression of the Father’s glory. Putting it together • Psalm 111:9 places three anchor-points—redemption, covenant, holy name—that the New Testament ties directly to Jesus. • What was foreshadowed in Israel’s history becomes forever secured at Calvary. • The psalmist looked forward to a sent-redeemer; the Gospels reveal the Redeemer sent. • Therefore, every celebration of Christ’s saving work—whether communion, testimony, or worship—echoes the ancient song: “He has sent redemption to His people.” |
    |