What is the meaning of Psalm 110:4? The LORD has sworn “The LORD has sworn…” (Psalm 110:4) signals a rare, solemn oath from God Himself. • Wherever God swears by His own name—“By Myself I have sworn” (Genesis 22:16)—the promise is unbreakable. • Hebrews 6:17–18 reminds us that God’s oath and His unchanging nature give “strong encouragement” to those who take refuge in Him. • In Psalm 110, David hears the Father publicly pledge something extraordinary about the coming Messiah. and will not change His mind God adds, “and will not change His mind.” • Numbers 23:19 assures us, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind.” • Malachi 3:6 echoes, “I, the LORD, do not change.” • This clause guarantees that nothing—time, sin, or Satan—will overturn what God is about to declare. His purpose is fixed, inviting believers to absolute confidence (Hebrews 13:8). You are a priest forever The oath continues: “You are a priest forever.” • Unlike Israel’s priests, whose service ended at death, this Priest’s ministry will never expire (Hebrews 7:23–25). • Isaiah 9:7 looks ahead to a throne and kingdom that have “no end,” matching the everlasting priesthood here. • Practical comfort flows from this permanence: “He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25). in the order of Melchizedek Finally, God specifies “in the order of Melchizedek.” • Genesis 14:18–20 introduces Melchizedek as both “king of Salem” and “priest of God Most High,” blending royal and priestly roles—precisely what Psalm 110 promises for the Messiah (Psalm 110:1–2). • Hebrews 7:1–10 explains that Melchizedek’s priesthood predates and outranks Levi’s; therefore, the Messiah’s priesthood is superior to the entire Old Testament system. • Key contrasts: – Melchizedek’s priesthood is based on God’s oath, not genealogy (Hebrews 7:16, 21). – It is universal, not confined to one nation. – It unites priest and king in one Person, anticipating Jesus, “the King of kings” (Revelation 19:16) and “our great High Priest” (Hebrews 4:14). summary Psalm 110:4 records God’s unalterable oath that the coming Messiah will serve as an eternal Priest-King patterned after Melchizedek. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the direct fulfillment of that promise (Hebrews 5–7). Because the Father has sworn and will never change His mind, we can rest in Christ’s finished work, draw near with assurance, and live under the gracious rule of the Priest who reigns forever. |
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