Royal Priest
Psalm 110 In Biblical Theology
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Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press
ISBN: 9781789744149
Number of Pages: 272
Published: 20/10/2022
Width: 13.8 cm
Height: 21.6 cm
Relatively little has been written on Psalm 110 from a biblical-theological perspective. Most modern critical studies go behind the text, concluding that Psalm 110 is essentially a political attempt to unite the Jebusite cult with the Davidic monarchy. Evangelical interpreters take a more theological approach, but rarely develop a satisfying answer to the question of how David would have come to the realisation that the Messiah was to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.
In this NSBT study, Matthew Emadi shows how David came to this conclusion through his reading of the Torah, consideration of the events in his own life, and reflection on the contents of the Davidic covenant. He also considers the impact of Psalm 110 on early Jewish literature and how the New Testament (Gospel of Mark and Hebrews) applies Psalm 110 to Christ.
By considering David’s biblical warrant for bringing together priesthood and kingship in a single figure, Emadi shows how we are able to uncover the biblical-theological foundation on which Psalm 110 is built. He situates Psalm 110 in Scripture’s storyline, showing that Melchizedek’s royal priesthood is tied to creation and redemption.
Insightful and accessible, The Royal Priest is a valuable new addition to the New Studies in Biblical Theology series. An ideal commentary for students studying Psalm 110, pastors preaching from Psalm 110, and anyone looking for commentaries on the Old Testament that dig deeper into its theology.
Contents
Tables x
Series preface xi
Author’s preface xiii
Abbreviations xvii
1 Introduction 1
Priesthood in crisis 3
The argument 5
Surveying the landscape 7
Method 18
Preview 22
2 Royal priesthood in Genesis 25
Adam 25
Noah 38
Melchizedek 42
Conclusion 60
3 Israel’s royal priesthood and the Aaronic priesthood 63
Corporate Adam 64
A royal priesthood 65
Aaron as royal priest 70
Conclusion 74
4 The Davidic priest-king: Psalm 110 in Old Testament context 77
Psalm 110: translation of the Masoretic Text 78
Psalm 110 in immediate context 78
Literary structure 81
Davidic covenant 82
David and Abraham 86
5 Exegesis of Psalm 110 89
Psalm 110:1a 89
Psalms 1 – 2: the Psalter’s interpretative lens 91
Parallels between Psalms 1 – 2 and Psalm 110 98
Psalm 110:1b 100
Psalm 110:2 105
Psalm 110:3 105
Psalm 110:4 111
David as a new Melchizedek (2 Sam. 6) 116
The priest-king of 1–2 Samuel 119
Psalm 110:5 123
Psalm 110:6 125
Psalm 110:7 126
Conclusion 127
6 Royal-priestly messianism: Psalm 110 in the intertestamental literature 129
Messianic portraits in the Second Temple period: priest, king and priest, or priest-king? 130
Hasmonean rule 131
Testament of Reuben 131
Testament of Levi 132
Enochic literature 134
11QMelchizedek 137
Conclusion 144
7 Jesus, Psalm 110 and the Gospel of Mark 147
Gospel of Mark 147
The kingdom of God is near 149
Jesus the priest 151
The temple narrative 161
The high priest on trial 163
Conclusion 166
8 Psalm 110 and the Christology of Hebrews 169
Hebrews 1: the enthronement of the Son of God 170
Hebrews 2: Adam’s dominion restored by a new and better Adam 179
Hebrews 3:1–6: the Davidic priest-king over God’s house 184
Hebrews 4:8 – 5:10: Joshua, Melchizedekian conquest and Christ our great high priest 186
Hebrews 6:13 – 7:28: the blessing of Abraham fulfilled in the Melchizedekian priest-king 191
Hebrews 8:1 – 10:18: a better priest inaugurates
a better covenant through a better sacrifice 196
Hebrews 12: the pioneer and perfecter of faith leads many sons and daughters to glory 201
9 Conclusion 205
Summary 205
Theological implications 208
Closing comments 212
Bibliography 214
Index of authors 235
Index of Scripture references 238
Index of ancient sources 248