The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology

The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical TheologyRelatively 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

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.

Publisher: IVP
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781789744149

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Matthew Emadi is the senior pastor of Crossroads Church in Sandy, Utah. He holds a PhD in biblical studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author of How Can I Serve My Church? in the 9Marks Church Questions series.

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‘This volume is not a retread of God’s Mediators, an earlier entry in this series, but something that dives into the the idea of priesthood at its loftiest heights in Melchizedek, the divinely intertwined ideas of king and priest, its standing with the Levitical priesthood, and all coalescing in Psalm 110. Pages 4-5 outline what Emadi is up to, so you shouldn’t go astray. It’s deep wading so read slowly. My only caveat is the sometimes overly academic language. There’s no need to hide treasure behind rocks. At times, I wonder if these authors are writing exclusively for Mr. D.A. Carson, the editor, or at least, only for colleagues. It’s us regular Jimmy and Joes who can most use a book like this to advantage. Still, the flow of argument is good and what is shared is golden. In the middle of the book there’s a full-blown exegesis of Psalm 110 (it’s needed), but then he goes back (after a side trip to the intertestamental period) to the big picture again with the New Testament. Jesus in Mark’s Gospel and the Book of Hebrews serves as the framework. As far as I’m concerned the NSBT series can keep entries like this one coming!’ Jimmy R. Reagan