Messianic Psalms

Psalm 2

This psalm is not ascribed to David in its title, but by Peter in Acts 4:25-26. It is the first of the Messianic psalms and speaks of the opposition by both Gentiles (the heathen) and Jews (the people) to Christ, his victory, a call for all to accept Him and a warning to those who will not.

Psalm 16

A Psalm of David The hope of the saints and the Messiah’s victory It is thought that David is likely to be hiding from Saul when he cries out for his preservation. He declares his trust in God, expresses his abhorrence of idolatry and his confidence in the saints’ hope of inheritance. Then follows a remarkable prophecy of the resurrection of Christ.

Psalm 22

A Psalm of David Suffering and salvation; Christ on the cross This is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament. It is a prayer to God at a time when David is under great distress. As a summary, it is not so much David’s prayer and circumstance that is of primary interest, but the fact that it is clearly a prophetic (Messianic) psalm as can be seen in the following verses: 1 My God, myGod, why hast thou forsaken me? ….. are the words cried out by Jesus on the cross. 7-8 descrive the abuse Jesus received whilst hanging on the cross. 14-16 describe the agony on the cross. 18 describes the dividing of, and casting lots for, Jesus’ garments. 20-21 speak of Jesus’ deliverance

Psalm 40

A Psalm of David Perseverance and faith David speaks of God delivering him from distress following a period of perseverance: patience and trust. He writes in the Spirit in verses 6 to 8, speaking of the redemptive work of Christ. David prays for God’s mercy and deliverance from evils, for himself and all who seek Him. (Verses 13 to 17 are repeated in Psalm 70)

Psalm 45

For the sons of Korah The Messiah and His bride T his psalm speaks of Christ the bridegroom: vs 1-9    His glory and majesty vs 10-11 the royal bride which is the church vs 12-15 presented to the groom vs 16-17 and her numerous descendants

Psalm 68

A Psalm of David The triumphant rule of Israel’s God; Christ’s ascension David opens this psalm with a prayer against his enemies and for his people. He urges them to praise God for His greatness and compassion. His words remind them of God’s presence during the exodus when He gave them the law, refreshed them when they were weary and gave them victory over their enemies. David lapses into prophecy and speaks of Christ’s ascension, of salvation, the victory He would have over His enemies and of the enlargement of the church by the inclusion of the Gentiles. The psalm concludes with an invitation to all to sing God’s praises and acknowledge His greatness.

Psalm 69

A Psalm of David When overwhelmed by afflictions After Psalm 22, this is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament. In the first 20 verses David speaks of the dire straights he finds himself in; his circumstances seem overwhelming and he is having to wait on God’s mercy. His problems include his enemies, the shame of his own sins that might cause others to stumble, his estrangement from his brethren and his recognition that hatred for him can be a reflection of people’s hatred for God. He cries out to God for mercy and deliverance; his heart is broken. In verses 20 to 28 David’s words become prophetic of: Jesus’ loneliness in those last days, His crucifixion, the resultant suffering of the Jews, the destruction of the temple and the blotting out of the ‘book of the living’ of those that deny Him. David promises to continue to praise God with songs and thanksgiving, then speaks of the future restoration of the Jews and inclusion of the Gentiles.

Psalm 72

A Psalm of Solomon   or   A Psalm for Solomon. There is mixed opinion concerning the authorship. Some commentators, past and present, say this is David’s last psalm written for his son Solomon, the first and last verses supporting this, as does the inclusion of prophecy. David prays for Solomon in verses 1 and 2, then from verse 3 his words prophesy the kingdom reign of Jesus Christ. His reign will be righteous and all will revere Him throughout the generations; it will be refreshing for the righteous, they will flourish and there will be an abundance of peace; his dominion will be over the whole earth; the poor and needy will be taken care of; there will be an abundance of provisions; His name will endure forever, all will be blessed in Him and all will call Him blessed. The whole earth will be filled with His glory. This psalm ends with the statement that the prayers of David are now ended, indicating this was the last psalm he wrote, although there are some of his previous writings recorded later in the Book of Psalms.

Psalm 110

A psalm of David This psalm is Messianic in that it speaks solely of Christ and nothing else, particularly prophesying His kingly and priestly office, and His triumph over His enemies.

Psalm 132

There is disagreement on the authorship of this psalm; some say David, some Solomon and others that the author is unknown. Likewise, it’s classification of Messianic is not heartily supported. It is based on verse 17a which says There will I make the horn of David to bud: i.e. The Messiah will come from the line of David. This psalm is in two parts. The first, verses 1-9, speak of David’s zeal in bringing the ark to a permanent resting place; The second reflects on God’s promises to David and his line, His choice of Zion for a permanent resting place and His promises to the people.