Lesson 470 - Senior
Memory Verse
"Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee" (Psalm 2:7).
Cross References
I The Coming Messiah, His Deity and Universal Reign
1. The princes of earth conspire against the Lord's Anointed, [PS:2:1-3]; [ACT:4:25-27]; [1SM:16:13]; [MAT:3:16-17].
2. The Lord will overthrow rebels by His Anointed One, [PS:2:4-6]; [PS:37:12-13]; [PS:59:8]; [PRO:1:26]; [PS:132:11].
3. The office of the Anointed One is declared, [PS:2:7-9]; [PS:68:16-19]; [HEB:1:5]; [HEB:5:5]; [COL:1:16-17]; [REV:2:27]; [REV:12:5]; [REV:19:15].
4. Solemn warning is given to rulers and people, [PS:2:10-12]; [PS:89:7]; [PS:35:10]; [PS:34:8]; [PS:40:4].
II Christ's Sufferings Foretold
1. Christ suffers on the cross, [PS:22:1]; [PS:69:21]; [MAT:27:46], [MAT:27:34], [MAT:27:48]; [MAK:15:34], [MAK:15:36]; [ISA:53:4-5].
2. His clothing is divided, [PS:22:18]: [JHN:19:23-24]
III The Marriage of the King and His Royal Bride
1. The beauty of the King and His glory are described, [PS:45:1-8]; [PRO:8:6-9]; [SON:5:10-16]; [LUK:4:22]; [ISA:63:1-6]; [HEB:1:8-9]; [EPH:5:23-25]
2. The Bride and her companions are arrayed for the Bridegroom, [PS:45:9-15]; [SON:1:3];[SON:1:4]; [2CO:11:2]; [MAT:22:11-12]; [ISA:35:10]; [REV:19:7]; [REV:21:9].
3. The King prospers, [PS:45:16-17]; [ISA:53:10-11]; [ISA:61:9].
IV The Kingdom, Priesthood and Triumphs of the Messiah
1. Christ's enemies will be overthrown, [PS:110:1-3]; [MAT:22:41-45]; [MAT:28:18-20]; [PS:96:9].
2. He will be a Priest and will triumph over all, [PS:110:4-7]; [GEN:14:18]; [HEB:5:6]; [HEB:6:20]; [HEB:7:1-10], [HEB:7:17-21]; [PS:21:8-9]; [REV:6:15-17]; [ISA:11:3-4]; [PS:27:6].
3. Jesus Christ is the Chief Corner Stone, [PS:118:21-24]; [MAT:21:42]; [ACT:4:11]; [1PE:2:4], [1PE:2:7].
Notes
The second Psalm is Messianic and also prophetic. Many Psalms, written a thousand years before Christ came, have prophecies in them that can point to none other than Christ. It is clear, though some references include King David, his family and their reign, that only Christ is able to fulfil God's promise to David of an Eternal Throne. (See [2SM:7:1-29].)
Raging Heathen
The raging of the heathen refers to the conspiracy of Jews and Gentiles against Christ. It had a partial fulfilment in the first advent of Christ [ACT:4:25]). The completion of the prophecy will follow at the second-advent when the kings of the earth will set themselves against Jehovah and His Christ under the Antichrist. Divine judgment will fall on their counsel and conspiracy against God and His Son. "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." Oh, the terror when the Lord laughs in derision and mocks at the calamity of those who have "set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof" [PRO:1:25-26])! God's purpose to establish His Son as King in the earth at Jerusalem cannot be altered by men or devils.
Sonship of Christ
The Psalmist declares the Sonship of Christ: "Thou art my Son," not by adoption but by being the "only begotten of the Father." The Kingdom of Christ will include the Gentile and heathen nations and all that have not yet submitted to Christ. His rule with a rod of iron and righteous judgment will subdue all opposition. Kings and judges are warned to prepare for the advent of this Kingdom. Be wise now, serve the Lord with fear. Rejoice in reverence and submission or suffer the consequences of His wrath upon those who resist the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ [2TS:1:8]). A blessing is pronounced on all who put their trust in Him. This trust used here is applied in the Old Testament to the saving faith in God. Note the last three verses of the Psalm answer to the first three. The rebellion against the Lord's anointed finds its answer in the admonition to kiss the Son and serve the Lord.
Sufferings of Christ
As we read the first verse of the 22nd Psalm, we realise the unerring accuracy of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures. Here are the very words of Christ on the cross. These prophetic utterances in regard to Christ's first coming were so precisely fulfilled that it inspires faith in the hearts of the believers to know that the prophecies concerning His second coming will also be fulfilled in minute detail. The words from this Psalm of the Cross mark the deepest soul suffering of Christ in His vicarious sacrifice. They also indicate the unalterable fact that God cannot countenance sin, even when Christ, the "only begotten Son" was made "to be sin for us." God withheld His power to deliver Christ from the cross that His divine plan for salvation might be accomplished. In God's plan, His Lamb had been "slain from the foundation of the world" [REV:13:8]). Christ willingly took His place in God's plan. He could have avoided this agony, but His prayer stood. "Nevertheless not my will but shine, be done" [LUK:22:42]). The fulfilment of the 18th verse of the 22d Psalm is carefully documented in [JHN:19:23-24]. [PS:69:21] we find fulfilled in [MAT:27:34], [MAT:27:48].
A Song of the Messiah
The 45th Psalm is opened by a heart overflowing and bubbling up with joy. The Psalmist extols the King for His beauty, grace, and His conquests. From the King in war, the Psalmist now turns to the King in peace. The righteousness of His government is described as a right sceptre. The perpetual Kingdom of the Messiah is described by "Thy throne . . . is for ever and ever." The perfect government is shown by "Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness." This is a pledge that sin will be punished and obedience rewarded. In referring to "God, thy God," he makes a distinct personality of this King from God Himself. The oil of gladness is a token of joy and reward for a righteous administration. The King has been praised as a man, a warrior and ruler.
The Royal Wedding
Now He is described as the Bridegroom. His garments are described as being heavy with the aromatics of the Orientals that were used on festive occasions. Ivory palaces were often inlaid with ivory and contained ivory furniture. The nobility of the attendants on this occasion are indicated by king's daughters. Upon the right hand stood the queen, or the King's Bride, in the place of honour and participation in power. The adornment was the gold of Ophir, the purest known in that day, or, in the spiritual sense, the purest adorning obtainable, "fine linen, clean and white" [REV:19:7-9]), which is the righteousness of the saints. The advice to hearken, or listen carefully, given here is just as applicable today to those bidden to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. "Forget also shine own people, and thy father's house." Christ's Church, or the "called out" from the world, are exhorted to forsake people, kindred, even all for Christ. The King does desire the spiritual beauty of His Bride and she in turn worships Him. Her purity and beauty, as well as that of her attendants, will rejoice the heart of the King. The Psalm closes with the statement that the name of the King will be remembered in all generations.
His Kingdom
In the 110th Psalm, the opening words speak of the saying of the Lord to the Messiah. This is the usual announcement of an oracle, "Jehovah said" or "thus saith the Lord," and is addressed to David's Lord, or Christ. The command to "sit thou at my right hand" indicates the authority and place of power reserved for Christ. From the time that Satan tried to usurp power in Heaven until he is cast into the lake of fire [REV:20:10]), he has tried to undermine, hinder and destroy God's plan of salvation for lost mankind. He started his work on man in the Garden of Eden and has been untiringly pursuing his purpose to destroy the souls of men in every way possible. He stirred every conceivable hindrance for God's people from the time of Moses right on down to the advent of Jesus on earth. Then he assaulted our Saviour in the day of His temptation, trying to get Christ's obedience and submission to his insidious suggestions. Christ triumphed over him by submitting His will to the will of His Father in Heaven. Satan and his emissaries, through dominion of world governments, false religions, and every form of subtility has exercised his power as the prince of the power of the air.
This Psalm brings the lively hope and assurance that Christ will come forth as the victor over every power of sin and darkness. Jehovah is pledged to see the Messiah established on His Throne in spite of all enemies and hindrances. When the Father rises to shake terribly the earth, all opposition and enemies will not only be conquered, but completely subjugated. All resistance will be abolished by the rod of strength that comes out of Zion. Christ's Kingdom now represented by the Church, has been faced with much opposition, but the Messianic dominion will be complete. "Thy people shall be willing" indicates the abundant willingness of Christ's elect to become freewill offerings, spontaneously offering themselves for His service, in His day of power. "In the beauties of holiness" has to do with the adorning and appearance of Christ's army, honour and excellence. In the spiritual sense, His people are a nation of kings and priests, attending their King, clothed in those eminent graces, which the beautiful vestments of the Aaronic priests typified. The Messiah, leading His people, is represented as continually in the vigour of youth, refreshed and strengthened by the early dew of God's grace and Spirit.
His Priesthood
The Lord's plan for Christ is unalterable, unchanging, over all opposition. "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." Our first view of this King of Righteousness is in [GEN:14:18]. He was "king of Salem" and "priest of the most high God." His priesthood was greater than that of Aaron, for Abraham paid tithes unto him [HEB:7:1-28]). Christ is today our High Priest, sitting on His Mediatorial Throne. The dominion of Christ during the Millennium will not merely be over individuals, as such, but over all offices and ranks of earthly power, so that wherever power centres, there the dominion of Christ must be acknowledged. If resistance is shown and submission refused, the rod of judgment will "strike through" them. Christ is not only Mediator, but Judge. His Gospel is not only a word of mercy; if refused it becomes a rule of judgment. Many today would picture only the mercy of Christ, but mercy refused brings about the righteous judgment, which is the only alternative. The reason heads over many countries will be wounded is that they failed to submit to His righteous rule. All oppression and power of the Antichrist will be put down and justice will prevail. The drink from the brook is figurative of refreshment after exhaustion from the battle as He brings forth judgment unto victory.
The Corner Stone
Psalm 118:21-24 speaks of "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." Sinful man's judgment in things pertaining to God has never been correct. Man has a way that seemeth right, "but the end thereof are the ways of death" [PRO:14:12]). The very foundation of the Apostles and prophets was ``Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" [EPH:2:20]) Peter, preaching to the rulers as recorded in [ACT:4:12], said, "For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved"" Yet the Jews, claiming to be defenders of Moses' Law, hanged Him on the cross. The Lord's doing is marvellous in our eyes, in exalting Christ, crucified as an impostor, rejected of men, to be the Prince and Saviour and Head of His Church.
David's Covenant
Psalm 132:11, referring to God's covenant with David to put his seed upon the throne of Israel, was fulfilled in Solomon, but it was a much longer range plan than just Solomon, for it included the "Lord of Glory," the Redeemer and Messiah who should come to save His people from their sins. It went on beyond the redemption plan to the time when Christ will be King of kings and Lord of lords. This will be the fulfilment of [2SM:7:16], "Thy throne shall be established for ever." We may be a part of that Kingdom by submission to Christ and obedience to His will and Word.
Questions
1. Against whom do the heathen rage?
2. At what will He that sitteth in the heavens laugh?
3. Who will wield the rod of iron?
4. What is meant by "Kiss the Son"?
5. Who is the King in [PS:45:1]?
6. Who is the queen in [PS:45:9]?
7. Who was Melchizedek?
8. Who was the stone, which the builders refused?
9. Was the promise to David, "Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne" fulfilled in Solomon? Why?