Week 20: The Anointed King: Christ Revealed in Psalm 2 and Psalm 110
Discovering the Victory and Reign of the Messiah in the Messianic Psalms
Theme: Psalm 2 and Psalm 110 draw back the veil of time and prophecy to reveal the enthronement of God's chosen King—one who stands above every earthly ruler and cosmic power. These psalms offer a profound vision of divine sovereignty, righteous judgment, and eternal priesthood. In them, we meet the triumphant Messiah, the one in whom all rebellion is silenced and all hope is fulfilled.
Understand how Psalm 2 and Psalm 110 unveil God's plan to establish His anointed King over all nations.
Reflect on the prophetic nature of these psalms as fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Explore how the reign of the Messiah secures victory over both spiritual rebellion and earthly opposition.
Scripture Focus:
Introduction
Introduction
The Book of Psalms is more than a poetic anthology—it is a prophetic canvas upon which God's redemptive purposes are painted. Psalm 2 and Psalm 110 are two of the most striking messianic psalms. They don't merely predict future events; they declare eternal truths about God's plan to enthrone His chosen King—Jesus Christ—over every nation, power, and principality. These psalms are a call to recognize divine authority and take refuge in God's appointed ruler.
The Rebellion of Nations (Psalm 2:1-3)
From the earliest days, humanity has resisted divine rule. Psalm 2 opens with a lament over this rebellion: "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?" (Psalm 2:1). The kings of the earth unite not against each other but against the Lord and His anointed. This is not only a historical pattern but a spiritual reality—a mirror of humanity's inclination to cast off divine restraints and assert autonomy.
God’s Response to Rebellion (Psalm 2:4-9)
God's reaction to this defiance is not fear or anxiety but laughter. He is enthroned in heaven, unshaken and sovereign. His decree is final: "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy mountain" (Psalm 2:6). The anointed One is declared the Son, heir to the nations, who will rule with unyielding justice. This finds ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, whose resurrection and ascension confirm His divine appointment as King of kings.
The Call to Submission (Psalm 2:10-12)
There is an urgent plea to earthly rulers: "Serve the Lord with fear... Kiss the Son" (Psalm 2:11-12). Submission is not weakness but wisdom, for blessing and refuge belong to those who bow before the Son. Today, this call remains relevant. In a world increasingly hostile to divine authority, the call is to embrace Christ's lordship as the path to true peace.
The Victory of the Messiah (Psalm 110)
Psalm 110 reveals the enthroned Messiah in glorious authority: "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool'" (Psalm 110:1). Jesus quoted this verse to declare His identity as both David's Lord and God's Son. The imagery of ruling in the midst of enemies, combined with His eternal priesthood "in the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4), portrays Christ as both sovereign King and intercessory Priest.
God’s Sovereignty and the Messiah’s Reign
Christ's victory transcends earthly conflict. His reign subdues not only political systems but the unseen realm of spiritual rebellion. The resurrection was not merely a miracle but a conquest over sin, death, and Satan. The Messiah rules eternally, offering not only justice but also mediation and peace for all who believe. In Him, divine sovereignty and compassionate priesthood meet.
Relational Christianity and Identity in Christ
Christ's reign makes us more than recipients of grace—it makes us co-heirs of glory. Our identity is fused with the victorious Son, not defined by worldly systems but by union with the eternal King Romans 8:17.
Apologetics and the Defense of Faith
The enthronement of Christ is not symbolic mythology but historical and supernatural reality. The empty tomb, the ascension, and His current reign affirm that faith in Jesus is rooted in both reason and revelation Acts 2:32-36.
Humanity's Cosmic Role and Redemption
Christ's victory reclaims humanity's original mandate—to rule with righteousness under divine authority. We are ambassadors of reconciliation, extending His triumph into every realm 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Biblical Theology and the Supernatural Worldview
Psalm 110 unveils a universe charged with spiritual conflict and divine intervention. Jesus as Priest-King fulfills the ancient tension between governance and grace, subduing spiritual rebellion while interceding on behalf of the redeemed Hebrews 7:24-25.
Exploring Key Themes
Messianic Prophecy and Fulfillment: Psalm 2 and 110 are not isolated predictions but threads woven into the tapestry of redemptive history. Jesus is the fulfillment of these divine declarations.
Divine Authority Over Rebellion: Human and spiritual defiance cannot overthrow God's plan. The enthroned Messiah is unshakable.
Christ's Dual Role: As King, Jesus exercises divine justice; as Priest, He offers eternal intercession. This duality brings both reverence and relationship.
The Urgency of Submission: The call to "kiss the Son" is a timeless invitation to surrender, trust, and align one’s life with the reign of Christ.
Hope in the King’s Reign: The victory of Jesus offers assurance, peace, and an eternal refuge for all who believe.
Reflection and Response
How do these psalms reshape your understanding of Christ's authority?
In what areas of life do you still resist the reign of Jesus?
What comfort do you find in knowing Christ rules even in the midst of His enemies?
How does Christ’s priestly intercession impact your prayer life and relationship with God?
Additional Resources
Song: Andrew Peterson - Is He Worthy? – A worshipful meditation on divine empowerment.
Recommended Reading: Darby’s Bible Synopsis Psalms 2, & Psalms 110
Key Takeaways
Psalm 2 and 110 proclaim the authority and eternal reign of God's anointed King, Jesus Christ.
Human rebellion is met with divine sovereignty, not compromise.
Christ reigns as both King and Priest, ensuring justice and offering mercy.
Submission to His rule is the pathway to refuge, peace, and eternal blessing.
Bread and Life Wrap Up
In these psalms, we encounter the crown of eternity: not a mere symbol, but the very throne of heaven revealed. The Messiah stands not as a distant figure but as the living heartbeat of God's redemptive power.
Every word of these ancient songs pulses with divine authority. The nations rage like waves against stone, but the Anointed One remains unmoved. In their rebellion, they find only the laughter of heaven.
This is no ordinary kingship. This King-Priest walks where no earthly ruler can tread—between justice and mercy, between judgment and grace. His scepter strikes and His hand heals.
And we, the redeemed, stand not as distant subjects but as children of this royal priesthood. Our refuge is not temporary shelter but eternal citizenship in an unshakable kingdom. All rebellion will bow, all justice will be served, and all who have kissed the Son will find that their blessing was only the beginning.