There are times when our Bible study simply needs to point us to the Messiah. In many ways Jesus can be seen in every book of the Bible. But studies often focus on topics like prayer, faith or the fruit of the Spirit and it is easy to not look for the Messiah. Together, twenty-five different Psalms – one out of every six – include at least one Messianic prophecy. Messianic psalms are quoted in eleven New Testament books, especially in the Gospels and the book of Acts. About ten psalms are known as Royal Psalms, looking to the king and his kingdom. Theologians find between seventy and a hundred references to the Messiah in the Psalms which are fulfilled in the New Testament.
The Royal Psalms deal with Israel’s king as God’s anointed or chosen leader. While these psalms find immediate fulfillment in the kings of Israel, the psalms are often prophetic in nature and they also point to an ideal King in the future who will reign as both King of kings and Lord of lords.
Our study begins with a brief overview of the second Psalm. Of the twenty-some Messianic psalms, Psalm 2 is quoted seven times in the New Testament. There is no inscription in the Old Testament about its author, but when Peter quotes from it (Acts 4:25-27) he credits the psalm as being one of David’s. This psalm is considered the first of the Messianic psalms.
Following a lesson in Psalm 2, the study will pursue Psalm 93 through Psalm 99 in the remaining nine lessons. These psalms are considered the Royal Psalms. Many are prayers or songs for the wisdom of the king. Other verses petition for the long life of the king or his success in battle. The psalmists wrote about actual kings, but the New Testament writers help us understand these words actually gazed forward to the days of the coming Messiah.
The links below take you to the webpage of the lesson, to the weekly handouts, and to pages focused on Mediterranean Moments. Click on the picture under the lesson title to be taken to the lesson’s webpage. Some exciting news is coming as our study moves into its final month.
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