Psalm 109 commentary by Dr Noel Donnelly
1st setting: Psalm 109: words (c) The Grail, England; music (c) Gerry Fitzpatrick; recorded by Grace Buckley
2nd setting: Psalm 109: words (c) The Grail, England; music Martin Morran (c) Kevin Mayhew
recording by Grace Buckley
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109 Psalm 109 (110) Commentary.
It is no secret that in our modern states there can be a tension between political and ecclesiastical power, between church and state. The Iraq War and Trident refurbishment come to mind. Psalm 109 hints that when it comes to civil and religious power struggles then there’s nothing new under the sun!
This psalm may have been used for the consecration of David as both King and Priest of God’s people. Whatever its original setting it does give the ideal picture of someone ruling in the way God would rule.
The speaker acts with the authority of a prophet, speaking in God’s name. He gives King David two messages from God.
The first message is that David is commissioned to sit at God’s right hand: a mark of extreme honour. But there is more than honour here: the king is to rule the way God wants. Political power is delegated power. He cannot rule the way he wants. God will support him as a son and, and, with graphic language, will make his enemies his footstool, just as Joshua before him put his foot on the neck of the rulers he had conquered.
The second message or oracle is that David will be a priest. Though not born of any priestly family he is appointed a priest in the way Melchizedek was. He was a pagan ruler, without any known priestly lineage, but who nevertheless was in fact both ancient king of Salem or Jerusalem and also a priest. He was the person who made a priestly offering to Abraham of bread and wine. Also, his name “Mechizedek” means “king of justice” so this consecration oracle means King David too must rule with justice. Perhaps in David’s time there were tensions between priestly and political powers, so David is appointed in charge of all areas but always as God’s delegate.
The New Testament of course sees this Psalm’s picture of the ideal messiah and high priest fulfilled in Jesus, God’s Son, who offered himself as the sacrificial victim and presented his kingdom of justice for all to continue in his name.
Our call to kingdom values continues today. Justice in the state, yes! But also justice in and through our churches!
