Epaggelia

v1, Christ sitting at the right hand of God, shows as much terror to his enemies as happiness to his people. The power of this victory will be the utter ruin of his enemies. We have here the Redeemer saving his friends, and comforting them. Matthew 22:44-46, 28:18. This verse brings this Psalm into the New Testament as the most quoted point from most of it’s authors, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul, Peter and the Hebrew writer, Mk. 12:36, Lk. 20:42, Ac. 2:34-35, 1st Cor. 15:25, Heb. 1:13 & 1st Peter 3:22. During the European Renaissance, this Psalm was quoted more often and better known than Psalm 23 is today. Do you know why?

v2, There is an allusion here to Aaron’s rod which budded and so proved his power; stored in the ark, but our Lord’s rod is sent forth to subdue his enemies. This promise began to be fulfilled at Pentecost, and it continues even to this day, and has a grander fulfillment, Revelation 6:2.

v3, This work of grace in our regeneration is described here, it is a spiritual resurrection. Even the image of our Lord, in the “dew of youth” is likened to our souls putting on the glorious righteousness of Christ. We stand fresh before the Lord and serve him. How ever new is holiness, how wonderfully strong also is the eternal youth of the spiritual  body of Christ! As the dew is new every morning, so is there constant growth to give to the church perpetual youthfulness, 2nd Corinthians 8:5.

v4, Melchizedek is an eternal glimpse through our history that shows Jesus is sworn in to be the priest of his people, and he indeed lives on, because his commission is sealed by the unchanging oath of the immutable Jehovah. If his priesthood could be revoked, and his authority removed, it would be the end of all hope for the people he loves, Gen. 14:18 & Heb. 7:11-24.

v5,  On the last day all the kingdoms of the earth shall be overcome by the kingdom of heaven, and those who dare oppose him will meet with overwhelming ruin. What are kings when they dare oppose the Son of God? A single stroke is enough for their destruction. The Judgment Day of our Lord will be only one single Day. No languishing war or series of battles, but in an instant!

v6, This doesn’t need to be understood literally, but as a poetical description of the overthrow of all rebellious powers and the defeat of all unholy principles. But if kings oppose the Lord with weapons of war, the result is their overwhelming defeat and the entire destruction of their forces, 2nd Thessalonians 2:8

v7,  “lifts up the head” refers to the renewed physical strength and emotional vigor, (Psa. 3:3) provided by refreshing water. Another example of a victorious warrior being energized by water in the aftermath of battle, see Judg.15:18-19. But this is prophetic of Christ after finishing the work of our salvation, drinks to his refreshment of the river of divine pleasure, when God showed him the path of life, and raised him from the dead, and gave him glory, and introduced him into his presence; worthy to reign in the Revelation and our fullness of joy, and pleasures for evermore are with Him in Heaven., Psalm 16:11 & Revelation 22:1-2.