THE PSALMS - Week 8

Higher or lower? Higher or lower?

I’m not bringing back ‘Play Your Cards Right’ – though maybe there should be a Brucie Bonus for anyone who has made it through our first 100 Psalms!

No, we’re talking about higher or lower ‘views’ of scripture. This is one way of describing our relationship with the Biblical texts, and it’s a language that engages with a whole spectrum of positions.

Broadly speaking, a high view of scripture is one which prioritises the divine inspiration of the Bible, it’s authority and, perhaps, the belief in an ‘inerrant’ Bible ( that the bible is without error – in matters of faith, history or science). A low view, then, might focus more on the roles humans played in putting together the biblical cannon, the importance of cultural context and the fallibility of scripture (that the bible can contain errors, but is often presenting moral truths rather than historical facts).

There is a wide range of ideas on this spectrum of biblical engagement, and people can slide up or down that spectrum throughout their lives. There is no right or wrong position to take, rather it just recognises the different roles that the Bible can play in the lives of Christians.

How we view the Bible, however, has a significant impact on how we interpret the scriptures. One such area of difference will probably be highlighted as I ask this question;

What do we make of the so-called ‘Messianic Psalms’?

You see, this collections of songs, poems and prayers was written by a number of writers anywhere between about 400 and 1000 years before the time of Jesus.

If we approach these texts with a higher view of scripture, one is more likely to accept that these Psalms, though written well before the time of Christ, are prophetic and speak specifically about Jesus, his character and what he will do.

Slightly below that viewpoint on the ‘higher/lower’ scale might be the view that these Psalms foreshadow Jesus. They are indications and prompts towards the Messiah more than direct allusions. Further still across that spectrum would be a position which holds that these Psalms were inspiring to those around the time of Jesus and they found depth in them as they applied them to their own experiences. Perhaps the end of the scale on this particular matter would be a view that these Psalms are simply not written with Jesus in mind, even if they are written about a Messiah. That Jesus comes as the Messiah years later is just the progression of history, but these Psalms were written for their own time and in the mindset of that time.

I wonder if any of those descriptions fit your own views reading these Psalms?

Rather than attempt to reconcile this chasm in theological views, or take a firm stand in one camp or other, I think we can all benefit from opening our minds a little bit to the perspectives of others. How can these Psalms speak to us in new and meaningful ways if we move from our default lens to that of the other?

Well, if you’re reading this on Friday, then tomorrow the daily readings include Psalm 110, which is full of Messianic language and imagery. If you’re not reading along, then have a read of just that Psalm anyways.

It is quoted a whopping thirteen times in the New Testament;

1.      Matthew 22:44 – Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 to question the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah.

2.      Mark 12:36 – Jesus again quotes Psalm 110:1 in a similar context as in Matthew.

3.      Luke 20:42-43 – Jesus uses Psalm 110:1 to address the scribes about the Messiah.

4.      Acts 2:34-35 – Peter cites Psalm 110:1 in his sermon at Pentecost to declare Jesus' exaltation and lordship.

5.      Hebrews 1:13 – The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 110:1 to highlight Jesus' superiority over angels.

6.      Hebrews 5:6 – Psalm 110:4 is cited to establish Jesus as a priest in the order of Melchizedek.

7.      Hebrews 7:17 – Psalm 110:4 is again referenced regarding Jesus' eternal priesthood.

8.      Hebrews 7:21 – Another citation of Psalm 110:4 to affirm the divine oath establishing Jesus' priesthood.

9.      1 Corinthians 15:25 – Paul alludes to Psalm 110:1 when discussing Jesus' reign until all enemies are subdued.

10.  Ephesians 1:20-22 – Paul echoes themes from Psalm 110:1 when speaking about Jesus being seated at God's right hand.

11.  Colossians 3:1 – Though not a direct quote, the idea of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God reflects Psalm 110:1.

12.  Hebrews 10:12-13 – Psalm 110:1 is referenced again regarding Jesus sitting at God's right hand after making a sacrifice for sins.

13.  Hebrews 12:2 – The imagery of Jesus at the right hand of God is evoked, reflecting Psalm 110:1

Now, that’s a lot of citations and in 8 different texts!

If you’ve got some extra time on your hands, why not compliment reading Psalm 110 by reading through each of those references and see what stands out about how this Psalm was used.

With regards to our high/low positions reading this, I’m going to leave you with some simple questions to consider as you read Psalm 110.

1) If you think that you have a higher view of scripture, what does this Psalm say when you exclude Jesus from your interpretation? Why do you think it could have been significant in it’s original context of a historic monarchy in Ancient Israel? What does it tell them (and us) about God?

2) If you think you have a lower view of scripture, what does it mean to you to incorporate some of these messages from this Psalm in your understanding of Jesus as Messiah? What can we learn about Jesus from the application of this Psalm throughout our New Testament texts?

3) If you’re not sure where you sit, what do you naturally think of when you read Psalm 110? How does it feel to you in comparison to the other Psalms you’ve read this week? Where does it feel similar to other Psalms and where is it unique?

These aren’t theological tools to assert ourselves in one position or other, but simply a way to engage in reading our bibles differently to how we might be used to.

When we recognise our own tendencies as we approach the Bible, we can learn ways to see things differently.

It might just be that in thinking about things in a different way, God might do something new in you!

Wouldn’t that be exciting?!