War came to the land in the days of Abram and Lot when five subject kings rebelled against Chedorlaomer, or Kedorlaomer and Lot was captured (Genesis 13:5–14:24). Abraham rallied his men, attacked at night, conquered the enemy, and rescued Lot. In this painting, he is sharing the spoils of battle with Melchizedek, king of Salem.

This short psalm is cited, or is referred to in several important New Testament passages concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. We find verse one in Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42-43, and Acts 2:34-35, and Hebrews 10:13. Verse 4 (the Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”) is cited in Hebrews 7:17-21 and Hebrews 5:6. In Genesis 14:17-18, we learn that Melchizedek was “priest of God Most High,” though he was not even a Jew.

In the gospels, Jesus draws attention to the fact that David called the king “my Lord,” meaning that the king (the Messiah) was greater than David.  Verses 2-7 look to the Davidic king’s rule over God’s people, even when threatened by hostile powers (rule in the midst of your enemies). The people of God will offer themselves freely on the day of your power – as in on the day God exerts his power to bring the Gentiles into the fold (verse 7).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.