Psalm 110:4 – “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 110:4 is one of the most profound declarations in the entire psalm, and indeed, in the whole of Scripture. Here, God Himself makes an unbreakable promise. The phrase “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind” emphasizes the certainty and permanence of what follows. God declares that the person being addressed will be a “priest forever” in a special priestly order—that of Melchizedek.
This is a significant statement because, in ancient Israel, the roles of king and priest were typically separate. Kings came from the line of Judah, while priests came from the tribe of Levi. Yet, this verse speaks of someone who will uniquely combine both roles, holding an eternal priesthood like Melchizedek, a mysterious figure from the Old Testament who was both a king and a priest (Genesis 14:18-20).
Historical Context
Psalm 110 was written by King David, and it was a prophetic psalm looking forward to someone greater than himself. In the Old Testament, priests came from the tribe of Levi, specifically the descendants of Aaron. But Melchizedek, who appeared to Abraham long before the establishment of Israel’s priesthood, was an exception. He was both a king of Salem (which later became Jerusalem) and a priest of God Most High, but he was not from the line of Levi.
In David’s time, the idea of combining kingship and priesthood was unheard of. The fact that God swore an unchangeable oath about this unique priesthood indicated that He was establishing a new kind of order—one that would transcend the Levitical system and last forever.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 110:4 is pivotal because it introduces the concept of a priestly order that is eternal and not tied to the lineage of Levi. This verse is directly applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament, where He is recognized as the fulfillment of this prophecy (Hebrews 5:6, Hebrews 7:17). Jesus, as a priest in the order of Melchizedek, serves as both King and High Priest, offering not just temporary sacrifices but an eternal one through His own death on the cross.
This verse assures believers that Jesus’ priesthood is permanent, unchanging, and fully sufficient. Unlike the Levitical priests who had to continually offer sacrifices, Christ’s one-time sacrifice is enough for all time. This establishes a new covenant between God and humanity, one that is based on Jesus’ eternal priesthood.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 110:4 is a divine pronouncement. The language is strong and absolute: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind.” This highlights the unchangeable nature of God’s word and His commitment to fulfill His promises. The mention of Melchizedek is both mysterious and significant, as Melchizedek is a figure who appears briefly in Genesis but whose impact is far-reaching, symbolizing a timeless and unique priesthood.
The verse is structured to show both the authority of God’s declaration and the eternal nature of the priesthood being described. The use of “forever” emphasizes that this is not a temporary appointment but one that lasts into eternity.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 14:18-20 – Melchizedek, king of Salem, blesses Abraham and is described as a priest of God Most High.
- Hebrews 5:6 – The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 110:4 to show that Christ is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
- Hebrews 7:24-25 – Jesus, because He lives forever, has a permanent priesthood and is able to save completely those who come to God through Him.
- Hebrews 7:27 – Unlike other priests, Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices day after day; He sacrificed Himself once for all.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 110:4 is a source of deep comfort and assurance. It reveals that Jesus Christ is not just a historical figure but is actively serving as our High Priest right now. He intercedes for us, providing a way for us to approach God with confidence, knowing that our sins have been fully forgiven.
The idea that Jesus is a priest forever means that His work on our behalf is ongoing. He is always there to guide, comfort, and advocate for us. This eternal priesthood assures believers that they have a permanent relationship with God, secured through Christ’s sacrifice and His ongoing intercession.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love by showing that He is committed to providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. By appointing Jesus as a priest forever, God demonstrates His desire for a relationship with us that is not based on temporary sacrifices but on an everlasting foundation. God’s love is seen in His willingness to provide a perfect mediator who can bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Through Jesus, God invites us into a new kind of relationship where we are no longer bound by the old system of sacrifices but are instead invited into a life of grace and mercy.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Psalm 110:4 is directly connected to Jesus, as the New Testament writers frequently refer to it to explain Christ’s unique role. Jesus is not just a priest like those who came before Him but is a priest in the order of Melchizedek, meaning His priesthood is eternal and not limited by earthly regulations.
In Hebrews 7, the writer explains that Jesus’ priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood because it is based on an eternal life, not on human ancestry. Jesus, as the perfect High Priest, offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, a sacrifice that never needs to be repeated.
Because Jesus is a priest forever, we can have confidence that He is always present, interceding for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). His eternal priesthood assures us that our salvation is secure, not because of our own efforts but because of His unchanging role as our advocate.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the idea of Jesus being a “priest forever” bring you comfort in your daily life?
- What does it mean to you that God “swore and will not change His mind” regarding Jesus’ priesthood?
- How can you live with greater confidence knowing that Christ is interceding for you right now?
- In what ways does understanding Jesus as both King and Priest affect how you relate to Him?
- How can you rely on Jesus’ eternal priesthood when you face moments of doubt or fear?
Reflecting on Psalm 110:4, we are reminded that Jesus is not just a figure from the past but our eternal priest who continues to work on our behalf. He is both our King and our High Priest, forever uniting us to God through His perfect sacrifice. Let this truth encourage you to draw near to God with confidence, knowing that Christ’s love and intercession are unchanging and everlasting.