The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology (New Studies in Biblical Theology), Matthew Emadi. Apollos/IVP Academic (9781514007396) 2022 (Apollos [UK] website).

Summary: A study of the theme of the priest king of Psalm 110, tracing this idea from Genesis through the New Testament.

Do you know the most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament? It is Psalm 110:1:

“The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’ ” (NIV)

In this Psalm, David describes a figure who is at once a royal king and a priest. He likens him to the “order of Melchizedek.” In Genesis 14, Melchizedek, the King of Salem who is also a priest of “God Most High,” meets Abraham after the rescue of Lot and the people of Sodom. This king-priest brings bread and wine and blesses Abraham, who in turn offers a tenth of the battle spoils to Melchizedek. Despite seeming an important figure, Melchizedek is not mentioned again except for Psalm 110:4 and several times in the book of Hebrews.

The union of a priest and king in one person seems an anomaly, particularly in light of the Aaronic priesthood. Matthew Emadi traces the theme of the royal priest throughout the scripture, with Psalm 110 as a lens. Throughout, he traces how the royal priest figure serves as a mediator of God’s covenantal relationship with his people.

He begins with Adam, God’s vicegerent on earth and priest of his royal temple in Eden. Emadi then shows how the figure of priest king is developed in Noah, Abraham and Melchizedek. He explains how Israel is a “royal priesthood” and “holy nation,” represented in the Aaronic priesthood.

Then Emadi focuses on Psalm 110. As David grapples with the implications of God’s promises, he turns back to Genesis 14. Only a greater son who is a royal priest like Melchizedek can bless the nations. Only such a figure can fulfill this promise to Abraham. Emadi unpacks all this in a chapter exegeting Psalm 110.

Before turning to the New Testament references to Psalm 110, he considers how Psalm 110 influenced intertestamental writing. On one hand, the Psalm is never quoted. But he shows a number of passages in which messianic hopes reflect kingly and priestly elements. 11QMelchizedek is most significant in its description of a king-priest, Melchizedek “who rules the nations, conquers satanic forces of evil and provides atonement for the sins of his people.”

Turning to the New Testament, Emadi first considers the two references to Psalm 110 in Mark. The first (12:36) is in the temple, the second (14:62) at the trial of Jesus, both self-referential. Emadi outlines Jesus’ priestly ministry in Mark while proclaiming the kingdom. These elements converge on the cross as he “ushers in the kingdom through his covenant sacrifice.”

Finally, Hebrews reveals Jesus as the superior royal priest after the order of Melchizedek. He mediates a superior covenant through a superior sacrifice. And he rules at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Emadi concludes this study by outlining the eschatological, ecclesiological, and apologetic implications of this biblical theme. He questions the idea of a thousand year earthly reign of Jesus in the millennium as a step backwards from his heavenly royal session. He explores how the church mediates the royal priestly authority of Jesus in the world through gospel proclamation and the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s table. Finally, he shows the apologetic relevance of Christ’s royal priesthood in the Latter Day Saints context in which he works in Utah, where priesthood and temple are important elements.

Matthew Emadi offers a rich study of an important biblical theme. He starts with the puzzle of how one person could unite the roles of king and priest. Then he discusses how this is God’s intent throughout scripture. Royal priesthood is evident in the mediating of every covenant. It culminates in Jesus, the royal priest, a superior fulfilment of all that was anticipated from Adam to David. In so doing, he demonstrates once again how it is one great story that unfolds in the many stories of scripture.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.