What Is The Messianic Psalm?

Understanding the Messianic Psalms: Songs of the Coming King

The Book of Psalms is a treasured collection of songs, prayers, and poetry, expressing the full range of human emotion. Among its 150 chapters, certain psalms stand out for their prophetic focus on the Messiah—God’s promised Savior and King. These are known as the "Messianic Psalms." But what exactly are they? How do we recognize them, and why are they significant for followers of Jesus Christ today?

What Are Messianic Psalms?

Messianic Psalms are specific psalms that either directly prophesy or typologically foreshadow the person and work of the Messiah. They contain references to the coming Anointed One, who Christians believe is Jesus Christ. These psalms were written centuries before Jesus’ birth, yet they contain remarkable details about His life, suffering, kingship, and ultimate victory.

While all Scripture ultimately points to Christ (Luke 24:27 ASV), Messianic Psalms are notable for their explicit or implicit references to the Messiah. Jesus Himself confirmed their messianic nature:

And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me. - Luke 24:44 ASV

Types of Messianic Psalms

Scholars generally identify two main ways psalms can be messianic:

Direct Messianic Prophecy: These psalms speak explicitly about the Messiah, often in first-person language as though the Messiah Himself is speaking.
Typological or Indirect Messianic Reference: Here, the psalm describes the experiences of David or another figure, yet these experiences prefigure or typify the life and ministry of Jesus.

Key Examples of Messianic Psalms

Psalm 2 – The Reign of God's Anointed

Psalm 2 speaks of God’s “Anointed” (Messiah) who will rule the nations:

I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee. - Psalm 2:7 ASV

The New Testament applies this directly to Jesus (Acts 13:33 ASV). This psalm highlights the Messiah’s divine sonship and authority over all rulers.

Psalm 22 – The Suffering Messiah

This psalm vividly describes the suffering of one who is mocked, pierced, and surrounded by enemies:

They part my garments among them, And upon my vesture do they cast lots. - Psalm 22:18 ASV

Jesus cited the opening line of this psalm on the cross (Matthew 27:46 ASV), and the details are fulfilled in His crucifixion (John 19:24 ASV).

Psalm 110 – The Priestly King

Psalm 110 presents the Messiah as both King and Eternal Priest:

Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. - Psalm 110:1 ASV

Jesus quoted this verse to point to His own identity (Matthew 22:44 ASV), and the book of Hebrews explains its fulfillment in Christ’s eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7:17 ASV).

Other Notable Messianic Psalms

Psalm 16 – The resurrection (Acts 2:27 ASV)
Psalm 45 – The divine and eternal King (Hebrews 1:8 ASV)
Psalm 69 – The suffering and zeal of the Messiah (John 2:17 ASV)
Psalm 118 – The rejected stone (Matthew 21:42 ASV)

Why Do Messianic Psalms Matter?

Messianic Psalms remind us of God’s sovereign plan throughout history. They provide powerful evidence for the divine inspiration of Scripture, as prophecies written a thousand years before Jesus were precisely fulfilled in His life. Most importantly, they enrich our understanding of Jesus Christ—His identity, His mission, His suffering, and His glory.

For believers, these psalms encourage faith in Christ as the fulfillment of all God’s promises:

For how many soever be the promises of God, in him is the yea: wherefore also through him is the Amen, unto the glory of God through us. - 2 Corinthians 1:20 ASV

Multiple Viewpoints: Typology and Prophecy

Some interpreters see certain messianic psalms as typological—David’s experiences prefigure Christ’s ultimate fulfillment. Others see direct prophecy. Both approaches are found among respected Bible teachers, but the New Testament’s use of these psalms clearly affirms their messianic significance.

Conclusion: Christ at the Center

The Messianic Psalms point us to Jesus—the promised Savior, King, and Priest. They invite us to worship Him, trust in Him, and marvel at God’s faithfulness across the centuries.

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