The book of Psalms is a collection of prayers, hymns, and poems found in the Hebrew Bible. It is the most beloved and frequently read book in the Bible and has been a source of inspiration and comfort for countless people throughout history.
But did you know that the Book of Psalms also points to Jesus Christ in a number of ways? Here are just a few examples:
Examples of Psalms that point to Jesus
Psalm 22: Describes the suffering and crucifixion of Christ
Psalm 22 is a powerful prophecy of the sufferings of Christ on the cross. It describes in vivid detail the physical and emotional agony that Jesus endured, as well as the taunts and ridicule of the crowds. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus cries out on the cross, quoting directly from Psalm 22:1.
Psalms 22:16 describe His mocking on the cross. “For dogs (referring to foreigners- roman soldiers) encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet (detailing the crucifixion)— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots (Matt 27:35, Mark 15:24, John 19:24).”
Related: How do I overcome my sinful desires?
Psalm 2: Describes the Millennium reign of Christ.
Psalm 2 speaks of a coming king who will be given authority and rule over all the earth. This is a clear reference to Jesus, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. This psalm also describes the millennium reign when Jesus will rule as King from Jerusalem. This time He shall come as a political leader to rule the earth.
Psalms 2:7-8 prophecies the resurrection of Christ and His salvation (as He is the firstborn of all brethren [Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15-16])
Psalm 16: Describes the resurrection of Christ
Psalm 16:10 speaks of a righteous man (Christ) who will not experience corruption after death. “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption”. Apostle Peter cited this passage in his sermon on the day of Pentecost when he declares that Jesus was resurrected and did not see corruption (Acts 2:24-31).
Psalm 110: Describes the priestly office of Christ
Psalm 110:4 describes Jesus Christ as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. This is a clear reference to Jesus, who is both our high priest and our king (Hebrews 4:14-15). Psalm 110:5-7 details Christ’s trump over the enemies of Israel in the final battle of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38).
Psalm 45: Describes the righteousness of Christ as King
Psalm 45:6-7 describe Jesus as a righteous King. “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions”. This passage is also a prophecy of the majesty and splendor of Jesus, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Psalm 69: Describes the rebellion Jesus faced from religious men
Psalm 69 gives a detailed prophesy of a righteous man who is hated and rejected by His own, yet bears our sins and suffers on our behalf. “For they persecute him whom you have struck down,
and they recount the pain of those you have wounded” (Psalm 69;19-26). Jesus was resisted by religious men of His time.
Psalm 69:9 also describes Christ’s zeal for the house of God. “For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.”
Psalm 118: Jesus as the cornerstone
Psalm 118 describes a stone that the builders (religious people) rejected, yet it become the cornerstone. Jesus quoted this scripture when he told the Pharisees that He was the stone that the builders rejected (Matthew 21:43).
“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” (Matthew 21:43 ESV)
Psalm 68:18: Describes the resurrection of Christ
Psalm 68:18 describes how Jesus descended to hell, His resurrection, and how He led the captive (referring to the death in Christ) to heaven. The same verse is quoted by Paul in Ephesians 4:8-10. “When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)”
Psalm 102: Details the holocaust
This Psalm is a prophecy that details the suffering of the Jews during the Holocaust, which can be related to the suffering of Christ on the cross. “For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread. Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my flesh.” (Psalm 102:3-5).
“For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink, because of your indignation and anger; for you have taken me up and thrown me down.” (Psalm 102:9-10).
These are just a few examples of how the book of Psalms points to Jesus Christ. As you can see, the entire book of Psalms is full of rich and meaningful passages that point to Jesus Christ and His role as our Savior and King.
