Introduction
This piece of writing continues the discussion on the testimonies or prophecies about Christ Jesus in the book of Psalms. Here the reference to Jesus as David is discussed.
My servant David
“Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not exact upon him, nor the son of wickedness afflict him. And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him. But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers. He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. Also, I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed also will I make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven” (Psa 89:19-29).
Christians oftentimes refer to the character in the above passage as David. That is what it literally means, but God was speaking about the Messiah through His servant David. Here, Jesus, being the son of David (Mat 1:1, Mat 9:27, Mat 12:23, etc), is Himself referred to as David. It is recorded that because the shepherds of God in Israel were not caring properly for the flock of God, God promised to restore His servant David as a Shepherd and a King over them (Eze 34:21-24, Eze 37:23-27). It cannot be said that David was to reincarnate to shepherd the people of God. God was prophetically speaking of Jesus Christ who would come in the spirit, wisdom and the anointing of David. God says He has found His servant and has anointed him with his holy oil.
According to scriptures, anointing David with holy anointing oil has to do with the anointing of God upon the Messiah. Because the Messiah hates wickedness and loves righteousness, God has anointed Him with the oil of gladness above His peers (Psa 45:7). The Apostles testify to the extent of God´s anointing upon His Son when they wrote that God anointed Jesus Christ of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power (Acts 10:38).
The First Born
When God mentioned “my servant David”. He added that He will also make him His “firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth” as indicated above. Apart from Jesus being the firstborn to her mother, Mary, He is referred to as firstborn of every creature (Col 1:15). This does not mean that He was created, but that He has preeminence over God´s creation. Christ has again been called the firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:28), and the firstborn from the dead Col 1:18). That is, the first person to be raised from the dead who never died again.
Conclusion
The Author of Psalms 89 prophesied about the Son of God who was to come to save the world from the power of sin and death. The passage does not refer to King David but the Savior of the world, the Christ. The Psalms, therefore, testifies of Christ.
Prayer: Our father Lord, help us each time we study your word and cause us to understand it as you would have us understand it. In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. AMEN!