Psalm 110

Abstract

This chapter examines the presence of Melchizedek in Ps. 110 (LXX Ps. 109) and asks if the Hebrew text refers to the same priest-king mentioned in Gen. 14:18 or to another priest-king—the Israelite king the psalm celebrates as part of his coronation. This chapter closely examines the extraordinary measures taken by Hebrew interpreters to alter references to the metaphorical birth of the king in verse 3 that are clear references to birth in other psalms. This chapter also examines the LXX’s “inventive” interpretation in verse 4 of a priestly “Order of Melchizedek”—a translation that is not supported by later translations like the Aramaic targums.