Davidic Literature: Psalms and Messiah

Davidic Dynasty

2 Samuel 7:12-17 — promise of eternal dynasty

“Son of God”

• 2 Sam 7:14 (figurative)
• Psalm 2:6-7 (adoption)
• Psalm 45:3-8 (God is god to king, king is god to the people)
• Psalm 110:3 (literal from birth)
• Praises of kings during the time of the monarchy

Responses to the end of the monarchy (Babylonian Exile)

It was conditional all along

The whole nation is God’s firstborn son

The monarchy will be restored politically

The monarchy will be restored supernaturally

anointed one → messiah → Messiah → Christ

Followers of Jesus

Jesus is son of David, King of the Jews, fulfills the Psalms

Psalm 89

• 5 eternal and unconditional
• 27-28 adoption
• 39-46 shame
• 49 escaping death

Psalm 22

• 2 appearance of abandonment
• 8-9 taunt
• 17-19 details
• 30-31 journey to underworld and escape

Psalm 110

• 1 Ascension

Form criticism

Small oral units

Close relationship between

1. Formal features
2. Ideas
3. Social location

Major forms of Psalms

Hymns

Enthronement of God

Complaints

Thanksgiving

Ascent

Royal psalms

Wisdom psalms