Christ in the Old Testament

Psalm 16:10

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful one see decay. (NIV)

Today’s Reading: Psalm 16 and Acts 2:22

Psalm 16 is one of the most important and influential scriptures in the Old Testament. It was a key Scripture in early Christian tradition for understanding the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Written by David, he expresses his reliance on God in the first eight verses and the positive effects that has on his life. He takes refuge in God and that keeps him safe. He looks to God to provide his needs and that makes his lot secure. He praises the Lord and receives counsel and instruction. He keeps his eyes on the Lord and he is victorious.

Beginning with verse 9, the Psalm becomes a prophecy that is foundational to Christianity. “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure” (Ps 16:9). The word therefore is a transition from everything leading up to that point to make the next point. Because of David’s relationship with the Lord, he can be glad and rejoice.

But this verse also begins the prophecy about Jesus. Peter makes this case in his first sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Recorded in Acts 2:29-35, let’s follow Peter and allow him to make the case of the prophecy of this Psalm.

Peter makes three points:

1. David died and was buried (Acts 2:29).
2. David was a prophet and knew that an heir would come to sit on his throne (Acts 2:30).
3. David foresaw the resurrection of the Messiah (Acts 2:31).

Because Peter’s three points are true, then Psalm 16 is in fact prophetic of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ soul would not be left in Hades and his flesh would not see corruption. David prophesied that Jesus would be resurrected. And they all saw Jesus after his resurrection making Jesus both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).

Peter established in his sermon the connection between Psalm 16 and the death and resurrection of Jesus. This made Psalm 16 a key Scripture used by early Christians to point to Jesus as the Messiah and spread the Gospel message. It was one of few Old Testament Scriptures that allowed these early missionaries to show that Jesus’ resurrection was prophesied in Scripture.

Psalm 16 was instrumental in the beginning of the Church. At the end of Peter’s sermon, the people that heard it repented and were baptized. About three thousand people were added to the church that day and the Church was born (Acts 2:41).

Today’s Prayer: I praise you Lord for your prophetic words. I pray that the fire of the early Church ignites me to be as bold as Peter in spreading the good news that Jesus is alive!