This episode explains how the royal psalms first made sense in the context of Israel’s kings, then take on fuller meaning when read through Jesus. Russ uses the image of mountains in Bozeman to show how later revelation helps us see what was there all along in Scripture.We discuss Psalm 2, Psalm 72, and Psalm 110 as three key royal psalms, then close with a reading challenge from Psalm 89. Along the way, Russ connects the Hebrew Mashiach, the Greek Christos, Davidic kingship, and Jesus as both King and High Priest.

Inside the episode:

• In this episode, Russ introduces the “mountain behind the mountain” idea using the Bridger Mountains near Bozeman as a picture of how Scripture can have an original meaning and a later, fuller meaning.
• He explains that royal psalms were written about Israel’s kings, celebrating their rule, praying for them, and remembering God’s promises to David and his descendants.
• Russ unpacks the word Messiah from the Hebrew Mashiach, meaning “anointed one,” and explains the Old Testament practice of pouring oil over prophets, priests, and kings.
• He connects the Greek Christos to the word Christ, showing that “Jesus Christ” means Jesus the Messiah, or Jesus the anointed king.
• Psalm 2 is presented as a royal psalm about the king of Israel, especially the line “You are my son,” which Russ connects to God’s covenant with David.
• He notes that New Testament writers repeatedly quote Psalm 2 and apply it to Jesus, showing Jesus as the Son of David and God’s anointed one.
• Psalm 72 is discussed as a portrait of the ideal king, marked by justice, righteousness, concern for the poor, defense of the oppressed, and blessing for the nations.
• Russ emphasizes that no king in Israel’s history fully matched Psalm 72 until Jesus, who fulfills the vision of a righteous worldwide king.
• Psalm 110 is highlighted as unique because it describes a king who is also a priest, but not from Aaron’s line, instead “after the order of Melchizedek.”
• He explains how Psalm 110 becomes crucial in the New Testament, especially in Jesus’ teaching, Peter’s Pentecost sermon, and the book of Hebrews.
• Russ reads Hebrews 4 to show Jesus as the great high priest who sympathizes with human weakness and invites believers to draw near with confidence to receive mercy and grace.
• The episode closes by tying the three psalms together: Psalm 2 reveals the King, Psalm 72 shows the kingdom, and Psalm 110 shows the King as Priest.
• Russ ends with a reading challenge from Psalm 89, inviting listeners to reflect on what happens when God’s promise to David seems to clash with visible history.