Psalm 110:4 contains a divine oath appointing the royal figure as "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." This is remarkable because Israel's ordinary priesthood descended from Aaron and Levi, whereas Melchizedek in Genesis 14 was both king and priest and stood outside the Levitical line.

Hebrews 6:20 directly applies Psalm 110:4 to Jesus and develops the argument extensively in Hebrews 7. Christ's priesthood does not depend upon Levitical ancestry and is not terminated by death; He is the eternal High Priest in the order represented by Melchizedek. The psalm therefore unites kingship and priesthood in a way that finds its fullest realization in Jesus, whose permanent priesthood provides continuing access to God and enduring intercession for His people.