Question:

Quoting from page 238 of your book From Shadow to Reality, Psalm 16:
10-11. How can you possibly use this as a “prophecy” of anything? The
Psalmist is speaking personally. What principle of hermeneutics authorizes
the injection of additional significance?

Answer:

I do so for at least four reasons. First, there are several examples in
David’s writing which are obvious prophecies of Jesus (Psalm 22:15-18,
Psalm 110:4 and Psalm 118:22 are examples). The existence of several
clear examples that the writings of David are messianic justifies one to
consider his words in general. Second, David’s body certainly did decay
and he was “abandoned to the grave,” but Jesus’ did not. David could not
be talking about himself in this case. Third (although the translation
is debatable) the passage calls the person referred to as “your Holy One”
which makes it very unlikely that David is talking about himself. Fourth,
the inspired writer of Acts quotes the inspired preacher Peter as telling
us this passage is about Jesus. I understand that my fourth reason will
seem like circular reasoning to you, but for a person who is already
convinced that the Bible is inspired by God, it is a perfectly good reason
to accept that it is about the Messiah.

John Oakes

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