1 The Lord says to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2 The Lord sends forth from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3 Your people will offer themselves freely
on the day of your power,
in holy garments;
from the womb of the morning,
the dew of your youth will be yours.
4 The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at your right hand;
he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.
7 He will drink from the brook by the way;
therefore he will lift up his head.
The True Meaning of Psalms 110
The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel. Psalm 110 is a prophetic psalm that foretells the coming of the Messiah, the anointed one of God, who will establish an eternal kingdom and reign as both king and priest. The divine plan for the Messiah, who will be exalted to the right hand of God and given dominion over all his enemies, is glimpsed in this chapter. The Messiah will be a priest forever, not according to the order of Aaron, but according to the order of Melchizedek, an enigmatic figure from the time of Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20). This foreshadows the unique and eternal nature of the Messiah’s priesthood, which will be different from the Levitical priesthood established under the Mosaic law. As we delve into this powerful psalm, we will witness the Messiah’s triumph over his foes and the establishment of his everlasting kingdom. This passage echoes the promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7, where God declares that his throne will be established forever. Psalm 110 is a crucial text that points to the coming of the long-awaited Messiah, who will fulfill God’s plan for the redemption of his people.
Psalms 110:1-3
The psalmist in Psalms 110:1-3 begins by declaring, “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” This verse is packed with significance and is often referenced in the New Testament in relation to Jesus Christ. The idea of sitting at the right hand of God signifies a position of honor and authority. This verse is a prophecy regarding the Messiah, as Jesus Himself referenced it in Matthew 22:41-46, challenging the Pharisees with the question of how the Messiah could be both David’s son and lord. This passage emphasizes the dual nature of Christ as both fully human (son of David) and fully divine (lord).
Moving on to verse 2, the Psalm continues, “The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, ‘Rule in the midst of your enemies!’” Here, again, we see the theme of authority and rulership. The mention of Zion, the city of David, carries historical and spiritual significance. Zion often represents God’s presence and His kingdom in the Bible. The idea of ruling in the midst of enemies could be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ ultimate victory over sin and death. This verse speaks to the sovereignty of the Messiah, reigning even in the face of opposition. The psalmist in verse 3 describes the willing people in the day of battle, adorned in holy splendor. This imagery paints a picture of a victorious army, ready to fight alongside their king. The idea of holiness and splendor conveys the idea of righteousness and purity, qualities that are often associated with God and His chosen ones. This verse may also be understood in the context of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to stand firm in their faith and fight against the powers of darkness. The concept of a willing army also echoes throughout the Bible, such as in Exodus 15:3, where the Lord is described as a warrior. Psalms 110:1-3 speaks to the authority, sovereignty, and victory of the Messiah in a powerful way. It points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate King who will reign supreme over all. The imagery used in these verses portrays a picture of triumph and glory, reminding believers of the importance of standing firm in their faith and trusting in the Lord’s ultimate victory. This psalm not only speaks to the historical context of David and his reign but also points to the future fulfillment of God’s kingdom through Christ.
Psalms 110:4
Psalms 110:4 reads, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’”
This verse is a prophetic declaration of the eternal priesthood of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. The mention of Melchizedek is significant because he is a mysterious figure in the Bible, appearing in Genesis 14:18-20. He was both a king and a priest who blessed Abraham after his victory in battle. Melchizedek’s unique priestly order, not dependent on lineage like the Levitical priesthood, serves as a foreshadowing of Christ’s eternal priesthood. The mention of this ancient priest-king reinforces Christ’s authority and position as the ultimate high priest, ushering in a new covenant with humanity.
The idea of an eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek is further expounded in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 7 discusses the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood, drawing parallels between Christ and Melchizedek. Christ’s priesthood is unchanging and eternal, providing believers with a permanent intercessor before God. This verse in Psalms, therefore, lays the foundation for one of the central themes of the New Testament – the supremacy of Christ’s priesthood and his role as the mediator between God and humanity.
The concept of a priestly role combined with kingship in the person of Christ is also significant. Kings and priests in the Old Testament held distinct offices, with the king representing the people before God in a political and military sense, and the priest representing the people before God in a spiritual sense. However, in Jesus Christ, these roles are uniquely combined, signifying his authority not only over earthly matters but also over matters of the soul and eternity. This union of roles in Christ emphasizes his all-encompassing sovereignty and his ability to reconcile humanity with God, fulfilling both the roles of priest and king. Psalms 110:4 carries a profound message about Christ’s eternal priesthood, his fulfillment of the prophecy regarding Melchizedek, and his unique role as both priest and king. It sets the stage for the culmination of God’s redemptive plan through Christ, highlighting his unrivaled position as the savior and mediator for all who believe in him.
Psalms 110:5-7
The breakdown of Psalms 110:5-7 reveals significant messages that are intertwined with the broader themes of the Bible. Verse 5 states, “The Lord is at Your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.”” This powerful imagery of the Lord at the right hand signifies a position of authority, power, and protection. Throughout the Bible, the right hand is symbolically associated with strength and favor. Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, is often depicted as sitting at the right hand of God, showcasing divine authority and sovereignty over all creation. The concept of the Lord shattering kings on the day of his wrath echoes various prophecies and events in the Bible where rulers and kingdoms have been judged or defeated by God’s righteous judgment. It serves as a reminder that ultimately, God is the ultimate authority and will bring justice to the world.
Moving on to verse 6, it says: “He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.” Here, the theme of judgment is further emphasized, highlighting God’s role as the ultimate judge over all nations. This echoes passages in the Bible where God’s judgment is pronounced against wicked nations and rulers who have turned away from His ways. The imagery of filling nations with corpses symbolizes the severity of God’s judgment upon those who rebel against Him. It serves as a warning to rulers and leaders to govern with righteousness and fear of the Lord, as they will be held accountable for their actions before God.
Lastly, in verse 7, it reads: “He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.” This verse presents a contrasting image to the ones preceding it. The idea of the Lord drinking from a brook symbolizes sustenance and refreshment after the execution of judgment. It signifies a moment of rest and satisfaction after fulfilling God’s purposes. This can be seen as a message of hope and assurance for those who remain faithful and obedient to God. Despite the harsh judgment that may fall on the wicked, there is a promise of restoration and victory for the righteous, who will ultimately lift up their heads in triumphant praise to God. Psalms 110:5-7 captures the themes of God’s sovereignty, judgment, and ultimate victory. It underscores the importance of aligning oneself with God’s will and remaining faithful in the face of trials and tribulations. The verses remind believers of God’s justice and ultimate authority over all creation, urging them to trust in His plans and have faith in His promises.
After Psalms 110
The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
The Lord sends forth from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your enemies!
Your people will offer themselves freely
on the day of your power,
in holy garments;
from the womb of the morning,
the dew of your youth will be yours.
The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.”
The Lord is at your right hand;
he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
He will execute judgment among the nations,
filling them with corpses;
he will shatter chiefs
over the wide earth.
He will drink from the brook by the way;
therefore he will lift up his head.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.