Introduction
Psalm 110 is one of the Messianic psalms, meaning it is seen as a prophetic psalm that points forward to the coming of the Messiah. Jesus Christ Himself referenced this psalm, showing its ultimate fulfillment in Him (Matthew 22:44). This psalm speaks of the divine authority, eternal priesthood, and victorious reign of the coming King, who is both a ruler and a priest.
Background of Psalm 110
Psalm 110 is attributed to David, and it is a royal psalm that highlights God’s promise to establish a king who will rule over His people forever. It is considered one of the most important psalms in the Old Testament because of its Messianic implications. The psalm begins with a declaration of God’s power, moves to a prophecy about the coming Messiah, and concludes with a proclamation of the victory and eternal reign of the Messiah.
What Does Psalm 110 Mean?
The psalm can be broken down into two primary sections:
- Verses 1-3: A declaration of the divine decree that establishes the Messiah’s reign.
- Verses 4-7: A prophecy about the Messiah’s eternal priesthood and His victory over His enemies.
Verse Mapping Psalm 110:1
“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.'” (CSB)
- Word Study
- The Lord – “Yahweh,” the covenant name of God, indicating the divine authority of God.
- My Lord – “Adonai,” meaning sovereign or master. This term is used to show respect and authority.
- Sit at my right hand – A position of honor, authority, and power. In ancient times, the right hand was the place of highest honor.
- Footstool – A symbol of complete victory and domination over enemies. It indicates the subjugation of all opposition.
- Cross-References
- Psalm 2:6-9 – “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain. I will proclaim the Lord’s decree…”
- Matthew 22:44 – Jesus quotes this psalm, asking, “If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?”
- Hebrews 1:13 – “To which of the angels has he ever said, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?”
- Paraphrase “God speaks to His Messiah, telling Him to take the seat of honor at His right hand, where He will wait until all enemies are fully defeated.”
- Application This verse speaks of the divine authority of Jesus as the Messiah. He sits at the right hand of God, having completed His work of salvation on the cross, waiting for the day when all enemies—sin, death, and evil—will be completely defeated. This verse encourages us to recognize Christ’s authority over our lives and to live in light of His victory.
How Can We Apply Psalm 110 Today?
- Acknowledge the Sovereignty of Christ Psalm 110 calls us to recognize Christ’s position at the right hand of God. He is the ultimate authority in our lives, and we are to submit to His rule. In a world where we are often tempted to rely on our own strength or understanding, this verse reminds us to trust in His sovereignty.
- Rest in the Victory of Christ The imagery of enemies being made a footstool for Christ’s feet is a powerful reminder that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory. In our personal struggles, we can rest in the assurance that Christ has conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness. We do not fight for victory; we fight from victory.
- Live in Expectation of Christ’s Return While the psalm speaks of Christ’s current reign, it also points us to the future when all His enemies will be completely subdued. As we await Christ’s return, we should live in anticipation, knowing that He will bring ultimate justice and peace.
- Embrace Christ’s Priesthood Psalm 110 speaks of the Messiah’s eternal priesthood, which we will explore further in the later verses. As believers, we can draw near to God through Jesus, our High Priest, who intercedes for us. His role as both King and Priest means He not only rules but also understands and represents us before God.
- Proclaim Christ’s Victory The psalmist declares that all enemies will be subdued under the feet of Christ. This truth gives us the courage to proclaim Christ’s victory over every aspect of life, from our personal battles to the struggles in the world.
Reflection Questions
- How do you personally acknowledge the sovereignty of Christ in your daily life?
- In what areas do you need to rest in the victory Christ has already won for you?
- How can you live in light of the fact that Jesus is waiting for the day when all enemies will be made His footstool?
- How can you deepen your relationship with Christ as your High Priest, knowing that He intercedes for you?
A Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, You sit at the right hand of God, victorious over sin and death. I acknowledge Your sovereignty and trust in Your eternal reign. Help me to live in the light of Your victory and to rest in the assurance that You will defeat all Your enemies. Thank You for interceding for me as my High Priest, and may my life reflect Your glory. In Your mighty name, Amen.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 110 is a profound declaration of the coming Messiah, who is both a King and a Priest. It speaks of His reign and His ultimate victory, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As believers, we are encouraged to submit to His authority, rest in His victory, and look forward to His return when all things will be made right.
