Psalm 110 — The LORD Said to My Lord
Introduction: This psalm contains some clear references to the coming Messiah when viewed in the light of passages in the New Testament. The author was guided by the Holy Spirit for all of the verses in this psalm, so there is a complete coherence that may not be immediately seen. This study will consider what some of the Hebrew Scriptures may have contributed to the understanding before and after the psalm was written by King David, along with some New Testament references.
NOTE: Bible passages are taken from the American King James Version.
A — The Lord Said to My Lord
Psalm 110 “1 The LORD said to my Lord, Sit you at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
Comments: The author David does not provide any explanation of when or how he heard what he has recorded, but he simply makes the opening statement. The “LORD” (in all capital letters) is Yahweh in the Hebrew, a clear reference to the God of all creation, who is speaking to one who is David’s Lord. Jesus later posed this question in the temple: “How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit you on my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool. David therefore himself calls him Lord; and from where is he then his son?” (Mark 12:35–37). Since the God-man Christ Jesus is the eternal God, his pre-existence is combined with his unique virgin birth that took place long after David’s death, and he is indeed Lord of all! Peter presents an exposition of this verse in Acts 2:25–36, affirming that God raised up Jesus and has made him both Lord and Christ. 1 Peter 1:10–12 speaks of how the Spirit of Christ in the prophets testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow — things ministered not to themselves but to us.
B — The Rod of Strength Out of Zion
Psalm 110 “2 The LORD shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion: rule you in the middle of your enemies.”
Comments: Verse one states that Yahweh will have the Lord seated at his right hand until the enemies are made like unto a footstool. Verse two says the rod of his strength will go forth out of Zion for rule in the midst of the enemies. Psalm 2:6–9 provides perspective about the king established by the LORD and his rod of strength coming out of Zion. Isaiah 11:1–4 foretells a rod out of the stem of Jesse who will judge with righteousness and smite the earth with the rod of his mouth. Peter affirms that Christ Jesus will return at the appointed time (Acts 3:18–26). Revelation 19:15–16 describes the returning Lord: “He shall rule them with a rod of iron… and he has on his clothing and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
C — In the Day of the Lord’s Power
Psalm 110 “3 Your people shall be willing in the day of your power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: you have the dew of your youth.”
Comments: This seems to imply that the people of God have not been willing to follow their God. From the time the LORD called Israel out of Egypt through the time of Samuel, the people repeatedly rejected the LORD’s authority over them (1 Samuel 8:7). The LORD made an everlasting covenant with David. 2 Samuel 23:3–5 records David’s last words affirming his trust in the LORD who had made with him that everlasting covenant. Other psalms encourage pondering the beauty of holiness. Psalm 96:9 “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.” King Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the beauty of holiness before an army, and the LORD set ambushes against the enemies so that Judah needed not even fight. Lamentations 3:22–23 “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed… They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.”
D — A Priest after the Order of Melchizedek
Psalm 110 “4 The LORD has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Comments: One of the most fascinating things about Melchizedek is that he is priest of the most high God who is possessor of heaven and earth, as well as being the king of Peace. Melchizedek appeared in the time of Abram, seemingly out of nowhere, with a special blessing, and received a tithe from Abram. Genesis 14:18–20. Psalm 110 has moved from introducing the one who sits at the right hand of Yahweh to designating him as a priest forever after one who has no ancestry. Hebrews 7:1–3 explains that Melchizedek was “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like to the Son of God; stays a priest continually.” This office can only be filled by the Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 7:17 “For he testifies, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
E — In the Day of Wrath
Psalm 110 “5 The Lord at your right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. 7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.”
Comments: David seems to be speaking to Yahweh to acknowledge what the Spirit has revealed to be the events the Lord at Yahweh’s right hand shall bring about in the day of his wrath. Isaiah 13:9–13 describes the day of the LORD coming with wrath and fierce anger. Zephaniah 1:14–18 calls it “a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation.” In another psalm David shows that “head lifted up” denotes being raised to a position of prominence. Psalm 3:3 “But you, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.” Truly the Lord Jesus is the only one who deserves to have honor above all others. Revelation 5:12 “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.”
Reflections in Prayer
How marvelous it is for me to consider that King David was moved by the Spirit of God to write things that would be made more clear as Christ Jesus walked among men centuries later. David believed the promises of the LORD, and was given some very unique revelation about the Father and the Son that strengthen my own faith. I praise you LORD that through this psalm, I am also further convinced that you will use Jerusalem in the future because you have set your name there. What a blessing it is to me to ponder that Christ Jesus is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, realizing that there is unlimited representation to the LORD on high for me along with all saints of history. I thank you LORD Jesus that you are my personal and compassionate priest who has offered the sacrifice for me that has been fully accepted. I want to remind myself of the incomparable comfort that I have from knowing that you are at the right hand of the Father to be ever interceding until you return for final judgment and for the time of refreshing. I offer you my worship because of the beauty of holiness that can renew my spirit every time I go to your living Word. Amen.
Published 30 September 2011