# Overview Psalm 110 is a prophetic psalm attributed to #David, offering profound insight into the messianic role and priestly office of the coming #Messiah. It opens with a divine oracle, where the #LORD invites David's Lord to sit at His right hand until His enemies are made a footstool. This highlights the ascension and exaltation of the Messiah, a theme that resonates with New Testament references to [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the eternal #King. The imagery of sitting at the right hand signifies authority, power, and the fulfillment of God's sovereign plan. This psalm is frequently cited in the New Testament, underscoring its significance in understanding Jesus' identity and mission. The second part of the psalm introduces the concept of the Messiah as a priest in the order of #Melchizedek, merging the roles of king and priest in one person. This is a unique and eternal priesthood, distinct from the Levitical priesthood, and speaks to Jesus' role as both mediator and eternal high priest. The psalm concludes with a vision of victorious judgment over the nations, where the Messiah executes divine justice, reinforcing the dual aspects of His kingship and priesthood. This combination of royal and priestly functions in one person is foundational to Christian theology, illuminating the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work. ## Theological Insights Psalm 110 holds a significant place in both #OldTestament and #NewTestament theology due to its prophetic and messianic themes. It is one of the most frequently quoted psalms in the New Testament, attesting to its importance in understanding the identity and mission of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. ### The Messianic King The opening verse of Psalm 110, "The LORD says to my lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet,'" is a profound declaration of the #Messiah's exaltation. This verse is directly quoted by [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 22]]:44, [[Mark/Mark Chapter 12]]:36, and [[Luke/Luke Chapter 20]]:42-43, where Jesus uses it to affirm His divine authority and identity. The reference to the "right hand" symbolizes a position of ultimate power and honor, indicating the Messiah's sovereign rule and victory over all enemies. ### The Priest-King Verse 4 introduces the concept of the Messiah as a priest in the order of #Melchizedek: "The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'" This unique combination of kingship and priesthood points to a figure who unites spiritual and temporal authority. In the New Testament, the author of [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 5|Hebrews Chapters 5]], [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 6|6]], and [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 7|7]] extensively discusses this role, identifying Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who mediates between God and humanity. ### Divine Judgment Psalm 110 also speaks of the Messiah's role in judgment: "He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth" (verse 6). This imagery of divine judgment underscores the righteousness and justice of the Messiah's reign. It aligns with the eschatological themes in the New Testament, where Jesus is depicted as the judge of all the earth in passages such as [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 25]]:31-46 and [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 19]]:11-16. ### Fulfillment in Christ Psalm 110 serves as a bridge between the promises of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament. The identity of the Messiah as both King and Priest, as well as the assurance of His ultimate victory and reign, find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This psalm reassures believers of the certainty of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the #SecondComing of Christ, where He will establish His ultimate kingdom of peace and righteousness. In summary, Psalm 110 is a cornerstone of messianic prophecy, providing profound insights into the nature and work of Jesus Christ as both King and Priest, and affirming the assurance of His ultimate victory and reign. ## Thematic Connections ### Messianic Kingship Psalm 110 is a significant #Messianic psalm, prophetically pointing to the eternal kingship of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. The opening verse, "The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet,'" establishes a connection with Jesus' exaltation as described in the New Testament, notably in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 22|Matthew 22:44]] and [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 1|Hebrews 1:13]]. It emphasizes Jesus' divine authority and role as King, fulfilling the promise made to [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|David]] regarding his everlasting dynasty. ### Priesthood of Melchizedek Psalm 110:4 introduces the concept of the eternal priesthood: "You are a priest forever, in the order of #Melchizedek." This theme is expanded upon in the book of [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 7|Hebrews 7]], where Jesus is identified as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, whose priesthood transcends the Levitical order. This connection underscores Jesus' unique role as both king and priest, similar to Melchizedek in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 14|Genesis 14]]. ### Divine Judgment and Victory The theme of divine judgment and victory is prevalent in Psalm 110, with references to the Messiah's authority over nations and his role in executing judgment. This is mirrored in the New Testament depiction of Jesus' ultimate victory over evil and his role as judge, as seen in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 19|Revelation 19:11-16]]. The imagery of making enemies a footstool and shattering kings speaks to the complete and final victory of God’s anointed over all opposition. ### The Right Hand of God The phrase "sit at my right hand" signifies a place of honor and power, and is a recurring motif in the New Testament concerning Jesus' exaltation after his resurrection and ascension. This is seen in passages such as [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2|Acts 2:33]] and [[Colossians/Colossians Chapter 3|Colossians 3:1]], reinforcing the belief in Jesus' divine authority and ongoing intercessory role on behalf of believers. The theme highlights the centrality of Jesus in God's redemptive plan and his ongoing reign from a position of divine authority. ### Fulfillment in Christ Throughout Psalm 110, the themes find their fulfillment in #Christ, connecting the psalm to the broader narrative of Scripture where Jesus is the promised Messiah who embodies the roles of king, priest, and judge. This fulfillment is particularly emphasized in the New Testament writings, where Jesus is repeatedly referenced as the one who fulfills these Old Testament prophecies and expectations, offering salvation and establishing God's kingdom. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Messiah's Kingship and Priesthood Psalm 110 is a profound messianic psalm that prophesies the dual role of the #Messiah as both king and priest. The opening verse, "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet,'" is directly referenced by Jesus in the New Testament in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 22|Matthew 22:44]], where He uses it to affirm His identity as the Messiah and the Son of #David. This verse emphasizes the Messiah's exalted position at the right hand of #God, indicating a fulfillment of divine authority and victory over enemies. ### The Order of Melchizedek Verse 4 of Psalm 110 states, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever, in the order of #Melchizedek.'" This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, as explained in the book of [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 7|Hebrews 7]], where it elaborates on Jesus' eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, distinct from the Levitical priesthood. This fulfillment highlights Jesus' unique role as an eternal priest, mediating between God and humanity, and underscores the permanence and perfection of His priestly office. ### The Messiah's Rule and Victory The psalm also foretells the Messiah's victorious reign over His enemies. Verses 5-6 speak of a day of wrath and judgment, where the Messiah will shatter kings and execute judgment among the nations. This imagery of divine judgment and rule is echoed in prophetic visions of the end times, such as in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 19|Revelation 19:11-16]], where Christ is depicted as the conquering King who judges and makes war in righteousness. This fulfillment assures believers of the ultimate triumph of Christ over evil and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. ### The Ascension and Exaltation of Christ The exaltation of the Messiah to the right hand of God, as stated in Psalm 110:1, is fulfilled in the ascension of #Christ. This is affirmed in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2|Acts 2:33-36]], where Peter declares that Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, is exalted to the right hand of God, fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 110. This event marks the beginning of Christ's reign in heavenly glory and His ongoing intercession for believers, underscoring His authority and divine status. ## Verses - **Psalms 110:1** - "The LORD said to my Lord, 'Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.'" - Note: This verse is referenced in the New Testament, see [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 22]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 12]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 20]], [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]], and [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 1]]. - **Psalms 110:2** - "The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies." - Note: See [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 9]] for related prophecies about the kingdom. - **Psalms 110:3** - "When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew." - Note: The concept of a willing people is echoed in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 5]]. - **Psalms 110:4** - "The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" - Note: This verse is key in the New Testament, see [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 5]], [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 6]], and [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 7]]. - **Psalms 110:5** - "The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you. He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts." - Note: See [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 2]] for similar themes of divine protection and judgment. - **Psalms 110:6** - "He will punish the nations and fill their lands with corpses; he will shatter heads over the whole earth." - Note: This imagery is consistent with prophetic texts like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 63]] and [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 19]]. - **Psalms 110:7** - "But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious." - Note: The imagery of refreshment is seen also in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7]].