Third Millennium Study Bible
Notes on Psalms 110:1-7

A Jesus Psalm - Psalm 110:1-7

This is one of the royal Psalms (Pss. 2:1-12; 18:1-50; 20:1-9; 21:1-13; 45:1-17; 72:1-20; 89:1-52; 101:1-8; 110:1-7; 132:1-18; 144:1-11). A prophetic-Messianic interpretation of Psalm 110 was well known among Jewish interpreters, and the New Testament leaves no doubt that the psalm looked forward to Jesus Christ. Jesus cited it to demonstrate David's realization that its fulfillment would come in someone greater than David (Mark 12:35-37). Psalm 110 was likely composed as a coronation song, possibly after David had conquered Jebus. It celebrated his victory and enthronement there. This timing would explain the reference to the king-priesthood of Melchizedek (Psa 110: 4).

The psalm focuses on two divine oracles. The first (Psa 110:1) showed the close but subordinate relationship of the human to the divine king. Jesus, though "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped" (Phil. 2:6). However, after Jesus' resurrection, God exalted his Son to a place at his right hand. The New Testament writers cited this oracle to demonstrate Jesus' postresurrection glory and to point to the cosmic struggle between God and the spiritual powers of evil (Acts 2:34, 35; 1 Cor 15:25; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1; Heb 1:13; 1 Pet 3:22).

The second oracle appointed the king as a special type of priest. As opposed to the hereditary Aaronic priesthood, this priesthood descended from Melchizedek (Gen 14:18-23), who foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the great High Priest (Heb 5:6; 7:17; 8:1; 10:12ff.). See WLC 45, 54.

This psalm is one of the few in which the reliability of the authorship in the title is foundational to its New Testament interpretation and application (Mark 12:35-37).

Psalm 110:1, 5 mentions "LORD." This is the divine name, referring to God. It is a title of respect, though not necessarily a divine title, roughly equivalent to "master" or even "sir" (as in Gen 23:6; 43:20; Judges 6:13). However, the New Testament made clear that David, Israel's king, called his own future heir his "lord," indicating that the promised Messiah would be greater than David (Mark 12:35-37). The phrase "at my right hand" was a place of the king' favorite, the seat of highest honor next to that of the king. After the resurrection Jesus was exalted to the place of honor at God's right hand in heaven (see Mark 12:35-37). The phrase "your enemies" originally denoted hostile people and nations. Applied to Jesus, however, the application is extended to spiritual warfare as well (cf. 1 Cor 15:24-26). "Footstool" is an image of disgrace, symbolizing subjugation. After a victory, Near Eastern war leaders often humiliated their conquered foes by placing their own feet on the heads or necks of the defeated (Josh 10:25-26). See WCF 8.8; HC 51.

In Psalm 110:2 we see that God would enlarge the king's authority. scepter. This is a symbol of royal power and authority. For " Zion" see Psalm 2:6.

The phrase "the dew of your youth" (Psa 110:3) is a difficult phrase in the Hebrew, but may translated as "your young men will come to you like the dew," an image that would compare the morning dew that seems to appear out of nowhere with the mysterious appearance of the king's troops. See WCF 10.1; WLC 45.

In Psalm 110:4 we see a reference to "the order of Melchizedek." The regular priesthood of Israel was Aaronic and limited to the duties assigned by Levitical law. Melchizedek, however, was both king and priest (Gen 14:18-20). Thus his priesthood could aptly be applied to David. It was even more appropriate to Jesus Christ who is both a priest-king and not descended from Aaron (see Heb 5-7). See BC 21, 27; HC 31.

In Psalm 110:6 we see a reference to " judge the nations." God frequently used the human king to bring judgment against nations in the form of warfare. As applied to Jesus, this verse anticipated the judgment that will take place at the end of time.

In Psalm 110:7 "He will drink" is mentioned. This is a difficult verse in Hebrew. The king would find refreshment during the battle to enable him to carry on the Lord's work of judgment.

Related Resources

• Overview of the Book of Psalms