Psalms 110

This Psalm of David prophesies the divine exaltation of "my Lord" (the Messiah) to God's right hand, where He is to reign until His enemies are subdued. The LORD declares Him a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, establishing a unique, eternal priesthood. He will rule with power from Zion, gathering willing people and executing judgment upon kings and nations.

Psalm 110 is a prophetic oracle from David, beginning with a divine decree from the LORD to "my Lord," instructing Him to sit at God's right hand until all His enemies are made His footstool, signifying supreme authority and ultimate victory. The LORD promises to send forth the Messiah's powerful scepter from Zion, enabling Him to rule even amidst His adversaries. Furthermore, the Psalm foretells that the Messiah's people will willingly serve Him in the day of His power, characterized by holiness and vigor. A pivotal declaration is the LORD's unchangeable oath, proclaiming the Messiah a priest forever "after the order of Melchizedek," signifying a unique, eternal priesthood combined with kingship. The Psalm concludes by describing the Messiah's active judgment, where He will strike through kings, judge among the heathen, and fill places with dead bodies, ultimately achieving triumph after a period of exertion.

Psalm 110, a Psalm of David, commences with a profound divine oracle where the LORD addresses "my Lord," commanding Him to sit at His right hand until all His enemies are utterly subdued and made His footstool. This opening verse establishes the Messiah's unparalleled exaltation and His future triumph over all opposition. The LORD further declares that He will send forth the rod of the Messiah's strength from Zion, signifying the extension of His authoritative rule and power from a spiritual and earthly center. Consequently, the Messiah is to rule effectively even "in the midst of thine enemies," indicating a reign that begins before complete subjugation. The Psalm then describes the nature of the Messiah's followers, stating that His people "shall be willing in the day of thy power," adorned with "beauties of holiness," and possessing the "dew of thy youth," suggesting a numerous, devoted, and vigorous following. A central and unique prophecy is found in verse 4, where the LORD swears an unchangeable oath: "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." This oath reveals the Messiah's eternal, non-Aaronic priesthood, combining royal and priestly functions, distinct from the Levitical system. Following this, the Psalm shifts to describe the Messiah's active role in judgment. "The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath," depicting His decisive and powerful intervention against earthly rulers. He "shall judge among the heathen," filling "the places with the dead bodies," and wounding "the heads over many countries," illustrating a comprehensive and devastating judgment upon His adversaries. The Psalm concludes with a vivid image of the Messiah refreshing Himself during His campaign, drinking "of the brook in the way," a moment of temporary pause or sustenance, before He ultimately "shall lift up the head," signifying His ultimate victory, exaltation, and triumphant vindication after His work is accomplished.