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Psalms 110

Psalms110

New Living Translation

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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.”

2 The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies.

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.

4 The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

5 The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you. He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts.

6 He will punish the nations and fill their lands with corpses; he will shatter heads over the whole earth.

7 But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious.

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Psalms 110

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 110. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.

Chapter Summary

In this chapter: Christ's kingdom. (1-7).

vv1-7

Glorious things are here spoken of Christ. Not only he should be superior to all the kings of the earth, but he then existed in glory as the eternal Son of God. Sitting is a resting posture: after services and sufferings, to give law, to give judgment. It is a remaining posture: he sits like a king for ever. All his enemies are now in a chain, but not yet made his footstool. And his kingdom, being set up, shall be kept up in the world, in despite of all the powers of darkness. Christ's people are a willing people. The power of the Spirit, going with the power of the world, to the people of Christs, is effectual to make them willing. They shall attend him in the beautiful attire of holiness; which becomes his house for ever. And he shall have many devoted to him. The dew of our youth, even in the morning of our days, ought to be consecrated to our Lord Jesus. Christ shall not only be a King, but a Priest. He is God's Minister to us, and our Advocate with the Father, and so is the Mediator between God and man. He is a Priest of the order of Melchizedek, which was before that of Aaron, and on many accounts superior to it, and a more lively representation of Christ's priesthood. Christ's sitting at the right hand of God, speaks as much terror to his enemies as happiness to his people. The effect of this victory shall be the utter ruin of his enemies. We have here the Redeemer saving his friends, and comforting them. He shall be humbled; he shall drink of the brook in the way. The wrath of God, running in the curse of the law, may be considered as the brook in the way of his undertaking. Christ drank of the waters of affliction in his way to the throne of glory. But he shall be exalted. What then are we? Has the gospel of Christ been to us the power of God unto salvation? Has his kingdom been set up in our hearts? Are we his willing subjects? Once we knew not our need of his salvation, and we were not willing that he should reign over us. Are we willing to give up every sin, to turn from a wicked, insnaring world, and rely only on his merits and mercy, to have him for our Prophet, Priest, and King? and do we desire to be holy? To those who are thus changed, the Saviour's sacrifice, intercession, and blessing belong.

Cross References

Psalms 110
v1Matthew 22:42-46quotation

Jesus cites this verse to prove the Messiah is David's Lord, not merely his human son.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v1Acts 2:34quotation

Peter quotes this to prove Jesus' resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v1Hebrews 1:13quotation

Used to demonstrate Christ's supreme exaltation above angels who are never invited to sit at God's right hand.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v4Hebrews 7:1-3fulfillment

Detailed exposition of Christ's eternal priesthood represented by the historical figure of Melchizedek.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB

Paul links Christ's sitting at God's right hand with the progressive subjugation of all His enemies.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB

Links Christ's once-for-all sacrificial offering with His current expectation of His enemies becoming His footstool.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v4Genesis 14:18typology

The original historical appearance of Melchizedek as king of Salem and priest of the Most High God.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v4Zechariah 6:13thematic

Prophesies the Messiah bearing glory and ruling as a priest upon His throne, combining both offices.

Supported by JFB

v4Hebrews 5:6quotation

Directly quotes this verse to establish Christ's divine appointment to a superior, eternal priesthood.

Supported by Matthew Poole

God set Christ at His right hand, putting all things under His feet for the church.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v1Luke 22:69allusion

Jesus confesses before the Sanhedrin that the Son of man shall sit on the right hand of God.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v2Isaiah 11:4thematic

The rod of Christ's mouth and breath of His lips as the rod of His strength.

Supported by JFB

v6Genesis 3:15thematic

The prototypical promise of the Messiah wounding the head of His ultimate enemy.

Supported by JFB

v11 Kings 2:19thematic

Cultural background of a king placing the person of highest honor at his right hand.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v1Joshua 10:24typology

Historical type of conquerors putting their feet on the necks of defeated enemy kings.

Supported by JFB

v2Psalms 2:9thematic

The ruling rod (scepter) of the Messiah breaking rebellious nations.

Supported by John Calvin

v3Exodus 25:2thematic

Parallels the willing, free-will offerings of God's people in the tabernacle service.

Supported by JFB

v3Micah 5:7thematic

The remnant of Jacob pictured as refreshing dew from the Lord, illustrating spiritual youth.

Supported by JFB

v7Hebrews 2:9thematic

Jesus tasted death/affliction first, then was crowned with glory and honor.

Supported by Matthew Henry