Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 110

Jesus and the apostles quote this psalm to explain the unique role and authority of Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 22:43–45; Acts 2:32–36). The psalm also confirms God’s covenant with David. It gives hope that God will fulfill his promise in the future (see 2 Samuel 7:8–16).

• The king of Israel had the great privilege of being the Lord’s adopted son (Psalm 2; 1 Chronicles 22:10), but he failed (Psalm 89). This decree restores and elevates his position.

• The LORD: This title represents the Hebrew name Yahweh, which is God’s personal name (see Exodus 3:6–14; 6:2–8; 20:2).

• my Lord: The Hebrew word ’adoni means “my master” or “my superior.” The psalmist understood God’s messianic ruler (the king chosen by God) to be greater than himself. The New Testament often quotes this psalm to show that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 22:44–45; Mark 12:36–37; Luke 20:42–44; Acts 2:34–35; Hebrews 1:13).

• The Lord’s right hand represents his authority, strength, presence, and benefits. The Lord chose the descendant of David and raised him up to be close to him (Psalm 80:17).

  Jesus claimed this position for himself (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; 16:19; Luke 22:69), and the apostles announced that Jesus, having gone up to heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33; 5:31; 7:55–56; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2).

• Ancient Near Eastern kings were sometimes shown placing their feet on the backs of their defeated enemies as on a footstool (see Hebrews 10:12–13).

The kingdom will expand and increase, beginning from Jerusalem, until all enemies are conquered.

• God had made an unbreakable oath and covenant with David. When the exile seemed to end the line of kings from David's family (Psalm 89:38), it created a crisis for God’s people. The placement of Psalm 110 in Book Five points again to the future of David’s line. David’s descendant must live according to God’s standard of integrity (Psalm 101). His rule will also be shaped by God’s kingship (Psalms 93–100).

• You are a priest forever: The role of God’s messianic ruler changes. The kings from David’s family had a limited priestly role. They supported and organized the worship of the temple. For example, David brought the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:15) and organized temple services (1 Chronicles 6:31–48; 15:11–26; 16:4–42; 23:4–32; 25:1). Solomon oversaw the construction of the temple (1 Kings 5:1–7:51).

  Even so, the offices of king and priest were separate in Israel. In the messianic kingdom, the king will also serve as a priest. He will be like Melchizedek, the king of Salem who was also a priest (Genesis 14:18). The New Testament explains that Jesus Christ fulfills this new order of priesthood (see Hebrews 5:6–10; 6:20–7:25).

• at Your right hand: This position brings help and protection (see Psalms 16:7–8; 108:13).

• The Lord will strike down rebellious kings. Rebellion against the Lord leads to death (Psalm 2; Romans 6:23).

The new priestly role of David's descendant does not cancel his old role as a conquering ruler. He still needs to bring the nations under his rule (Psalm 110:2–3; see Psalm 2).

God’s messianic ruler wins victory with renewed strength, like a traveler who drinks from streams along the way (Psalm 110:3).