Psalms 110

Chapter Summary

Psalms 110 begins with a declaration of the Messiah's exaltation, where God says to Him, 'Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool' (Psalms 110:1). The chapter then describes the Messiah's role as a priest, saying, 'You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek' (Psalms 110:4). The Messiah is also described as a king who will rule over His enemies and judge the nations (Psalms 110:5-6). The chapter concludes with a statement of the Messiah's eternal reign, saying, 'He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore He will lift up His head' (Psalms 110:7). Throughout the chapter, the emphasis is on the Messiah's supremacy and dominion over all things.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 110 is a messianic psalm that speaks of the exaltation and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. The chapter is part of the fifth book of the Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. The chapter is also connected to other messianic psalms, such as Psalms 2 and Psalms 16. The larger biblical narrative of Psalms 110 is the story of God's redemption of His people, which is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

The supremacy and dominion of the Messiah over all things is a reminder of God's sovereignty and power. This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's plan and purpose, and to submit to His authority. The Messiah's exaltation and reign is also a reminder of the believer's future hope, where they will reign with Christ in glory.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 110 is a chapter about the Messiah's exaltation and reign. It describes the Messiah's position of power and authority, His role as a priest, and His victory over His enemies. The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's plan and purpose, and to submit to His authority. In Psalms 110:1, the Messiah is told to sit at the right hand of God, which is a reference to Christ's ascension and session at the right hand of God.

Voices from the Church

“This psalm is a noble ode, sung by the Holy Spirit, concerning the exalted Christ, who is the anointed of God, the ruler of all things, and the priest of the most high God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist here describes the kingdom of Christ, which is not of this world, but is a spiritual kingdom, where Christ reigns over the hearts of His people.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Messiah's Exaltation (Psalms 110:1-3) — The chapter begins with a declaration of the Messiah's exaltation, where God says to Him, 'Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool' (Psalms 110:1).
2. The Messiah's Priesthood (Psalms 110:4) — The chapter describes the Messiah's role as a priest, saying, 'You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek' (Psalms 110:4).
3. The Messiah's Victory (Psalms 110:5-6) — The chapter describes the Messiah's victory over His enemies, saying, 'The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings on the day of His wrath' (Psalms 110:5).
4. The Messiah's Eternal Reign (Psalms 110:7) — The chapter concludes with a statement of the Messiah's eternal reign, saying, 'He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore He will lift up His head' (Psalms 110:7).
5. Conclusion — The chapter ends with a declaration of the Messiah's supremacy and dominion over all things.

Core Doctrines

The Deity of Christ

Psalms 110:1 teaches that the Messiah is divine, as He is told to sit at the right hand of God. This verse is a reference to Christ's ascension and session at the right hand of God, where He reigns as the supreme ruler of all things.

The Priesthood of Christ

Psalms 110:4 teaches that the Messiah is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. This verse is a reference to Christ's eternal priesthood, where He mediates between God and man.

The Sovereignty of God

Psalms 110:1-7 teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that He will accomplish His plan and purpose. This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to submit to His authority.

The Exaltation of Christ

Psalms 110:1-7 teaches that Christ is exalted and reigns as the supreme ruler of all things. This chapter encourages believers to worship and adore Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Lessons from Psalms 110

1. The Supremacy of Christ — Psalms 110:1-7 teaches that Christ is the supreme ruler of all things, and that He reigns over all creation.
2. The Priesthood of Christ — Psalms 110:4 teaches that Christ is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek, and that He mediates between God and man.
3. The Sovereignty of God — Psalms 110:1-7 teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that He will accomplish His plan and purpose.
4. The Exaltation of Christ — Psalms 110:1-7 teaches that Christ is exalted and reigns as the supreme ruler of all things, and that He is worthy of worship and adoration.
5. The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — Psalms 110:1-7 encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to submit to His authority, knowing that He is the supreme ruler of all things.

Themes from Psalms 110

1. The Exaltation of Christ — Psalms 110:1-7 teaches that Christ is exalted and reigns as the supreme ruler of all things, and that He is worthy of worship and adoration.
2. The Priesthood of Christ — Psalms 110:4 teaches that Christ is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek, and that He mediates between God and man.
3. The Sovereignty of God — Psalms 110:1-7 teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that He will accomplish His plan and purpose.
4. The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — Psalms 110:1-7 encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to submit to His authority, knowing that He is the supreme ruler of all things.
5. The Supremacy of Christ — Psalms 110:1-7 teaches that Christ is the supreme ruler of all things, and that He reigns over all creation.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does Psalms 110:1 teach about the Messiah's exaltation and reign?
2. How does Psalms 110:4 describe the Messiah's role as a priest?
3. What does Psalms 110:5-6 teach about the Messiah's victory over His enemies?
4. What does Psalms 110:7 teach about the Messiah's eternal reign?
5. How does this chapter encourage believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to submit to His authority?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 110

	Sermon	Description
	You Really Do Reap What You Sow by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. He explains that God has given each person a measure of grace and revelation, and it is important
	Battling With God by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p
	Friday #1 Dr. Orr's Personal Testimony by J. Edwin Orr	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of his conversion and his journey into preaching. He recounts how he and a friend decided to go out and preach, despite havi
	Treasures of Darkness by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p
	Seven Words From the Cross - Victory by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a British mother who prayed for her unconverted teenage son while on holiday. Meanwhile, the son finds a pamphlet and starts readi
	What Think Ye of Christ by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a sinking ship and a lifeboat to illustrate different responses to Jesus Christ. He describes various individuals on the sinking shi
	The Lord Jesus Confronting His Enemies by Alan Redpath	Alan Redpath explores the confrontation of Jesus with his enemies during the Passion Week, emphasizing the various challenges posed by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes. He hig
	The Power of Gentle Hands by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Isaiah chapter 40 verse 10, which describes the coming of the Lord with a strong hand and His arm ruling for Him. The speaker highlights the
	Discern Your Culture by Albert Mohler	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging with different cultures and understanding their language and symbols. He warns against making the mistake of assum
	(Genesis) - Part 15 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of Abraham's deep sleep and the covenant God made with him. He explains that just as God put Adam into a deep sleep and gave

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 110

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 110 emphasizes the Messiah's exaltation and reign, highlighting His position of power and authority at the right hand of God. Henry notes that the Messiah is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek, and that He will judge the nations and crush the heads of many lands. Henry also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and submitting to His authority, knowing that He is the supreme ruler of all things. As Henry writes, 'The Lord is at the right hand of the Messiah, to strengthen and support Him in His kingdom, and to make Him victorious over all His enemies.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?