Psalms 110

This short psalm of David pictures a King who is also a priest. God invites Him to sit at His right hand, gives Him victory over every enemy, and swears that He is a priest forever. The New Testament quotes it more than almost any other psalm and applies it to Jesus Christ.

Psalms 110:1

David hears two speakers: the LORD, and ‘my Lord’ whom David himself calls Master. The Father invites this exalted One to share His place of honor until every enemy is beaten. The waiting is not defeat; victory is promised and certain.

BSA: right hand (“the place of highest honor”): To sit beside God is to share His authority and glory. footstool (“a low stool”): Enemies are fully subdued, brought low beneath the King’s feet.

Hebrew: נְאֻם (ne’um, H5002) — “oracle, utterance.” The opening word is the term used for a prophetic declaration. It marks these words as a direct word from God, not David’s own idea.

See also: Matthew 22:43-45; Acts 2:34-35; Hebrews 1:13.

Psalms 110:2

The King’s power does not begin on His own. The LORD stretches out His scepter from Zion, the city of God, and commands Him to rule even while enemies still surround Him. His reign advances in the middle of opposition.

BSA: scepter (“rod of authority, staff of power”): It is the symbol of kingly rule, and here God Himself sends it out. midst (“center, inner part”): The King rules right in the heart of opposition, not far from it.

See also: Psalm 2:6-9.

Psalms 110:3

When the King goes to battle, His people do not need to be forced. They come freely, clothed in holiness, and are fresh and numerous like morning dew. This verse is hard to translate, but its picture is of willing, pure and vigorous followers.

BSA: willing (“willingly, with a voluntary spirit”): The King’s army is made of volunteers whose hearts are won, not conscripts. dew (“moisture, refreshing power”): Dew suggests quiet, fresh life that appears in great numbers at daybreak.

Hebrew: נְדָבֹת (nedavot, H5071) — “freewill offerings, willingness.” The Hebrew word is the one used for freewill offerings. The people offer themselves to the King gladly, like a gift.

Psalms 110:4

Here is a second promise, sworn by God Himself: the King is also a priest, and forever. Melchizedek was the ancient priest-king of Salem who blessed Abraham. This is a priesthood older than and different from Aaron’s line, and it never passes to another.

BSA: sworn (“made a vow, taken an oath”): God binds Himself by oath, so the appointment is completely certain. forever (“for all eternity, always”): This priest never dies or needs a successor.

See also: Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:15-17; Hebrews 5:5-6.

Psalms 110:5

The view now shifts: the Lord stands at the King’s right hand, ready to support Him. Together they bring judgment. Earthly kings who set themselves against God cannot stand when His anger comes. The verse shows that God takes evil seriously.

BSA: crush (“strike through, wound severely”): The judgment is thorough and decisive, not a light correction.

See also: Psalm 2:10-12; Revelation 19:11-16.

Psalms 110:6

The judgment reaches the nations and their leaders everywhere. The grim picture of the dead heaped up shows how serious it is to oppose God’s King. Christians read this as the final justice of God, when all wrong is put right.

BSA: judge (“execute judgment, rule over”): The King acts as ruler and judge, setting the world right. far and wide (“over many countries, across the earth”): No land or leader is outside His reach.

Psalms 110:7

The psalm ends with a quiet picture. The King, like a weary soldier in pursuit, stops to drink from a brook beside the road, is refreshed, and lifts up His head in victory. Humbled and then exalted, He is a King who finishes the work.

BSA: lift up (“exalt, raise high”): After the struggle, the King is honored and stands in triumph.

See also: Philippians 2:8-9.