Psalm 110

This is a prophetic Messianic psalm that describes a descendent of David who would not only be his son but his Lord.¹⁷⁷This descendent would be both a king and a priest. David was a prophet, and in this psalm he revealed new information from God concerning the future. Such a prophetic message is an oracle.

There has been much speculation about the historical situation that formed the basis for what the psalmist wrote in this psalm.¹⁷⁸It is presently unknown though David wrote it (cf. Mark 12:36).¹⁷⁹More important than its original historical context is its prophetic significance. The New Testament contains more references to this psalm than to any other chapter in the Old Testament.

 1. The oracle concerning Messiah 110:1-2

The psalmist wrote that he heard a conversation between Yahweh and David's Master. Clearly this distinguishes two members of the Godhead. LORD (Yahweh) refers to God the Father and Lord (adonay) refers to God the Son, the Messiah or Anointed of God. Yahweh commanded Messiah to sit at His right hand, the traditional place of power and authority. He was to do so until Yahweh would subjugate Messiah's enemies (cf. Josh. 5:14). Then Yahweh would permit Messiah to rule over them (cf. 2:8-9; 1 Cor. 15:25).

Jesus Christ quoted verse 1 to prove that He was not only David's descendent but the Messiah of whom David wrote (Mark 12:35-37; cf. Matt. 22:44; Luke 20:42). Peter and the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews also quoted it to prove the deity of Jesus (Acts 2:34-36; 5:30-31; Heb. 1:13; 10:11-13).

"So this single verse displays the divine Person of Christ, His power and the prospect before Him. Together with verse 4 it underlies most of the New testament teaching on His glory as Priest-King."¹⁸⁰

 2. The rule of Messiah 110:3-4

110:3 When Messiah comes to rule over His enemies His people will willingly join in His reign (cf. Judg. 5:2). They will be holy in contrast to the unholy whom Messiah will subdue. They will be as youthful warriors, namely strong and energetic. They will be as the dew in the sense of being fresh, numerous, and a blessing from God. The expression "from the womb of the dawn"probably signifies their early appearance during Messiah's reign. Later revelation identifies these people as faithful believers (Rev. 5:10; 20:4, 6; 22:5).

110:4 Yahweh has made an affirmation in the most definite way possible and will not change His mind.¹⁸¹Messiah will be a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (lit. king of righteousness). This is the first reference in Scripture to this order of priests. Melchizedek ruled over Salem (lit. peace), the ancient name for Jerusalem where David also ruled. Melchizedek was also a priest of the Most High God (Gen. 14:18; cf. Heb. 7:1). Thus he was both a king and a priest. Messiah would also be a king and a priest. In this sense Messiah was a priest in the order of Melchizedek. He continued the type of priesthood Melchizedek had, namely a kingly or royal priesthood.

If Yahweh sets up Messiah as a priest "forever,"the Aaronic order of priests must end as God's appointed order (cf. Heb. 5:6; 6:20; 7:17, 21). As a priest Messiah offered Himself as a substitute sacrifice on the cross (cf. Heb. 7:27-28; 10:10). Jesus was not of Aaron's line since He descended from the tribe of Judah (cf. Heb. 7:11-18). He is the new eternal High Priest (cf. Heb. 7:21-26, 28), and He mediates the New Covenant that replaces the Old Mosaic Covenant (cf. Heb. 8:13; 9:15).

 3. The victory of Messiah 110:5-7

Messiah's victory over His enemies will be great. David saw Messiah presently seated at God the Father's right hand (cf. Heb. 8:1; 10:12). In the future He will get off that throne to wage war (cf. Joel 3:2, 11-14; Rev. 16:16; 19:13-15). Messiah's drinking by a brook pictures Him renewing His strength. Yahweh will exalt Messiah because of His victorious conquest.¹⁸²

Later revelation helps us understand that Messiah will come back to the earth with His saints; He will not wage this particular war from heaven (Zech. 14:4; Rev. 19). He will fight against the nations that oppose Him at the end of the Tribulation. This is the battle of Armageddon (Dan. 11:36-45; Rev. 19:17-19). Following victory in that battle He will rule on the earth for 1, 000 years (Rev. 20:1-10).

The Epistle to the Hebrews expounds this psalm. It clarifies especially how Jesus Christ fulfilled what David prophesied here about Messiah being a king priest (cf. Zech. 6:12-13).¹⁸³