Psalms 110:1
The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just about a future victory; it's a divine decree spoken from Father to Son. "My Lord" isn't just a title of respect David uses, but God the Father acknowledging the Son's supreme authority, placing Him at His own right hand as an equal in rule and power.
This Psalm opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, whom David, the psalm's author, acknowledges as his Lord. It's a decree from eternity, established in the council of heaven, promising the Messiah an honored position of authority and reign. This prophetic announcement sets the stage for the entire psalm, which will go on to explore the Messiah's ultimate victory over all His enemies.
This verse opens with a conversation, not between humans, but between divine persons. Who is speaking, and to whom?
A Heavenly Decree
At its heart, Psalm 110:1 is a divine decree from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. The original Hebrew highlights this with two distinct words for 'Lord':
This isn't just a title; it signifies the Son's supreme authority and divine nature, even though he is also David's descendant. It's a foundational statement about the relationship between the Father and the Son in their redemptive work.
What does it mean for the Messiah to 'sit at God's right hand'?
From Suffering to Sovereign Rule
The invitation to 'Sit at my right hand' is more than just a position of honor; it signifies:
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the covenant God of Israel (YHWH). He is the self-existent One who enters into a personal, faithful relationship with His people.
Adonai · Hebrew Noun
A title denoting authority, master, or lord. In this context, it refers to the Davidic king or the promised Messiah who holds supreme authority under God.
yamin · Hebrew Noun
A position of supreme power, honor, and authority next to a king. To sit at the right hand indicates sharing in the sovereign rule and judicial authority of the monarch.
hadom · Hebrew Noun
A place of total subjugation and defeat. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, placing feet on a conquered enemy signified the complete victory and dominion of the victor.
This psalm's powerful imagery of divine exaltation and subjugation of enemies is deeply rooted in the Davidic monarchy and the prophetic hope for a future messianic king.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David establishes a unified monarchy in Israel, creating a precedent for royal authority and divine endorsement of rulers.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Covenant Instituted
God promises David an everlasting dynasty and kingdom, a foundational theological concept that shapes messianic expectations.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Psalms 110 Composed
David, inspired by God, composes this psalm, addressing a future 'Lord' who is both his descendant and sovereign.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
David's son Solomon succeeds him, embodying the Davidic royal line and further developing the concept of Israelite kingship.
c. 700 BC
Jesus directly quotes this verse and uses it to prove his divine nature and authority as the Messiah, showing how the Old Testament pointed to him.
Hebrews 1:3This passage explains that Jesus, after his purification from sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, echoing the exaltation described in Psalm 110:1.
1 Corinthians 15:25This New Testament passage speaks of Christ reigning until all enemies are put under his feet, directly referencing the imagery and promise of Psalm 110:1.
Acts 2:34-35Peter quotes Psalm 110:1 to explain Jesus' ascension and exaltation to the Father's right hand, signifying his supreme authority and reign.
gillPsalms 110:1: "A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
The Lord said unto my Lord,.... The Targum is, "the Lord said in his Word.'' Galatinus (q) says the true Targum of Jonathan has it, "the Lord said to his Word;'' and produces an authority for it. These are the words of Jehovah the Father to his Son the Messiah; the "Adon", or Lord, spoken of in Isaiah 6:1, the one Lord Jesus, and only Potentate; the Lord of all, the…
wesleyPsalms 110:1: "<> The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
110:1 The Lord - God the father. Said - Decreed it from eternity, and in due time published this decree, and actually executed it; which he did when he raised up Christ from the dead, and brought him into his heavenly mansion. Unto - Unto his son the Messiah, whom David designedly calls his Lord, to admonish the whole church, that although he was his son according to his human nat…
The verse isn't just about a future victory; it's a divine decree spoken from Father to Son. "My Lord" isn't just a title of respect David uses, but God the Father acknowledging the Son's supreme authority, placing Him at His own right hand as an equal in rule and power.
This Psalm opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, whom David, the psalm's author, acknowledges as his Lord. It's a decree from eternity, established in the council of heaven, promising the Messiah an honored position of authority and reign. This prophetic announcement sets the stage for the entire psalm, which will go on to explore the Messiah's ultimate victory over all His enemies.
This Psalm opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, whom David, the psalm's author, acknowledges as his Lord. It's a decree from eternity, established in the council of heaven, promising the Messiah an honored position of authority and reign. This prophetic announcement sets the stage for the entire psalm, which will go on to explore the Messiah's ultimate victory over all His enemies.
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The Father's promise to the Son is clear: 'until I make your enemies your footstool.' What does this imagery tell us about the future?
The Certainty of Subjugation
The phrase 'make your enemies your footstool' is vivid imagery rooted in ancient Near Eastern customs. It represents:
Assyrian Empire Dominates
The powerful Assyrian Empire exerts significant influence over the region, creating a context of political instability and foreign threat.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile shatter the Davidic monarchy, intensifying the hope for a future divine king.
"The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”" — The verse isn't just about a future victory; it's a divine decree spoken from Father to Son. "My Lord" isn't just a title of respect David uses, but God the Father acknowledging the Son's supreme aut…
