Psalms 110:1-2
The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Father declares to the Son, "Sit at my right hand," not just as a place of honor, but as a directive to rest from His earthly work and to actively reign, ruling alongside the Father until every opposition is completely subdued. This "sitting" signifies both completed victory and ongoing sovereign authority, an assurance of ultimate triumph over all enemies.
This psalm opens with a divine declaration, not from David, but from God the Father to God the Son, referred to as "my Lord." It's a cosmic pronouncement of authority and future victory, establishing the Son's supreme reign and the ultimate subjugation of all His enemies. This sets the stage for understanding the Son's divine role and His triumphant conquest that will ultimately fulfill this heavenly decree.
Ever heard of a divine conversation where one divine Person issues a decree to another? This verse opens a window into the eternal council of God.
The Father Speaks to the Son
The opening of Psalm 110 is striking: "The LORD says to my Lord." This isn't just God speaking to Himself; it's a declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. David, though the psalmist, is confessing that this "Lord" is his Lord – a superior, a sovereign whom he recognizes. This title, "my Lord" (adonî), points to a relationship of both authority and deep respect.
This divine decree, issued from eternity, wasn't just a suggestion. It was a confirmation of the Messiah's future role, authority, and ultimate victory, established in the eternal purpose of God even before creation.
What does it mean for the Messiah to 'sit' in a royal decree? It’s not about relaxation, but about authority and completion.
Resting in Accomplished Victory
The command, "Sit at my right hand," is an invitation to assume His place of supreme authority and honor. It signifies more than just a position; it implies that the work entrusted to Him is accomplished, and the victory is secured. This 'sitting' is a posture of reigning, of ruling in the heavenly realms.
The Purpose: Until Enemies are Subdued
This reign is not passive. It's a dynamic process that continues "until I make your enemies your footstool." This imagery, drawn from ancient customs of conquerors placing their feet on the necks of defeated foes, speaks of complete and utter subjugation. It assures us that Christ's reign is advancing, ensuring the final defeat of all opposition – sin, death, and all forces against God's kingdom.
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.
Written by King David, this psalm speaks of a future royal descendant, 'my Lord,' who will reign at God's right hand, a concept deeply rooted in the promises made to David's dynasty and later understood by New Testament writers as referring to the Messiah.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
David consolidates his rule over Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and a strong monarchy. This period sets the stage for kingship and divine appointment in Israel.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Dynasty Begins
The prophecy of Nathan (2 Samuel 7) assures David that his dynasty will endure forever. This is foundational for understanding a future royal descendant who would rule eternally.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Davidic Authorship of Psalm 110
Tradition and many scholars attribute Psalm 110 to David. He writes from the perspective of a king, yet refers to another 'Lord' superior to himself.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Succeeds David
Solomon, David's son, inherits the throne, continuing the Davidic line. He is seen as a significant figure in Israel's history, embodying royal authority.
Jesus himself quotes this verse to show that the Messiah is David's Lord, establishing His divine authority and future reign over all His enemies.
Hebrews 1:3This passage directly applies Psalm 110:1 to Jesus, highlighting His superior position and authority after His ascension, as He sits at God's right hand having accomplished redemption.
1 Corinthians 15:25Paul uses the imagery of enemies being put under Christ's feet, echoing Psalm 110:1, to describe Christ's ongoing reign until His final victory over all opposition.
Acts 2:34-35Peter applies this psalm to Jesus' ascension and exaltation, emphasizing that God the Father enthroned Him and that He reigns until all enemies are subdued.
Revelation 19:11-16This passage vividly depicts the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 110:1, showing Christ returning as King and Conqueror to make war against His enemies and establish His absolute rule.
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 Father declares to the Son, "Sit at my right hand," not just as a place of honor, but as a directive to rest from His earthly work and to actively reign, ruling alongside the Father until every opposition is completely subdued. This "sitting" signifies both completed victory and ongoing sovereign authority, an assurance of ultimate triumph over all enemies.
This psalm opens with a divine declaration, not from David, but from God the Father to God the Son, referred to as "my Lord." It's a cosmic pronouncement of authority and future victory, establishing the Son's supreme reign and the ultimate subjugation of all His enemies. This sets the stage for understanding the Son's divine role and His triumphant conquest that will ultimately fulfill this heavenly decree.
This psalm opens with a divine declaration, not from David, but from God the Father to God the Son, referred to as "my Lord." It's a cosmic pronouncement of authority and future victory, establishing the Son's supreme reign and the ultimate subjugation of all His enemies. This sets the stage for understanding the Son's divine role and His triumphant conquest that will ultimately fulfill this heavenly decree.
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Tsiyyon · Hebrew Proper Noun
The city of David, chosen by God as His dwelling place and the center of His earthly government. It symbolizes the presence of God and the seat of divine authority from which the King reigns.
matteh · Hebrew Noun
An instrument of authority, power, and sovereign rule. It represents the king's right to command, judge, and maintain order among his subjects and against his enemies.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
The prophet Isaiah also speaks of a coming ruler from the line of David who will reign with justice and peace, echoing themes in Psalm 110.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple marks a low point for Israel, intensifying hopes for a future king and restoration.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
The New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Psalm 110. His ascension to the 'right hand of God' signifies his enthronement as King and High Priest.
"The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!" — The Father declares to the Son, "Sit at my right hand," not just as a place of honor, but as a directive to rest from His earthly work and to actively reign, ruling alongside the Father until every o…
