What's easily missed here is that this isn't just God the Father telling the Son to sit down; it's a divine decree from eternity, promising a future, active participation in ruling until all opposition is utterly vanquished. The phrase "my Lord" is key, showing that David (and by extension, us) is acknowledging a superior to himself, pointing to Jesus as both descendant and divine King. This setup isn't about a passive waiting, but a reigning with delegated authority until complete victory.
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! Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. It's not just a poetic statement but an eternal decree concerning the Son's future reign. The Father is ordaining the Son to a position of supreme authority and honor, seated at His right hand, signifying His exalted status and kingly power over all creation, a status that far surpasses any human ruler. This decree is to be fulfilled until all opposing forces are utterly defeated and brought under the Son's complete dominion.
This ancient psalm isn't just a historical record; it's a cosmic announcement. God the Father is speaking directly to someone He calls 'my Lord.' What does this divine conversation reveal about who this 'Lord' is, and the eternal plans for Him?
The very first line, 'The LORD says to my Lord,' reveals a profound interaction within the Godhead. The "LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant name of God) is speaking to "my Lord" (Adonai, a title of authority and lordship). David, the author, calls this figure 'my Lord,' indicating someone superior to him, even while this figure will later be understood as his descendant.
Imagine being invited to sit at the right hand of the most powerful king. What does this 'seat' signify? It's more than just a comfortable chair; it's a profound declaration of status, authority, and purpose.
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The instruction "Sit at my right hand" is incredibly significant. It's not a passive command but a powerful statement of exaltation and delegated authority.
The Father declares a future reality: 'until I make your enemies your footstool.' This isn't a negotiation; it's a promise of total victory. What does this imagery tell us about the fate of Christ's adversaries?
The phrase 'until I make your enemies your footstool' paints a vivid picture of complete and utter conquest. It's a powerful promise of Christ's ultimate triumph.
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.
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.
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective
Dedicated to God, separated from common use, and characterized by moral purity. It refers to the sanctity of those who serve the Lord and the setting apart of people or things for His purposes.
This psalm, traditionally attributed to King David, reflects deep messianic hopes. Its powerful imagery of divine authority and the subjugation of enemies finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, as understood by New Testament writers.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
David consolidates his rule over Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and a strong monarchy. This sets the stage for future messianic expectations tied to his lineage.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Military Successes
David expands his kingdom, achieving significant military victories and establishing Israel as a regional power. This period of triumph likely inspired psalms about divine empowerment and kingship.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Davidic Authorship of Psalm 110
Tradition holds that King David composed this psalm, reflecting on the divine promise of an everlasting dynasty and the messianic king who would descend from him.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophecies
Prophet Isaiah speaks of a future ruler from the line of Jesse (David's father) who will establish justice and righteousness, echoing themes of kingship and divine appointment.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the deportation of many Judeans to Babylon, intensifies hope for a divinely appointed deliverer and king.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus of Nazareth begins his public ministry, teaching and performing miracles. His ascension to heaven is seen by early Christians as the fulfillment of this psalm's prophecy.
c. 60s AD
New Testament Citations
The New Testament writers, particularly in the Gospels and epistles, frequently cite Psalm 110:1 as a foundational text for understanding Jesus' divine authority and messianic role.
Jesus himself quotes this verse to the Pharisees, directly identifying the 'Lord' who sits at God's right hand as the Messiah, affirming its Messianic significance.
Hebrews 1:3This passage explicitly states that Jesus, after purifying sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, echoing the exaltation described in Psalms 110:1.
1 Corinthians 15:25Paul uses this verse to explain Christ's reign, stating 'For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet,' directly referencing the subduing of enemies mentioned in Psalms 110:1.
Acts 2:34-35Peter preaches that David himself spoke this Psalm, declaring that the exalted Christ is the one who 'is at the right hand of God,' fulfilling the prophetic declaration.
Joshua 10:24This Old Testament account describes Joshua having the enemy kings place their feet on the necks of their defeated fellow kings, illustrating the very real and humbling imagery of making enemies a footstool.
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…
What's easily missed here is that this isn't just God the Father telling the Son to sit down; it's a divine decree from eternity, promising a future, active participation in ruling until all opposition is utterly vanquished. The phrase "my Lord" is key, showing that David (and by extension, us) is acknowledging a superior to himself, pointing to Jesus as both descendant and divine King. This setup isn't about a passive waiting, but a reigning with delegated authority until complete victory.
This psalm opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. It's not just a poetic statement but an eternal decree concerning the Son's future reign. The Father is ordaining the Son to a position of supreme authority and honor, seated at His right hand, signifying His exalted status and kingly power over all creation, a status that far surpasses any human ruler. This decree is to be fulfilled until all opposing forces are utterly defeated and brought under the Son's complete dominion.
This psalm opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. It's not just a poetic statement but an eternal decree concerning the Son's future reign. The Father is ordaining the Son to a position of supreme authority and honor, seated at His right hand, signifying His exalted status and kingly power over all creation, a status that far surpasses any human ruler. This decree is to be fulfilled until all opposing forces are utterly defeated and brought under the Son's complete dominion.
"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! Your people will offer themselve…" — What's easily missed here is that this isn't just God the Father telling the Son to sit down; it's a divine decree from eternity, promising a future, active participation in ruling until all opposi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
