This verse isn't just about a king receiving honor; it’s a divine decree from God the Father to God the Son. The Father invites the Son to "sit" not just for rest, but to reign with full authority, signifying a completed work and an eternal dominion over all opposition.
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. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm, attributed to David, opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. It's not just a king speaking to a subordinate, but the divine decree to His chosen one, acknowledging Him as "my Lord" despite David's own kingship. The immediate context is a heavenly coronation and commission, establishing the Messiah in a place of ultimate authority, not just honor, with the promise of total victory over all His adversaries.
This ancient psalm opens with a staggering divine conversation. Who is speaking, and to whom? It sets the stage for an eternal reign.
The verse presents a dialogue between "the LORD" (Yahweh, the Father) and "my Lord" (Adonai, the Son, the Messiah). This isn't just a historical pronouncement; it's a decree from the divine council, echoing from eternity.
A Father's Charge to His Son
This establishes Jesus not just as a descendant of David, but as David's Lord, King, and Sovereign.
What does it mean to "sit at the right hand"? It’s more than just a place; it’s a position of ultimate authority and rest.
The command "Sit thou at my right hand" signifies:
An Invitation to Reign
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It’s a powerful image of Christ's exalted status and His ongoing rule.
The decree isn't just about reigning; it’s about victory. What does it mean for Christ's enemies to become His 'footstool'?
The phrase "until I make thine enemies thy footstool" points to the ultimate, unavoidable subduing of all opposition.
The Enemy's Ultimate Fate
This isn't a suggestion; it's a divine promise of total victory and established reign.
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.
kohen · Hebrew Noun
A mediator between God and man, authorized to offer sacrifices and intercede on behalf of the people. The priesthood of Melchizedek represents a royal, eternal, and universal priesthood that precedes and transcends the Levitical system.
Malki-Tsedeq · Hebrew Proper Noun
An ancient king-priest of Salem who received tithes from Abraham. His order signifies a priesthood that is not based on genealogy, but on an indestructible life and a direct divine appointment.
This psalm, written during David's reign, looks beyond his own kingship to a future, divine Lord who would receive ultimate authority from God. Its repeated citation in the New Testament highlights its central role in early Christian understanding of Jesus' identity and mission.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David establishes a unified monarchy in Israel, a period of significant political and religious development.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Authorship of Psalm 110
The psalm is traditionally attributed to David, written during his reign, possibly reflecting on his own kingship or a future Messianic king.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Succeeds David
David's son, Solomon, inherits the throne, a time when the concept of a Davidic dynasty and its future promises would continue to develop.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophecies
Prophet Isaiah speaks of a future ruler from the line of David who will establish an everlasting kingdom, echoing themes in Psalm 110.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple leads to the exile of many Israelites, increasing longing for a divine king and restoration.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension are seen by Christians as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies, including Psalm 110:1.
c. 60-65 AD
New Testament Epistles Written
Apostles like Paul and the author of Hebrews expound on Psalm 110:1, interpreting it as a prophecy of Christ's exalted status and reign.
Jesus directly quotes this verse when explaining the identity of the 'Lord' David speaks of, identifying Him as the Messiah who reigns until His enemies are subdued.
Acts 2:34-35Peter expounds on this psalm, explaining that David himself prophesied Christ's ascension to God's right hand, where He now reigns until all enemies are placed under His feet.
Hebrews 1:13This passage directly applies Psalm 110:1 to Jesus, highlighting His superior position over angels after His ascension and His ongoing reign until all things are subjected to Him.
1 Corinthians 15:25Paul references the promise within this verse, stating that Christ must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet, emphasizing the certainty of His ultimate victory.
Revelation 5:12-13This vision shows the exalted Lamb (Christ) receiving all authority and power, a scene that vividly illustrates the fulfillment of God the Father granting Him dominion until all creation acknowledges His sovereignty.
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…
This verse isn't just about a king receiving honor; it’s a divine decree from God the Father to God the Son. The Father invites the Son to "sit" not just for rest, but to reign with full authority, signifying a completed work and an eternal dominion over all opposition.
This Psalm, attributed to David, opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. It's not just a king speaking to a subordinate, but the divine decree to His chosen one, acknowledging Him as "my Lord" despite David's own kingship. The immediate context is a heavenly coronation and commission, establishing the Messiah in a place of ultimate authority, not just honor, with the promise of total victory over all His adversaries.
This Psalm, attributed to David, opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. It's not just a king speaking to a subordinate, but the divine decree to His chosen one, acknowledging Him as "my Lord" despite David's own kingship. The immediate context is a heavenly coronation and commission, establishing the Messiah in a place of ultimate authority, not just honor, with the promise of total victory over all His adversaries.
"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…" — This verse isn't just about a king receiving honor; it’s a divine decree from God the Father to God the Son. The Father invites the Son to "sit" not just for rest, but to reign with full authority, s…
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Last reviewed October 2026
