Psalms 110:7
He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a common reality for any leader or warrior: hardship is inevitable on the journey, but encountering it doesn't signal defeat. Instead, pausing for refreshment, whether literal or spiritual, is precisely what enables one to press on with renewed strength and purpose.
This verse is part of a prophetic psalm depicting a victorious king, often understood as a Messianic figure. Following pronouncements of his divine authority and ongoing conquests, this passage describes him pausing by a stream during his pursuit of enemies, finding refreshment to continue his triumphant march. The context emphasizes his sustained effort and ultimate exaltation as a result of his arduous journey and victories.
Even the mightiest conquerors need a moment to rest and refuel. What does this brief pause reveal about the nature of ultimate victory?
The verse paints a picture of a triumphant leader on the march.
A Momentary Respite
He doesn't push forward relentlessly without any break. Instead, he "drinks from the brook by the way." This isn't a long rest, but a quick, life-giving pause. Think of a runner taking a quick sip of water during a marathon – it's enough to keep them going.
Fueling the Pursuit
This refreshment isn't an end in itself; it's a means to an end. Because he pauses to drink, he is able to "lift up his head." This implies renewed strength, resolve, and the ability to continue his pursuit with vigor. It’s about being sustained for the ongoing journey of victory.
Could the very moments of hardship and suffering be the necessary steps toward ultimate triumph and glory?
This psalm, understood in its fullness, points to Jesus Christ. While the imagery can apply to any determined leader, its deepest meaning is Christ's journey.
The Waters of Affliction
Many commentators see the "brook" as a symbol of sufferings or afflictions. Jesus, in his earthly mission, 'drank' deeply from these waters. He faced immense challenges, rejection, and ultimately, death.
The Cause for Exaltation
It's precisely because he endured these sufferings, this 'drinking from the brook in the way,' that he is exalted. His humiliation and passion were not detours from his glory, but the very path that led to his ultimate triumph. He was 'obedient unto death,' and therefore God highly exalted him.
His willingness to endure hardship is what qualified him for his supreme position.
Understand the original words
nachal · Hebrew Noun
A small, flowing body of water; often used in Scripture as a symbol of refreshment, sustenance, or a source of life provided by God during a journey or time of trial.
rosh · Hebrew Noun
A posture of confidence, victory, triumph, or honor. To lift up the head is to be delivered from shame, humiliation, or defeat, signifying a state of being vindicated or exalted.
This verse draws on the imagery of a weary but triumphant military leader pausing for a drink by a stream before continuing his victorious pursuit. It speaks to the Messiah's journey through suffering ('drinking from the brook in the way') as the necessary path to his ultimate exaltation and victory ('lifting up his head').
c. 1000 BC
David Anointed King
King David, a key figure in Israel's history, is anointed as king, a foreshadowing of the Messiah's future reign.
c. 970 BC
David's Reign and Military Victories
David establishes his kingdom and engages in numerous military campaigns, expanding Israel's territory and power.
c. 970 BC - 931 BC
David's Later Years and Troubles
Despite victories, David faces internal strife and personal challenges, highlighting the contrast between earthly triumph and future glory.
c. 970 BC— this verse
David's Humiliation and Exaltation
David, a type of Christ, experiences both suffering and victory, mirroring the Messiah's path of humiliation and exaltation.
This passage directly links Jesus' suffering, symbolized by drinking from the brook, to His subsequent exaltation, echoing the theme of enduring hardship for a greater reward.
Isaiah 40:28-31It speaks of God giving strength to the weary, mirroring the idea of refreshment from the brook enabling one to continue and not faint, leading to renewed strength and 'lifting up the head'.
Judges 8:4This verse provides a vivid parallel of a leader who, though 'faint yet pursuing,' pauses to drink from a stream, highlighting the strategic refreshment that allows for continued victory, just as described in Psalms 110:7.
Philippians 2:8-9It details Christ's obedience unto death and His subsequent exaltation by God, aligning with the concept that suffering and humility ('drinking from the brook') lead to ultimate triumph and glory ('lifting up the head').
John 7:37-39Jesus' invitation to drink from Him as the source of living water speaks to the spiritual sustenance that empowers believers, a concept that can be seen as a spiritual parallel to the Messiah's own divine refreshment.
wesleyPsalms 110:7: "He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head."
110:7 Drink - He shall have a large portion of afflictions, while he is in the way or course of his life, before he comes to that honour of sitting at his father's right - hand. Waters in scripture frequently signify sufferings. To drink of them, signifies to feel or bear them. Therefore - He shall be exalted to great glory and felicity.
pulpitPsalms 110:7: "He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head."
Verse 7. - He shall drink of the brook in the way. Primarily, the action described is that of pausing in the pursuit of enemies to refresh one's self with a draught of water from a brook by the wayside; but, if we interpret the passage of the Messiah, we must understand the refreshing draughts which he ever draws from the well-spring of truth and righteousness as he advances on his career of victory. T…
The verse highlights a common reality for any leader or warrior: hardship is inevitable on the journey, but encountering it doesn't signal defeat. Instead, pausing for refreshment, whether literal or spiritual, is precisely what enables one to press on with renewed strength and purpose.
This verse is part of a prophetic psalm depicting a victorious king, often understood as a Messianic figure. Following pronouncements of his divine authority and ongoing conquests, this passage describes him pausing by a stream during his pursuit of enemies, finding refreshment to continue his triumphant march. The context emphasizes his sustained effort and ultimate exaltation as a result of his arduous journey and victories.
This verse is part of a prophetic psalm depicting a victorious king, often understood as a Messianic figure. Following pronouncements of his divine authority and ongoing conquests, this passage describes him pausing by a stream during his pursuit of enemies, finding refreshment to continue his triumphant march. The context emphasizes his sustained effort and ultimate exaltation as a result of his arduous journey and victories.
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"He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head." — The verse highlights a common reality for any leader or warrior: hardship is inevitable on the journey, but encountering it doesn't signal defeat. Instead, pausing for refreshment, whether literal or…
