He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse paints a picture of a victorious leader pausing for a quick drink from a brook on his journey, and then triumphantly raising his head. This seemingly small detail highlights that even in his ultimate triumph, the Messiah would experience a period of refreshment amidst hardship, not an immediate escape from it. This brief pause signifies the human experience of finding solace and renewed strength during the journey, even before reaching the final victory.
He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse describes a victorious leader who, in the midst of his pursuit, pauses to drink from a brook, which refreshes him and allows him to continue his campaign with renewed vigor. It serves as a powerful image of Christ's triumph over his enemies, suggesting that even in the midst of His earthly suffering and the ongoing spiritual battle, He finds sustenance and purpose, leading to ultimate exaltation.
The verse pictures a warrior pausing to drink from a brook. But what kind of 'drink' is this, and what does it signify for the one who partakes?
The imagery here is powerful! The "brook" and the act of "drinking" can represent a moment of respite, but the commentators highlight a deeper meaning, especially when applied to the Messiah.
A Pause in the Battle
Many see this "drink" not as a casual refreshment, but as a necessary, albeit brief, encounter with hardship. It's like a soldier, exhausted from the fight, taking a quick sip of water before pressing on.
Suffering as Sustenance
This drink is often interpreted as the "waters of affliction" or even the "blood of the slain." It suggests that even in victory, there's a cost. For Jesus, this meant embracing his passion and suffering, not as a defeat, but as a vital step on his path to glory. He didn't avoid suffering; he drank from it, finding strength and purpose within it.
Why does drinking from the brook lead to lifting one's head? What does this triumphant posture signify in the context of the Psalm?
The second part of the verse, 'therefore he will lift up his head,' is the glorious outcome of the journey described.
Victory and Vindication
Lifting one's head is a universal symbol of victory, honor, and vindication. It's the opposite of being bowed down in shame or defeat. After enduring the 'brook' of suffering, the leader is restored, strengthened, and elevated.
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The Messiah's Exaltation
When applied to the Messiah, this 'lifting of the head' points directly to his resurrection and ascension. It's the ultimate sign that his mission was accomplished, his enemies overcome, and his rightful place at God's right hand secured. He doesn't just survive; he triumphs spectacularly, his head held high in eternal victory.
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.
Psalm 110 was likely written during a period of significant political and military upheaval in ancient Israel, possibly reflecting the triumphs and struggles of King David. The imagery of a warrior pausing to drink from a brook before continuing his pursuit speaks powerfully to the perseverance required in leadership and conflict, resonating deeply with a people who faced numerous military challenges and periods of exile.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David unites the tribes of Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital, ushering in a golden age for the united monarchy.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Psalms Written and Compiled
Many of the Psalms, including Psalm 110, are composed and collected, reflecting the religious and political life of ancient Israel.
931 BC
Kingdom Splits
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom divides into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to political instability.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of its inhabitants and a period of fear for Judah.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling many Judeans. This event deeply impacts Jewish identity and understanding of God's promises.
c. 4th Century BC
Post-Exilic Period
Following their return from exile, the Jewish people rebuild the Temple and establish a religious community, often under foreign rule.
Jesus utters "It is finished" and bows his head to die, signifying the completion of his suffering before his ultimate exaltation, echoing the 'drinking from the brook' as a moment of completion before the 'lifting of the head'.
Philippians 2:8-9This passage directly parallels the suffering ('obedient unto death') and subsequent exaltation ('highly exalted Him') described in Psalm 110:7, showing the cause-and-effect relationship.
Hebrews 12:2It speaks of Jesus 'for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame' and then sitting at God's right hand, connecting the 'drinking' (suffering/journey) with the 'lifting up' (joy and exaltation).
Isaiah 53:12This prophetic passage describes the suffering servant being 'numbered with the transgressors' and ultimately 'having a portion among the great,' which reflects the pattern of humiliation followed by exaltation in Psalm 110:7.
Judges 8:4The context of Gideon being 'faint yet pursuing' illustrates the imagery of a weary warrior pausing to drink from a brook before continuing the fight, a vivid picture of enduring hardship and renewed strength.
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 paints a picture of a victorious leader pausing for a quick drink from a brook on his journey, and then triumphantly raising his head. This seemingly small detail highlights that even in his ultimate triumph, the Messiah would experience a period of refreshment amidst hardship, not an immediate escape from it. This brief pause signifies the human experience of finding solace and renewed strength during the journey, even before reaching the final victory.
This verse describes a victorious leader who, in the midst of his pursuit, pauses to drink from a brook, which refreshes him and allows him to continue his campaign with renewed vigor. It serves as a powerful image of Christ's triumph over his enemies, suggesting that even in the midst of His earthly suffering and the ongoing spiritual battle, He finds sustenance and purpose, leading to ultimate exaltation.
This verse describes a victorious leader who, in the midst of his pursuit, pauses to drink from a brook, which refreshes him and allows him to continue his campaign with renewed vigor. It serves as a powerful image of Christ's triumph over his enemies, suggesting that even in the midst of His earthly suffering and the ongoing spiritual battle, He finds sustenance and purpose, leading to ultimate exaltation.
"He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head." — The verse paints a picture of a victorious leader pausing for a quick drink from a brook on his journey, and then triumphantly raising his head. This seemingly small detail highlights that even in hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026