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God’s Faithful Messiah
Psalm 110 is a poem about a Lord appointed by Yahweh to rule, to serve as priest forever, and to bring judgement. It uses strong royal and priestly language, so it is best read carefully as poetry and song.
Understanding the passage
Read these words in context
In this psalm, Yahweh speaks to “my Lord”, inviting him to sit at Yahweh’s right hand and promising victory over enemies. The poem then speaks about this Lord’s rule from Zion, willing people, a lasting priesthood, and his judgement over nations and rulers. The passage closes with an image of drinking from a brook and lifting up his head.
Psalms 110:1–7Main takeaway
Psalm 110 presents Yahweh’s chosen Lord as both ruler and priest, whose authority, support, and judgement come from Yahweh.
Explore the poem and its images
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Yahweh invites this Lord to ruleThe poem opens with Yahweh speaking to “my Lord”. Sitting at the right hand is a place of honour and authority, and the enemies becoming a footstool pictures complete defeat.
Explanation
The poem opens with Yahweh speaking to “my Lord”. Sitting at the right hand is a place of honour and authority, and the enemies becoming a footstool pictures complete defeat. The focus is not on how this will happen, but on Yahweh’s promise to give this Lord victory.
02Strength from Zion and willing peopleYahweh sends out the “rod” of this Lord’s strength from Zion, so his rule reaches even where enemies are present.
Explanation
Yahweh sends out the “rod” of this Lord’s strength from Zion, so his rule reaches even where enemies are present. The people respond willingly in the day of his power, dressed in holy array. The final line gives a fresh poetic image of youth connected with the morning dew.
03A priest foreverThe next statement is especially strong because Yahweh has sworn and will not change his mind.
Explanation
The next statement is especially strong because Yahweh has sworn and will not change his mind. This Lord is called “a priest forever” in the order of Melchizedek. The psalm does not explain Melchizedek here, but it clearly stresses a priesthood established by Yahweh and lasting forever.
04Judgement and lifted headThe final verses describe the Lord’s power in judgement with sobering battle language. He is at the right hand, crushes kings, judges among the nations, and defeats a ruler of the whole earth.
Explanation
The final verses describe the Lord’s power in judgement with sobering battle language. He is at the right hand, crushes kings, judges among the nations, and defeats a ruler of the whole earth. The psalm ends with the image of drinking from a brook on the way and lifting up his head.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does Yahweh promise to do for “my Lord” in the opening verse?
Look for the commands and promises in the first line, including the place at Yahweh’s right hand and what happens to enemies.
02How does the psalm describe the people who belong to this Lord?
Notice both their willingness and the way they appear in the day of his power.
03Which two roles or honours does this Lord receive in the psalm?
One is his rule from Zion among enemies, and one is his priesthood forever by Yahweh’s oath.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Psalms 110:1–7
1Yahweh says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.”
2Yahweh will send out the rod of your strength out of Zion. Rule among your enemies.
3Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array. Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
4Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
5The Lord is at your right hand. He will crush kings in the day of his wrath.
6He will judge among the nations. He will heap up dead bodies. He will crush the ruler of the whole earth.
7He will drink of the brook on the way; therefore he will lift up his head.