Psalm 110: A Messianic Psalm

David wrote Psalm 110 sometime after receiving a vision of the coming Messiah. In Christ, the promise of the everlasting covenant would be fulfilled.

“The psalm takes its place among the most majestic songs of Hebrew literature. It has been styled ‘the pearl of Messianic psalms.’ Christ is presented not only as King and Ruler of this world, but also, by God’s solemn oath, as eternal Priest.” Christ made mention of this psalm during a discussion with the Pharisees of His day.

“Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?” (Matthew 22:41–45).

The point Jesus was making was that Christ was the Son of God the Father, not David’s son! The Father placed Christ at His right hand—the highest position in the universe. Ultimately, every knee will bow to the King of kings, and Christ will triumph over all earthly sovereigns (Philippians 2:5–11). Psalm 110 also ascribes priestly duties to the Son of God.

“In Christ the priesthood and the kingship are united as they were in Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God (see Gen. 14:18; Heb. 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:1–3, 11, 15, 17, 24, 28).” Christ offered up His body for us, and by His blood, we are cleansed.

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20, 21).

“Where high the heavenly temple stands, / The house of God not made with hands, / A great High Priest our nature wears, / The Guardian of mankind appears.”