Psalm 110

Psalm Category: Royal Psalm

Central Thought: The same Jesus who came to die for us is now reigning over all things for His glory and our good.

Each of us has our favorite psalm. For many it’s the well-known Psalm 23, while others of us opt for a lesser-known selection. But there’s no doubt which psalm was the “favorite” with Jesus and the apostles. The 110th is by far the most referenced and alluded-to psalm in the New Testament. Closer study reveals why. Though only 7 verses, this song of praise has much to say to us about the kingship of Jesus Christ.

The Fact of Christ’s Rule (vv. 1-2)

Every phrase in these verses adds to our understanding:

Christ’s Person—Jesus was a master at stumping His opponents. On one occasion He asked the Pharisees, “If the Messiah will be David’s son, how is it that David calls him ‘Lord’?” Of course Jesus was thinking of our psalm, “The Lord (Yahweh) said to my Lord (Adonai).” What the Pharisees failed to see is the very thing that is our hope: Our Savior is fully man and fully God. No one less would suffice for us.

Christ’s Place—The Father’s “right hand” is the place of honor and power. Having finished the work He was given to do, He sat down till all His enemies are subjected to Him.

Christ’s Priority—It’s “out of Zion” that our Lord’s strength is shown. The Church is at the center of the outworkings of King Jesus’ reign. He is “head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:22). Far from an afterthought, every providence is aimed at the blessing of the people of God.

Present Reality—Jesus is ruling now, in the midst of His enemies. That can only mean that those hostile to Him exist in this world due to His forbearance. And the present sufferings of His children are part of His sovereign love.

What Does Christ’s Rule Mean For His People? (vv. 3-4)

It means we’ve been won and kept by His power. Verse 3 has been a challenge to translate, but the general idea is clear. The day of Christ’s power creates an army of volunteers, those who are transformed by His grace, clothed in the “beauties of holiness,” and made as numerous and refreshing as the dew. Though given in poetic terms, that is the headline news from the last 2,000 years—Christ is marching through this world claiming a great people for Himself out of the darkness.

It means we’ve been won and kept by His priesthood. More than any other New Testament book, Hebrews claims Psalm 110 for its own. The writer opens up verse 4 in some wonderful directions. We discover that, in a number of ways, Melchizedek, priest-king of Salem in Abraham’s day, shows us what kind of priest our own Jesus is. Perhaps best of all for us, we’re told that Christ is “priest forever.” What good news that the One who laid down His life for us also “ever lives to make intercession” for us! (Heb. 7:25).

What Does Christ’s Rule Mean For His Enemies? (vv. 5-7)

In this telling of the coming judgment, kings and heads of countries receive special mention. Why? Perhaps for two reasons: First, because they have a special responsibility to assure that their people hear the gospel and obey God’s law. Second, David tells us that if the great men of the world, with all their wealth and military might, can’t escape Christ’s dreadful judgments, how much less can the rest of us imagine such. “He shall…He shall…He shall…” drives home that we face King Jesus’ inevitable victory. Like Gideon who was “faint yet pursuing,” our King will only pause for a drink (no time for a feast yet!) as He pursues His purposes. The fact that this day of wrath is promised but not yet come reminds us that the present is a day of grace, in which we preach the gospel to every creature, and warn every man, that the once-crucified and suffering Jesus is today Lord of all.

—Ian Wise

Editor’s note: The Witness is grateful for the work of Pastor Ian Wise in writing these columns for the past couple of years. With the next issue, Pastor Kit Swartz (Oswego, N.Y., RPC) becomes the fifth writer for the Songs of the Covenant series.