The Lord says to my Lord
![The Lord says to my Lord](/content/images/size/w1200/2024/01/elie-khoury-GidYc-pS9sM-unsplash.jpg)
Psalm 110 is a Messianic psalm of significant theological importance that is both profound and mysterious. Attributed to King David, the psalm unveils a conversation between two Lords, not one, which unveils the divine nature of the anticipated Messiah. Through vivid imagery and poetic language, King David’s choice of words paint a portrait of a powerful and eternal ruler, whose dominion extends beyond earthly Kingdoms and indeed the earthly realm itself. As we explore these verses, we encounter layers of Messianic prophecy, themes of authority, priesthood, and ultimately triumphant judgment itself. So let's uncover its mysteries and reveal its truths as we delve a little deeper.
1. Verse 1: "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'
- David begins with a conversation between two Lords, indicating for us the divine nature of the Messiah. It’s also worth mentioning that “Sitting at the right hand” signifies honour and authority.
2. Verse 2: "The Lord will extend your mighty sceptre from Zion, saying, 'Rule in the midst of your enemies!'
- The Messiah's rule is depicted as extending from Zion (Jerusalem), emphasising both divine authority and a reign amidst opposition.
3. Verse 3: "Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendour, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning's womb."
- This verse portrays the Messiah's followers as a willing army, adorned in holiness, highlighting the spiritual nature of the battle and with a freshness of commitment that’s liken as morning dew.
4. Verse 4: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'"
- The unchanging oath reflects the permanence of the Messiah's priestly role, drawing on a connection to Melchizedek, a mysterious and revered figure of the Old Testament (Genesis 14:18) who was ordained not by man, but by the Lord.
5. Verse 5: "The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath."
- This verse emphasises divine support and judgment, indicating the ultimate authority of the Lord (the Messiah) to subdue earthly powers.
6. Verse 6: "He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth."
- Here we see that Messiah’s role extends beyond Israel to judge all the nations, bringing justice to the world and asserting dominion over the rulers of the nations.
7. Verse 7: "He will drink from a brook along the way, and so he will lift his head high."
- The imagery of drinking from a brook symbolises refreshment and triumph, concluding the psalm on a note of victory and exaltation.
Psalm 110 is rich in Messianic prophecy, foreshadowing the reign and authority of Jesus Christ in both his priestly and kingly roles. It unveils the majestic role of the awaited Messiah. Its verses, are laden with symbolism and divine dialogue, that depict a ruler with dual roles, both king and High Priest—whose authority transcends this earthly realm to the spiritual realm and the throne of the Almighty. As we reflect on this psalm, we glimpse the timeless truths it conveys about the nature of Christ's reign, his victory over ancient enemies, including sin and death, and his eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek. Written by King David, this Messianic prophecy revels his longing and anticipation of the Messiah, that was eventually and completely fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Have a great week, and God bless,
Trev.