The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 110
In brief
Psalm 110 is a short psalm of David, among the most quoted in the New Testament. God speaks to David's Lord: sit at my right hand until your enemies become your footstool. This king is also, by oath, a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, a figure who appears only in Genesis 14. Christians read this psalm as the announcement of Jesus, king and mediator. In a few words it says that God's authority and reconciliation with him meet in one person.
The chapter in 3 parts
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.
Key verses
Yahweh says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.”
David calls someone his lord who is above him, which makes no sense for an ordinary king of Israel. Jesus uses this verse to raise the question of the Messiah's identity.
Your 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.
The verse is known to be hard to translate, but the idea is clear: a willing and numerous people gathers around the king, like the dew of the dawn.
Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
God swears that this king will also be a priest forever. Under Israel's law one man did not hold both roles, so the verse announces someone unique.
The Lord is at your right hand. He will crush kings in the day of his wrath. He will judge among the nations. He will heap up dead bodies. He will crush the ruler of the whole earth.
These verses speak of the judgment of kings and nations. They should be read as the end of powers that oppose God, on the day of his wrath, and not as a model of violence for believers.
Test your knowledge
Characters in this chapter
What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 110
What does Psalm 110 mean?
It is a messianic psalm: David hears God speak to his Lord, whom he invites to sit at his right hand. This figure is king and also priest forever. The New Testament quotes this psalm to speak of Jesus, raised to God's right hand after his resurrection, who reigns and intercedes for his people.
Who is Melchizedek in verse 4?
Melchizedek is king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He appears only once, in Genesis 14, when he blesses Abraham with bread and wine. His name means king of righteousness. Psalm 110 and the letter to the Hebrews use him to say that the priesthood of Jesus is of a different order from that of Israel's priests.
How can I pray with Psalm 110?
Read verses 1 to 3 to recognize Jesus as king, seated at God's right hand, and hand over to him what is beyond you: crises and the powers that oppose him. Then read verse 4 to thank him for also being your priest, the one who brings you near to God and intercedes for you.
Articles quoting Psalm 110
World English Bible translation — public domain.