Psalm 110 is one of the most significant messianic psalms, quoted extensively in the New Testament. Attributed to David, this psalm provides a prophetic vision of the Messiah as both King and Priest. Its themes of divine authority, victory over enemies, and eternal priesthood elevate it as a cornerstone for understanding Christ’s role in redemptive history.
The purpose of Psalm 110 is to reveal the Messiah’s dual office as King and Priest, emphasizing His divine appointment and eternal reign. From a dispensational perspective, this psalm anticipates the Second Coming of Christ and His reign during the Millennial Kingdom, where He will rule with justice and fulfill His priestly role as the mediator between God and humanity.
Words: 1395 / Time to read: 7 minutes
The Messiah’s Divine Kingship (Verses 1–2)
“The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’ The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, ‘Rule in the midst of your enemies.’” (Psalm 110:1-2)
The psalm opens with a declaration of divine authority. The phrase “The Lord says to my lord” reveals a conversation between Yahweh (God the Father) and the Messiah, whom David refers to as “my lord,” indicating his superiority. This verse is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 22:44 to affirm His identity as the Messiah and His divine nature.
The Messiah is invited to sit at the right hand of God, a position of power and authority. The imagery of enemies becoming a footstool underscores the complete subjugation of Christ’s foes, a theme echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:25: “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.”
Dispensationally, this verse points to the inter-advent period, where Christ reigns spiritually at the Father’s right hand, awaiting the fulfillment of His earthly reign during the Millennium. The extension of the “mighty scepter from Zion” anticipates His physical rule from Jerusalem, as prophesied in Zechariah 14:9: “The Lord will be king over the whole earth.”
The Messiah’s Victorious Army (Verse 3)
“Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb.” (Psalm 110:3)
This verse portrays the Messiah’s followers as a willing and holy army, participating in His triumph. The phrase “arrayed in holy splendor” reflects their sanctification, aligning with Revelation 19:14, which describes the armies of heaven dressed in fine linen, following Christ into battle.
The imagery of “dew from the morning’s womb” symbolizes the vitality and abundance of the Messiah’s followers, renewed and empowered by God. Dispensationally, this verse may point to the saints’ role in the Messiah’s reign, where believers share in His victory and rule (Revelation 20:6).
The Messiah’s Eternal Priesthood (Verse 4)
“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Psalm 110:4)
Here, the Messiah is declared a priest in the order of Melchizedek, a unique combination of kingly and priestly roles. Melchizedek, first introduced in Genesis 14:18, was both king of Salem and priest of God Most High. The connection between the Messiah and Melchizedek emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of Christ’s priesthood, as explained in Hebrews 7:24-25: “Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him.”
This verse contrasts the Levitical priesthood, which was temporary and limited, with the Messiah’s eternal priesthood, which transcends dispensations. As priest, Christ mediates between God and humanity, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin and interceding on behalf of believers.
The Messiah’s Triumph Over Nations (Verses 5–6)
“The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.” (Psalm 110:5-6)
The psalm shifts focus to the Messiah’s role as a warrior-king, executing judgment on rebellious nations. The “day of his wrath” refers to the Second Coming of Christ, when He will defeat the armies of the Antichrist and establish His Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 19:19-21).
The imagery of crushing kings and judging nations emphasizes the Messiah’s absolute authority and the inevitability of His victory. This aligns with Revelation 19:15: “He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.”
From a dispensational viewpoint, this judgment represents the transition from the Tribulation to the Millennial Kingdom, where Christ will reign as the undisputed King over all the earth.
The Messiah’s Final Exaltation (Verse 7)
“He will drink from a brook along the way; and so he will lift his head high.” (Psalm 110:7)
The psalm concludes with a picture of refreshment and triumph. The image of drinking from a brook suggests renewal and strength, enabling the Messiah to continue His victorious mission. The lifting of His head signifies exaltation and glory, affirming His ultimate triumph.
This verse may also symbolize the Messiah’s humanity, highlighting His reliance on the Father even in the midst of victory. Philippians 2:9 captures this exaltation: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”
Theological Reflection: The Messiah’s Dual Office
Psalm 110 provides a profound vision of the Messiah as both King and Priest, emphasizing His authority, victory, and eternal role as mediator. From a dispensational perspective, this psalm underscores key truths about Christ’s work and reign:
- Christ as King: The Messiah’s divine kingship assures believers of His ultimate victory over sin, death, and rebellion.
- Christ as Priest: His eternal priesthood provides a permanent solution for sin, offering salvation to all who trust in Him.
- Christ as Judge: His righteous judgment will bring justice to the nations, establishing peace and order in the Millennial Kingdom.
- Christ as Victor: The imagery of triumph affirms the certainty of His Second Coming and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Metaphors and Comparisons in Psalm 110
Psalm 110 employs vivid imagery to enhance its message:
- Footstool (Verse 1): Represents total subjugation of the Messiah’s enemies, echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:25.
- Mighty Scepter (Verse 2): Symbolizes the Messiah’s authority and power, connecting to Revelation 19:15.
- Order of Melchizedek (Verse 4): Highlights the Messiah’s unique and eternal priesthood, contrasting with the Levitical system.
- Crushing Kings (Verse 6): Depicts the Messiah’s role as judge and warrior, reflecting His Second Coming in Revelation 19.
- Drinking from a Brook (Verse 7): Suggests renewal and victory, affirming the Messiah’s exaltation.
These comparisons enrich the psalm’s prophetic vision of the Messiah’s reign and priesthood.
Timeless Lessons for Believers
Psalm 110 offers profound truths and encouragement for believers today:
- Rejoice in Christ’s Authority: The Messiah’s kingship assures us of His control over history and His ultimate victory.
- Rest in Christ’s Intercession: His eternal priesthood guarantees forgiveness and access to God.
- Anticipate Christ’s Return: The psalm points to the certainty of His Second Coming and the establishment of His righteous reign.
- Proclaim Christ’s Kingship: As ambassadors of His kingdom, we are called to declare His authority and salvation to the nations.
Conclusion: The King and Priest Forever
Psalm 110 is a powerful declaration of the Messiah’s dual office as King and Priest, emphasizing His divine authority, eternal intercession, and ultimate victory. From a dispensational perspective, it anticipates the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Christ’s Second Coming and His Millennial reign.
As we reflect on this psalm, may we rejoice in the certainty of Christ’s triumph and rest in the assurance of His eternal priesthood. Let us live in anticipation of His return, proclaiming His kingship and inviting others to join in His kingdom.
“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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