Reflections on Psalm 110

 

Psalm 110 (Contemporary English Version)


1. (A psalm by David.) The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at my right side, until I make your enemies into a footstool for you."
   
2. The LORD will let your power reach out from Zion, and you will rule over your enemies.
   
3. Your glorious power will be seen on the day you begin to rule. You will wear the sacred robes and shine like the morning sun in all of your strength.
   
4. The LORD has made a promise that will never be broken: "You will be a priest forever, just like Melchizedek."
   
5. My Lord is at your right side, and when he gets angry he will crush the other kings.
   
6. He will judge the nations and crack their skulls, leaving piles of dead bodies all over the earth.
   
7. He will drink from any stream that he chooses, while winning victory after victory.

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Psalm 110 is much quoted in the New Testament, always with reference to the Messiah. According to this psalm, the Messiah is both priest and king. As priest, He will forever mediate on our behalf with the Father. As king, He will rule over all, even His enemies. "He will judge the nations" and "crush leaders over the entire world." I choose to be part of this kingdom of the Messiah. It is an eternal kingdom whereas all other kingdoms will be subject to His judgment. Why follow any other leader, all of whom will be crushed by this mighty ruler? I will follow the One who will rule over all. I will follow the one Who has access to the Father. This will require both faith and steadfastness because His reign is not presently evident except through eyes of faith. But one day it will be evident to all, and though all will bow down before Him at that time, only those who have followed His reign will rejoice and be glad, for they have followed the true king.