Psalm 110 Devotional
by Pastor Lawrence

Although it is not as beloved or well known to many Christians today as Psalm 23 or Psalm 139 are, Psalm 110 is by far the most important psalm in all the psalter, for it is quoted eight times and alluded to even more throughout the New Testament (see Matthew 22:44; 26:64; Mark 12:36, 14:62; 16:19, Luke 20:41–44, 22:69; Acts 2:34-36; 1 Corinthians 15:25, Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; 5:1–6, 6:20, 7:4–7, 7:17–24; 8:1; 10:12,13; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22-23). Considered both a royal psalm as well as a messianic psalm, this passage seems to clearly point to Jesus’s exaltation in glory as both a king and a priest after laying down life on earth as a sacrifice for sin.

Written by King David himself, the expression he uses in the very beginning of the psalm of the Lord speaking to his Lord seems rather confusing prior to the revelation of Christ, for David as the king of Israel is referring to another person as Lord other than the Lord God Almighty. And God says to this other Lord to sit at his right hand in glory. Obviously David was never granted such a position, and the writer of Hebrews takes great pains to show that no angel was ever granted such an honor either, so this would have to refer to some other person who is neither an angel nor an ordinary man. Only the Son of God would qualify in this case. For although this suffering servant was despised by men, the Lord exalted his name above every other name and granted him the right to sit upon his throne.

The very reason that he is seated is because he has finished his great work of obedience to God’s law and the salvation of sinners. Unlike the earthly priests who never sat down in the temple since their work of purification was never complete, Jesus died once for all to bring perfection to imperfect sinners. And while he is at God’s right hand he is interceding on behalf of his people (see Romans 8:34) until the Lord finally puts all his enemies under his feet.

Additionally, the Lord swears an oath to this Lord and king of David, saying that he would a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. Unlike the order of Aaron that was both imperfect and mortal, the order of Melchizedek was spotless and perpetual. This unique order was based upon the ancient human king Melchizedek who was also a priest of God most high through whom Abraham offered his tithes unto God. The prophet Zechariah would later prophesy in Zechariah 6:13 concerning the Messiah that he would “a priest upon his throne,” which was unheard of in Israel apart from the mysterious figure of the ancient Melchizedek. Unlike Aaron and all his priestly descendants who died and were replaced by their successors, Jesus would live forever and always hold the right to both titles of king and priest both to rule and defend his people as well as to intercede for them and make them holy.

But this psalm doesn’t merely picture Christ sitting on his throne having completed the work of salvation, it is also pictures him leading a vast army of followers who offer themselves freely in the day of battle willing even to lay down their lives on behalf of their savior and conqueror. Here David pictures the Messiah Jesus leading his people into battle to conquer all of his enemies. After all, the whole purpose of his enthronement in heaven is to show forth his sovereignty over all the earth. So the last image we see of Jesus is that of a conqueror who is unwavering in his resolve to fight and to win over all the earth; even when he is tired and thirsty he only takes a quick respite to satisfy his thirst and renew his strength before marching ahead into battle. This vivid imagery is meant to instill within us trust in our conquering savior that we might rally to follow in his footsteps proclaiming the good news that Christ is King.