Psalms 110:1

KJV

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. The LORD {H3068} said {H5002} unto my Lord {H113}, Sit {H3427} thou at my right hand {H3225}, until I make {H7896} thine enemies {H341} thy footstool {H1916}{H7272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A psalm of David: ADONAI says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

American Standard Version

Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 110:1 stands as a monumental prophetic declaration, attributed to King David, that unveils the future reign and ultimate triumph of a unique, divine Lord. This verse is not only the most frequently quoted Old Testament passage in the New Testament but also serves as a cornerstone for understanding the identity, authority, and eschatological victory of the Messiah, establishing His preeminence and co-regency with God the Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 110 is a royal and prophetic psalm, uniquely structured as an oracle from Yahweh (the LORD) to David's "Lord." It immediately follows Psalm 109, a lament and imprecatory psalm, and precedes Psalm 111, a psalm of praise for God's works. This placement highlights a shift from personal suffering and justice to a grand, universal declaration of divine kingship and priestly authority. The psalm itself consists of two divine oracles (vv. 1, 4) separated by a description of the Messiah's victorious reign (vv. 2-3) and a final statement of His judgment (vv. 5-7), all centered on the figure introduced in verse 1. Its brevity belies its profound theological depth and its pivotal role in linking the Old Testament's messianic hopes with the New Testament's fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, this psalm emerges from a monarchical setting in ancient Israel, yet transcends it. The concept of a king being seated at the "right hand" of a greater sovereign was a universal symbol of unparalleled honor, authority, and co-regency in the ancient Near East. Victors in battle would often place their foot on the necks of vanquished foes as a public display of total subjugation, making the enemy a "footstool." While David was Israel's king, the language of the psalm points to a figure greater than any earthly monarch, someone to whom even David, a king and prophet, refers to as "my Lord." This unique address, combined with the divine oracle, sets this psalm apart from typical royal psalms, hinting at a future, transcendent King-Priest.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 110:1 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Messianic Prophecy**, unequivocally pointing to a future, divine King-Priest who would rule with supreme authority and achieve ultimate victory. This verse establishes the **Divine Authority and Sovereignty** of this coming Lord, as He is invited to sit at the right hand of Yahweh, a position of ultimate power and honor. It also highlights the theme of **Exaltation and Reign**, depicting the Messiah's ascension to a position of cosmic rule, where He actively subdues all opposition. The imagery of the "footstool" powerfully conveys the theme of **Ultimate Triumph and Subjugation of Enemies**, assuring believers of the complete and final victory of God's chosen King over all forces of evil, sin, and death, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued") and [Hebrews 10:12-13](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12-13 - Christ's Finished Work and Exaltation"). This foundational prophecy is crucial for understanding the nature of Christ's kingdom and His ongoing work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. In this verse, it is Yahweh, the supreme God, who issues the divine decree, underscoring the absolute authority and divine origin of the oracle.
* **my Lord (Hebrew, _'Adonai'_):** This term signifies "my master" or "my lord" and is a title of respect and authority. While it can refer to human masters, David's use of it here for a figure distinct from YHWH, yet to whom YHWH speaks and grants such a position, is highly significant. It implies a figure of superior status to David himself, one who possesses a unique, divinely appointed authority and a relationship with YHWH that transcends typical human kingship.
* **right hand (Hebrew, _yamin'_):** In ancient Near Eastern and biblical cultures, the "right hand" universally symbolized strength, power, honor, and the position of highest authority. To be seated at God's right hand is to share in His sovereign rule and power, indicating co-regency and supreme exaltation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A Psalm of David.":** This superscription attributes the psalm to King David, establishing its prophetic and royal authority. The New Testament consistently affirms Davidic authorship, highlighting its significance as a prophecy from a divinely inspired king.
* **"The LORD said unto my Lord,":** This opening clause presents a direct divine oracle. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is the speaker, the ultimate sovereign God. "my Lord" (Adonai) is the recipient of the divine word, a figure whom David, though king, acknowledges as his superior. This distinction between YHWH and Adonai is critical, pointing to two distinct persons within the Godhead or at least a unique divine-human relationship.
* **"Sit thou at my right hand,":** This is the core command and promise. The "sitting" implies a position of rest, authority, and established rule, not a temporary visit. "At my right hand" signifies the highest possible position of honor, power, and shared authority with God Himself. It is an invitation to co-rule and participate in divine sovereignty.
* **"until I make thine enemies thy footstool.":** This clause defines the duration and purpose of the enthronement. The "until" does not imply a cessation of the reign but rather the completion of a specific task: the total subjugation of all opposition. The imagery of making enemies a "footstool" is a powerful metaphor for complete victory, absolute dominion, and the utter humiliation of vanquished foes. God Himself pledges to accomplish this subjugation on behalf of "my Lord."

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 110:1 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the psalm directly foretells future events concerning a specific, divinely appointed figure. The entire verse functions as an **Oracle**, a divine utterance delivered through a human agent (David). **Royal Imagery** is central, with the "right hand" symbolizing supreme authority and the "footstool" representing total dominion, both drawn from the conventions of ancient Near Eastern kingship. The phrase "until I make thine enemies thy footstool" employs a powerful **Metaphor** for complete conquest and subjugation, transforming a literal act of a victorious king into a symbolic representation of ultimate triumph. Furthermore, the distinct use of "The LORD" (YHWH) and "my Lord" (Adonai) creates a subtle **Distinction** that hints at the complex nature of the Messiah's identity, being both divine and yet distinct from the Father.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 110:1 is a theological powerhouse, serving as the Old Testament's most direct and frequently cited prophecy concerning the Messiah's divine nature, supreme authority, and ultimate triumph. It establishes the Messiah as not merely a human king but a divine figure, co-reigning with God, and destined to subdue all opposition. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding Christ's ascension, His present session at the right hand of the Father, and His ongoing reign until all things are brought under His feet. It underscores the sovereignty of God in history, orchestrating the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through His appointed King.

* [Matthew 22:44](/matthew/22-44 "Matthew 22:44 - Jesus' Question to the Pharisees")
* [Acts 2:34-35](/acts/2-34 "Acts 2:34-35 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation and Supremacy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 110:1 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers today. It assures us that our Lord Jesus Christ is not merely a historical figure or a good teacher, but the ascended, reigning King of the universe, seated at the right hand of God the Father. This truth means that His authority is absolute, His victory is certain, and His kingdom is advancing. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and apparent triumph of evil, this verse reminds us that God is sovereignly working through His Son to bring all things into submission. It calls us to live with confident hope, knowing that our King is on the throne, actively subduing His enemies, and that His ultimate triumph guarantees our own. This should inspire us to worship Him with reverence, to obey His commands with joy, and to participate in His mission, knowing that we serve a victorious Lord whose reign is eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as the "Lord" of Psalm 110:1 deepen your worship and reverence for Him?**
* **In what ways does the truth of Christ's present reign at the right hand of God impact your perspective on current world events or personal challenges?**
* **What practical implications does the promise of Christ making His enemies His "footstool" have for how you live out your faith daily?**

### FAQ
**Who is "my Lord" that David refers to in this psalm?**

Answer: David's "my Lord" (Hebrew: *Adonai*) refers to the Messiah, the promised King who would come from his lineage but would be greater than David himself. The New Testament unequivocally identifies this "Lord" as Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself used this verse to challenge the Pharisees regarding the Messiah's identity, asking how David could call his descendant "Lord" if the Messiah was merely a human king ([Matthew 22:41-46](/matthew/22-41 "Matthew 22:41-46 - Jesus Questions the Pharisees")). The apostles, particularly Peter in his Pentecost sermon, also applied this verse directly to Jesus, proving His resurrection and exaltation to God's right hand ([Acts 2:34-36](/acts/2-34 "Acts 2:34-36 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")).

**Why is Psalm 110:1 so important in Christian theology?**

Answer: Psalm 110:1 is foundational because it is the most frequently quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament, appearing or being alluded to over 20 times. It provides crucial biblical support for several core Christian doctrines: the **deity of Christ** (as David's Lord, distinct from YHWH yet sharing divine authority), the **Messiah's kingship**, His **exaltation** to the right hand of God after His resurrection and ascension ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation and Authority")), and His **ongoing reign** until all enemies are subdued ([1 Corinthians 15:25-28](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25-28 - Christ's Reign and Final Victory")). It is a key text for understanding Christ's present session in heaven and His ultimate triumph.

**What does "until I make thine enemies thy footstool" mean for believers today?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the complete and utter victory of Christ over all His adversaries. "Enemies" include not only human opposition but also spiritual forces, sin, and ultimately, death itself ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). For believers, this means that Christ's victory is assured, and His reign is unstoppable. It offers immense comfort and hope, knowing that no power can ultimately thwart God's purposes or overcome His Son. While the full subjugation is ongoing, the ultimate outcome is certain, providing a basis for confident faith and perseverance in the face of present struggles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 110:1 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Lord" whom David prophetically addresses is none other than the incarnate Son of God, who, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has been exalted to the highest place. The command "Sit thou at my right hand" was literally fulfilled when Jesus ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as affirmed in [Mark 16:19](/mark/16-19 "Mark 16:19 - Jesus' Ascension and Seating at God's Right Hand") and [Acts 7:55-56](/acts/7-55 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Christ at God's Right Hand"). This position signifies His supreme authority, His completed work of redemption, and His ongoing intercession for His people ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). Furthermore, the promise "until I make thine enemies thy footstool" speaks to Christ's present reign and the progressive subjugation of all hostile powers, culminating in the final defeat of death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued")). Thus, Psalm 110:1 is not merely a historical prophecy but a living truth, declaring Jesus as the sovereign King and High Priest, whose reign is eternal and whose victory is absolute, providing the very foundation for Christian hope and worship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:12

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 10:13

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

1 Corinthians 15:25

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Luke 20:42

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Luke 20:43

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Hebrews 1:13

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Mark 12:35

¶ And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?