Psalms 110:3

KJV

Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy people {H5971} shall be willing {H5071} in the day {H3117} of thy power {H2428}, in the beauties {H1926} of holiness {H6944} from the womb {H7358} of the morning {H4891}: thou hast the dew {H2919} of thy youth {H3208}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the day your forces mobilize, your people willingly offer themselves in holy splendors from the womb of the dawn; the dew of your youth is yours.

Berean Standard Bible

Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth.

American Standard Version

Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy array: Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy youth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 110:3 is a profound prophetic declaration concerning the Messiah's future people, portraying them as a vast, zealous, and spiritually radiant multitude emerging in the era of His divine authority. It paints a vivid picture of spontaneous devotion, consecrated beauty, and youthful vigor characterizing those who willingly serve the triumphant King-Priest, signifying the supernatural growth and character of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 110 stands as a foundational royal-messianic psalm, arguably the most frequently referenced Old Testament passage in the New Testament. It commences with the Lord's authoritative decree to "my Lord" (the Messiah) to sit at His right hand until His adversaries are subjugated ([Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah Enthroned")). This opening establishes the Messiah's supreme authority and ultimate triumph over all opposition. Verse 2 further elaborates on His sovereign rule, declaring that His scepter will extend from Zion amidst His foes. Verse 3 then pivots, shifting focus from the Messiah's dominion over His enemies to the character and emergence of His *people*, describing their willing participation and spiritual adornment. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, illustrating the nature of the Messiah's subjects within the broader context of His kingly and priestly reign, which is further expounded in verse 4 with the declaration of His eternal priesthood after the order of Melchizedek ([Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Melchizedek Priesthood")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to King David, Psalm 110 transcends a typical historical setting, pointing prophetically to a future, ideal King-Priest whose reign would be unlike any earthly monarch. The phrase "day of thy power" alludes to a decisive manifestation of divine authority, a time of supernatural intervention and triumph where the Messiah's dominion is undeniably established. The imagery of "beauties of holiness" evokes the splendor and purity associated with sacred worship and priestly garments, signifying a consecrated, set-apart quality that adorns the Messiah's people. The metaphors "from the womb of the morning" and "the dew of thy youth" draw on rich agricultural and natural imagery common in the ancient Near East. Dew was critically important for sustaining life and promoting growth in a land with long, dry seasons, thus symbolizing divine blessing, freshness, abundance, and continuous renewal. The "womb of the morning" is a poetic personification of dawn, suggesting a sudden, vast, and fresh emergence, akin to a new creation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology.
* **Messianic Kingship and Divine Authority:** The "day of thy power" profoundly underscores the Messiah's ultimate and irresistible authority, under which His people willingly serve. This aligns seamlessly with the overarching theme of God's sovereign rule and the establishment of His kingdom found throughout the [Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Worship and Wisdom").
* **Voluntary Obedience and Devotion:** In stark contrast to earthly kingdoms built on forced conscription or conquest, the Messiah's kingdom is characterized by subjects who are "willing" – a profound theological statement about the nature of true faith and service. This theme resonates deeply with the New Covenant emphasis on a heart-level transformation and willing obedience, as powerfully articulated in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts").
* **Holiness and Spiritual Adornment:** The "beauties of holiness" highlight that the Messiah's people are not only willing but also consecrated, pure, and set apart, reflecting the very character of their King. This echoes the divine call for Israel to be a "holy nation" and a "kingdom of priests" in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Holy Nation and Kingdom of Priests").
* **Supernatural Growth and Abundance:** The imagery of dew and the "womb of the morning" speaks to the vast numbers, freshness, and perpetual vitality of the Messiah's followers, signifying the unstoppable and divinely empowered expansion of His kingdom, much like the rapid growth and spiritual vitality of the early church described in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost and the Birth of the Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Willing (Hebrew, _nᵉdâbâh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to be generous" or "to volunteer," signifies spontaneity, a freewill offering, or a spontaneous gift. It emphasizes that the service and devotion of the Messiah's people are not coerced or obligated, but flow from a heart of eager, uncompelled, and abundant devotion. This highlights the unique, spiritual nature of the Messiah's kingdom, contrasting sharply with the forced conscription often seen in earthly armies.
* **Beauties (Hebrew, _hâdâr'_):** From a root meaning "to be magnificent," this word denotes magnificence, ornament, splendor, comeliness, excellency, glory, or majesty. When applied to the Messiah's people, it describes the spiritual glory, purity, and consecrated nature that adorns them. This "beauty" is not superficial or external, but stems from their being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His own radiant holiness and making them attractive witnesses to His character.
* **Dew (Hebrew, _ṭal'_):** As a vital source of moisture in the arid climate of ancient Israel, dew symbolizes freshness, life-giving sustenance, divine blessing, and often, an innumerable multitude. Its association with "youth" (*yaldûwth*) in the verse emphasizes vitality, abundance, and continuous renewal. It portrays the Messiah's followers as countless, vibrant, and ever-replenished, much like the myriad dewdrops that appear at dawn, signifying a divinely sustained and flourishing people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power":** This clause declares that during the era when the Messiah's divine authority, strength, and kingly dominion are fully and triumphantly manifested, His subjects will not be reluctant or resistant. Instead, they will spontaneously, eagerly, and joyfully offer themselves for His service, reflecting a profound internal transformation and devotion. This "day" signifies a decisive, divinely appointed time of triumph and the full display of His irresistible kingly reign.
* **"in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning":** This phrase describes both the spiritual adornment and the manner of emergence of this willing people. They appear, like the dawn, radiant with purity, spiritual splendor, and consecrated beauty, suggesting a fresh, new, and abundant beginning. The striking imagery of "womb of the morning" vividly pictures their sudden, vast, and pure emergence, akin to a spiritual birth or a new creation, signifying a multitude that is both numerous and intrinsically holy.
* **"thou hast the dew of thy youth."** This final clause is rich in meaning and can be interpreted in two complementary ways. Primarily, it suggests that the Messiah Himself possesses an unending, youthful vigor and vitality, perpetually active, strong, and capable of generating life. Secondarily, and perhaps more aligned with the preceding imagery, it implies that the Messiah is the source or possessor of the "dew" – the countless, fresh, and vibrant multitude of His followers. These followers are as numerous and life-giving as the morning dew, continually being raised up and sustained by Him, embodying His perpetual youth and vitality.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 110:3 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery**, particularly drawing from natural phenomena and birth. The phrases "womb of the morning" and "dew of thy youth" are powerful **Metaphors** that evoke freshness, new life, abundance, and vitality. The "womb of the morning" is a striking **Personification** of the dawn, suggesting a birthing of light and life, which implies a vast, sudden, and pure emergence of the Messiah's people. The comparison of the Messiah's followers to "dew" functions as a vivid **Simile** (implied) or **Metaphor**, conveying their countless numbers, refreshing presence, and youthful vigor. The "beauties of holiness" employs an **Abstract Noun** ("holiness") to describe a concrete, visible adornment, suggesting a spiritual radiance that emanates from an inner state of consecration. The entire verse functions as a profound **Prophecy**, foretelling the character and emergence of the Messiah's kingdom and its subjects, all conveyed through exquisite **Poetic Language**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of the Messiah's kingdom, revealing it to be fundamentally different from earthly empires. It is not built on coercion or the conquest of unwilling subjects, but on the voluntary, Spirit-empowered devotion of His people. Their "willingness" is not merely human resolve but a divine gift, enabling them to participate joyfully in His "day of power" with lives characterized by spiritual beauty and consecration. The imagery of "beauties of holiness" underscores that true spiritual power and effectiveness are inseparable from purity and set-apartness for God. The vast, dew-like multitude speaks to the unstoppable, organic growth of God's kingdom, supernaturally sustained and ever-renewed, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises of a numerous people.
* [Judges 5:2](/judges/5-2 "Judges 5:2 - Praising the Lord for Willing Volunteers")
* [Isaiah 60:8](/isaiah/60-8 "Isaiah 60:8 - Multitude like Doves to Windows")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 110:3 offers profound encouragement and a direct challenge to believers today, calling us to examine the nature of our own devotion to Christ. Are we truly "willing" participants in His kingdom, or do we serve out of obligation, habit, or duty? The verse challenges us to cultivate a spontaneous, eager, and joyful commitment, recognizing that our service is a freewill offering to the King who has loved us first. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of spiritual beauty – the "beauties of holiness." This is not an external, superficial adornment, but an inward purity and consecration that radiates outward, reflecting the very character of Christ in our lives. In a world often driven by compulsion, self-interest, and outward show, this verse reminds us that true impact and spiritual fruitfulness in God's kingdom come from a heart made willing and beautiful by His Spirit, ready to be counted among the countless, vibrant "dewdrops" of His youth, contributing to the ongoing expansion of His glorious reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel compelled rather than "willing" in your service to God, and how can you cultivate a more spontaneous and joyful devotion?**
* **What does "beauties of holiness" practically mean for your daily walk with Christ, and how can you intentionally pursue greater purity and consecration in your thoughts, words, and actions?**
* **How does the imagery of "dew of thy youth" encourage you regarding the growth, vitality, and future of God's kingdom in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What is the "day of thy power" referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The "day of thy power" refers to a decisive era when the Messiah's divine authority and strength are fully and triumphantly manifested. For Christians, this primarily points to the entire scope of Christ's redemptive work, inaugurated by His resurrection and ascension, which established His kingly reign at the right hand of God ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Power") and [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). It encompasses the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, which empowered the early church and led to its rapid expansion, and it also anticipates His future triumphant return and the full establishment of His kingdom, when His power will be universally acknowledged and His people will willingly gather to Him.

**How can "beauties of holiness" be understood practically for believers today?**

Answer: "Beauties of holiness" signifies a spiritual adornment that comes from being set apart for God's purposes and living in conformity to His character. Practically, it means pursuing purity in thought, word, and deed ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as I am Holy")), living a life consecrated to God in all aspects, and reflecting His moral and spiritual excellence. It's not about outward show or human effort alone, but an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit that makes one radiant with God's glory, drawing others to Him. This spiritual beauty is evident in a life of integrity, love, compassion, and devotion, much like the early church was characterized by its devotion and purity, making it attractive to those around them ([Acts 2:42-47](/acts/2-42-47 "Acts 2:42-47 - Devotion of the Early Church")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 110:3 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true Messiah. As the promised King-Priest, Jesus indeed possesses an unending "dew of His youth," signifying His eternal vitality, inexhaustible power, and the ceaseless generation of His spiritual offspring. His "day of power" began decisively with His resurrection and ascension, when all authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). In response to His divine power and irresistible grace, His people are made "willing" by the Holy Spirit, not coerced, but drawn by love and conviction, freely offering themselves as living sacrifices in His service ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). The "beauties of holiness" are profoundly manifest in the Church, His body, as believers are sanctified and transformed into His image by the Spirit ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")), becoming a radiant bride adorned for her Groom ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The Bride Adorned")). The countless multitude of believers, born "from the womb of the morning" through spiritual rebirth and the new creation in Christ ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again")), are indeed as numerous and refreshing as the morning dew, testifying to the unstoppable expansion of His kingdom until He returns in glory to gather His people from every nation, tribe, and tongue ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Judges 5:2

Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Thessalonians 4:7

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Ephesians 1:4

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

2 Corinthians 8:1

¶ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 Corinthians 8:3

For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;