Psalms 110:5

KJV

¶ The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Lord {H136} at thy right hand {H3225} shall strike {H4272} through kings {H4428} in the day {H3117} of his wrath {H639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai at your right hand will shatter kings on the day of his anger.

Berean Standard Bible

The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings in the day of His wrath.

American Standard Version

The Lord at thy right hand Will strike through kings in the day of his wrath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 110:5 is a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the Messiah's active role in divine judgment and His ultimate triumph. Following His enthronement at the right hand of God, this verse foretells a decisive moment when the Messiah, as a conquering King, will execute righteous retribution upon all earthly opposition, particularly those rulers who stand against God's sovereign will, culminating in their complete and utter defeat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 110 stands as a singular, foundational messianic psalm, attributed to King David, and is the most frequently quoted Old Testament passage in the New Testament. The preceding verses establish the Messiah's supreme authority and dual role: first, His enthronement at the right hand of God the Father, as declared in [Psalms 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalms 110:1 - The Messiah's Enthronement"), and second, His eternal priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, as stated in [Psalms 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalms 110:4 - The Messiah's Priesthood"). Verse 5 directly elaborates on the consequences of this enthronement, shifting from the Messiah's passive reception of power to His active exercise of it. It describes the forceful execution of divine judgment against all adversaries, demonstrating the inevitable outcome of His reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, this psalm reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of kingship, where a monarch's authority was often demonstrated through military conquest and the subjugation of enemies. The concept of sitting "at the right hand" was a universal symbol of ultimate power, honor, and authority in ancient courts. "Kings" in this context represent not merely individual monarchs but all forms of human authority and power that set themselves in opposition to God's divine rule. The "day of his wrath" is a recurring biblical motif, signifying a divinely appointed time of righteous judgment, often depicted as a day of reckoning for the wicked and vindication for the righteous, echoing themes found in prophetic literature such as [Isaiah 13:9](/isaiah/13-9 "Isaiah 13:9 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 110:5 contributes significantly to several major theological themes. Foremost is the **Messianic Authority and Victory**, portraying the Messiah not merely as a suffering servant but as a powerful, reigning King who will decisively overcome all adversaries. His position "at thy right hand" underscores His supreme power and executive authority shared with the Father. Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that God's ultimate sovereignty includes righteous retribution against rebellion and wickedness. This judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to those who defy His rule. Finally, it powerfully affirms **Christ's Universal Kingship**, foreshadowing a time when His dominion will be fully established, and all opposing powers, whether spiritual or earthly, will be brought low, as ultimately described in passages like [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **The Lord (Hebrew, _Adonai_):** In the KJV rendering of Psalms 110:5, "The Lord" refers to the Messiah, who is the subject of the verb "shall strike through." While "LORD" (YHWH) is the speaker in [Psalms 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalms 110:1 - YHWH's Oracle to the Messiah"), and "my Lord" (אֲדֹנִי, _Adoni_) refers to the Messiah, here "The Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, _Adonai_ in the Masoretic Text) is understood as the Messiah, acting from His position of authority. This interpretation aligns with the New Testament's consistent application of Psalms 110 to Jesus Christ, who is explicitly identified as Lord (κύριος, _kyrios_) and the one seated at God's right hand.
* **strike through (Hebrew, מָחַץ, _machats_):** This verb signifies a forceful, decisive action, meaning "to shatter," "to smite," "to wound mortally," or "to crush." It implies a complete and irreversible defeat, leaving no doubt about the outcome of the Messiah's confrontation with His enemies. The imagery is one of overwhelming power and absolute victory, not merely a skirmish but a final, annihilating blow.
* **wrath (Hebrew, אַף, _aph_):** Often translated as "anger" or "fury," _aph_ literally refers to the "nostril" or "face" and metaphorically to the strong emotion expressed through breathing heavily or snorting. In a divine context, it denotes righteous indignation and a just response to sin and rebellion. The "day of his wrath" is a specific, appointed time when God's patience with human defiance reaches its limit, and His righteous judgment is poured out, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to justice and holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The Lord at thy right hand":** This clause identifies the agent of judgment as "The Lord," understood as the Messiah, who is positioned "at thy right hand." The "thy" refers to God the Father, confirming the Messiah's exalted status and shared authority. This is a position of supreme honor, power, and executive authority, indicating that the Messiah acts with divine sanction and power.
* **"shall strike through kings":** This declares the Messiah's active and decisive judgment. "Kings" here represent not just literal earthly monarchs but all forms of human and spiritual opposition to God's rule and the Messiah's kingdom. The verb "strike through" emphasizes the finality and totality of their defeat, signifying a crushing blow that utterly subdues all adversaries.
* **"in the day of his wrath":** This phrase specifies the timing and nature of this judgment. It refers to a divinely appointed period of righteous indignation and retribution. This is not arbitrary anger but a just outpouring of God's wrath against sin, rebellion, and the rejection of His Anointed One. It points to a definitive eschatological event when divine justice will be fully executed.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 110:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine authority and judgment. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of a powerful, conquering King who "strikes through" His enemies, evoking a sense of decisive military victory and overwhelming strength. The phrase "at thy right hand" is a powerful **Symbol** of supreme authority, honor, and shared power, universally understood in ancient cultures. The reference to "kings" is a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a part (kings) represents the whole (all earthly and spiritual opposition to God's reign). This allows the psalm to speak broadly about the Messiah's universal dominion. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Prophecy**, foretelling future events concerning the Messiah's active role in judgment, providing a glimpse into the eschatological triumph of God's kingdom. The concept of "wrath" also involves **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human emotion (anger/wrath) to God or the Messiah to convey divine displeasure and righteous judgment in humanly comprehensible terms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 110:5 is a cornerstone of biblical theology, serving as a pivotal Old Testament prophecy that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It underscores the active, reigning aspect of the Messiah's kingship, complementing the themes of His suffering and sacrifice. The verse affirms God's absolute sovereignty over history and human affairs, demonstrating that all earthly powers are ultimately subject to His divine will and the authority of His Anointed One. It foreshadows a future time when Christ's dominion will be fully and undeniably established, and all opposition will be brought to nothing, providing both a warning to the rebellious and immense comfort to those who trust in His reign.

* [Hebrews 1:13](/hebrews/1-13 "Hebrews 1:13 - Christ's Superiority and Enthronement")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ as the Conquering King")
* [Revelation 6:17](/revelation/6-17 "Revelation 6:17 - The Great Day of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 110:5 offers profound theological truths that translate into vital spiritual applications for believers today. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, social injustice, and seemingly insurmountable opposition to Christian values, this verse provides immense comfort and unwavering assurance. It reminds us that despite appearances, Christ is not merely a historical figure or a distant deity; He is an actively reigning King, seated in ultimate authority, who will decisively deal with all forms of evil and rebellion. This truth should embolden our faith, encouraging us to live with courage and conviction, knowing that our ultimate hope rests in a sovereign Lord who will ultimately triumph. For those who do not acknowledge Christ's authority, the verse stands as a solemn warning of the inevitable judgment that awaits all who refuse to submit to His kingship. It calls us to consider our allegiance and to align our lives with the purposes of the reigning King, living in anticipation of His final victory and the full establishment of His righteous kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Christ's active reign and future judgment impact your daily walk and your perspective on worldly events?**
* **What comfort or challenge does the phrase "shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath" offer to you personally?**
* **How does understanding Christ's ultimate authority influence your prayers and your efforts to live obediently?**

### FAQ

**Who is "The Lord" in Psalms 110:5, and who is "thy"?**

Answer: In Psalms 110:5, "The Lord" refers to the Messiah, as interpreted through the lens of the New Testament. This is the same "my Lord" that God the Father (the "LORD" in [Psalms 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalms 110:1 - The LORD's Oracle")) addresses in the opening verse. The "thy" refers to God the Father, indicating that the Messiah is positioned "at the Father's right hand," a place of supreme authority and power. Therefore, it is the Messiah, acting from His exalted position alongside the Father, who "shall strike through kings."

**What does it mean that the Messiah "shall strike through kings"? Is this a literal battle?**

Answer: The phrase "shall strike through kings" signifies a decisive and complete defeat of all opposition to the Messiah's reign. While it can include literal military conquest in an eschatological sense (as depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Warrior King")), it primarily represents the comprehensive subjugation of all earthly and spiritual powers that resist God's kingdom. "Kings" symbolize all forms of human authority, systems, and ideologies that stand in defiance of God's sovereign will. The "striking through" implies a final, overwhelming victory that utterly crushes and abolishes all rebellion, establishing the Messiah's unchallenged dominion.

**What is the "day of his wrath" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "day of his wrath" refers to a specific, divinely appointed time when God's righteous indignation and judgment will be poured out upon those who have rebelled against Him and His Anointed One. It is not an arbitrary outburst of anger but a just and holy response to persistent sin and rejection of divine authority. This "day" is a recurring theme in prophetic literature (e.g., [Zephaniah 1:15](/zephaniah/1-15 "Zephaniah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath")) and points to the eschatological period when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead, bringing an end to all evil and establishing His eternal kingdom. It is a time of terrifying reckoning for His adversaries and ultimate vindication for His faithful followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 110:5 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His resurrection from the dead and subsequent ascension to heaven are the historical events that perfectly align with the prophecy of the Messiah being enthroned "at the right hand" of God the Father, as affirmed by Peter in [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Christ Exalted to God's Right Hand"). This enthronement signifies not merely a position of honor but one of active, sovereign authority over all creation and all opposing powers, both visible and invisible, as [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Authority Over All Things") powerfully declares. The "striking through kings in the day of his wrath" points directly to Christ's future return, not as a humble servant, but as the conquering King and righteous Judge. The book of Revelation vividly portrays this eschatological reality, depicting Christ returning on a white horse, with a sharp sword to "strike down the nations," and treading "the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty" ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Final Judgment")). Thus, Psalms 110:5 is a profound prophetic glimpse into the full scope of Christ's messianic mission: His present reign from heaven, where He intercedes for His people and governs all things, and His future, decisive return to execute final judgment, bringing all rebellion to an end and establishing His eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign Until All Enemies Are Under His Feet")).

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

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Psalms 16:8

¶ I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Revelation 6:15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Revelation 6:17

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Psalms 68:14

When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was [white] as snow in Salmon.

Revelation 17:12

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.