Psalms 110:7

Psalm 110:7 concludes a profound messianic psalm, offering a vivid, albeit concise, prophetic glimpse into the character and destiny of the coming Messiah. It describes His humble endurance during His mission and the subsequent, glorious triumph that results from it.

Context

Psalm 110 is one of the most frequently quoted Old Testament passages in the New Testament, widely recognized as a direct prophecy concerning Jesus Christ. Attributed to King David, the psalm opens with the Lord's invitation to "my Lord" (the Messiah) to sit at His right hand, signifying supreme authority and honor (Psalm 110:1). It also foreshadows His eternal priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4). Verse 7, therefore, describes a crucial aspect of this triumphant King's journey and ultimate exaltation.

Key Themes

• Messianic Prophecy: This verse is a direct prophecy about the Messiah, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It speaks of His willingness to endure hardship and His ultimate victory.
• Humility and Endurance: The imagery of "drinking of the brook in the way" suggests a necessary act of sustenance during a difficult journey or battle. It implies a swift, humble, and perhaps even arduous engagement with the realities of His mission, without lingering for comfort. This points to Christ's earthly life of humility and suffering, even unto death (Philippians 2:8).
• Victory and Exaltation: The phrase "therefore shall he lift up the head" directly signifies triumph, honor, and sovereign rule. After enduring the path, the Messiah is exalted, vindicated, and glorified. This perfectly aligns with Christ's resurrection, ascension, and enthronement at the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20-21).
• Divine Purpose: The sequence of endurance leading to exaltation reveals God's perfect plan for His chosen King.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "brook" is nachal (נַחַל), which can refer to a wadi, a seasonal stream, or a torrent. This implies a source of water that is readily available but perhaps not abundant, requiring quick action to quench thirst. It emphasizes the practical, unglamorous nature of the sustenance taken during the "way" or journey. The phrase "lift up the head" (יָרִים רֹאשׁ - yarim ro'sh) is a common biblical idiom for victory, honor, restoration of dignity, or triumphant leadership, contrasting with lowering the head in shame or defeat.

Practical Application

For believers, Psalm 110:7 offers profound encouragement and a model for life:

• Following Christ's Example: Just as Christ endured humility and suffering before His exaltation, believers are called to endure trials and hardships with faith and perseverance (Romans 5:3-5). Our path may involve "drinking from the brook" – facing difficulties and taking necessary, sometimes uncomfortable, measures to continue the journey.
• Hope in Future Glory: The verse assures us that endurance in God's will leads to ultimate triumph and spiritual exaltation. We are promised that if we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12). Our temporary struggles are far outweighed by the eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
• Trust in God's Sovereignty: This psalm reminds us that God's plan for His Messiah, and by extension for His people, involves a purposeful sequence of challenge leading to ultimate victory and honor. We can trust His sovereign hand in our journey.