Bible Connections 38: Psalm 110

Psalm 110:1 states, "The LORD says to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." This core verse reveals a dialogue between God the Father ("the LORD") and a distinct individual David calls "my Lord," who is invited to share a place of supreme authority at God's right hand. This positioning signifies a royal enthronement and a divine mandate to rule until all adversaries are brought into submission. The psalm also speaks of an everlasting priesthood, linking this exalted figure to a perpetual role as priest.
The apostles and New Testament writers consistently refer to Psalm 110 to articulate the identity and current status of Jesus. Passages like Acts 2:34-36 connect the "Lord" of Psalm 110:1 directly to Jesus, declaring that God has exalted Him as both "Lord and Christ." Similarly, Mark 12:35-37 records Jesus himself using this psalm to demonstrate that the Messiah is greater than David, challenging the conventional understanding that the Messiah would simply be a descendant, rather than one to whom David himself would refer as "Lord." This shows that Psalm 110 provided crucial language for understanding Jesus' post-resurrection reign and his ongoing priestly mediation.
This understanding profoundly shapes our faith, assuring us that Jesus is not a king-in-waiting, but actively reigns right now. He is seated at the right hand of God, exercising all authority, and he simultaneously mediates as a priest forever. This means that you serve a King who is presently enthroned and a High Priest who continually intercedes on your behalf, guaranteeing His steadfast power and spiritual care in your life.