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Psalm chapter 110

What does Psalm chapter 110 mean?

This important passage helps ground New Testament claims about Jesus and the Trinity. David, the psalmist, uses two Hebrew terms which are sometimes muddled in English. One is YHWH, or Yahweh, which is a name God used for Himself (Exodus 3:15). The other word is Adonai, which can simply mean "lord," but is often used as a reverent term for God. Most translations render YHWH as "LORD," using small caps, and Adonai as "Lord" in normal font.

The first verse of this psalm (Psalm 110:1) is quoted numerous times in the New Testament (Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42–43; Acts 2:34–35; Hebrews 1:13). The fourth verse (Psalm 110:4) is repeatedly referenced in the book of Hebrews while explaining that Jesus is God the Son, the promised Messiah (Hebrews 5:6; 6:20; 7:17, 21). As such, this is considered the New Testament's most-often cited psalm.

David writes of something spoken between two "Lords." One is named as YHWH, or Yahweh (Exodus 3:15). The other is referred to as Adonai, but specifically as David's Adonai, or David's "Lord." This second figure is to be sent out from Zion—a reference to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel—to rule the entire world as King (Psalm 110:1–3).

This same Adonai is also identified as a priest. In the old covenant, priests and kings were of two separate tribes. But this Lord is connected to the priesthood of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18–20). Melchizedek was a mysterious figure who interacted with Abraham when his name was still "Abram." This combined role of king and priest would eventually be fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ (Psalm 110:4).

Beyond priesthood and a throne, this promised "Lord" will overwhelmingly defeat His enemies (Revelation 19:11–15). This will bring divine judgment to the entire world. Yet this figure will remain refreshed and affirmed. This looks to the end times, when Jesus will fulfill these promises and rule the entire world (Revelation 20:4) for a thousand years (Psalm 110:5–7).
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