Psalm 110:1-7 Lord of Lords

This psalm of David is one Jesus quoted to the people who questioned Him. It proclaims Him as Lord of lords. He is King of kings.

A beautiful and eternal picture is painted here of the Messiah; Jesus. His name is not given but his lineage and position is. David is speaking with the Lord, the Father, and they are discussing the One to come who will be greater than ANY king but also from David.

God promised David that his kingdom would endure forever. We know from history that this is not so in the physical realm Israel has fallen multiple times and today it is not ruled by a king of David’s descent. But a final and eternal King rules God’s people. That King is Jesus. He is the Lord at the Lord’s right hand whom God promises to make all His enemies His footstool.

I was a little thrown by the verbiage in the second verse. “The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!” (verse 2). My bible doesn’t capitalize the “Y” every time the meaning is the Lord or Jesus. When I’m quoting from the bible I try to make the reference clear by doing so. I didn’t in the last verse because I wanted to share the difference in the two options.

If this statement was being made to David about his own reign the “your” would be his scepter. This would be placing David on par with the Lord he was speaking about. But if we replace the “your” with “Your” it is clear that the scepter being sent forth by God the Father is Jesus’ own, and David is speaking still as the observer. This also makes the “your” with regards to enemies a “Your” instead.

Can you imagine being privy to this conversation between the Father and Son? How it must have nearly blown David’s mind! He could see clearly here what his own people have struggled with. He could see the relationship between Father and Son. He saw both together as supreme over the world. He witnessed the Father give all authority to the Son as both King and Priest.

I wonder if David penned this psalm around the time that God told him his kingdom would endure forever. Was David wondering how this would transpire since most all men recognize how fragile such a thing can be? Was God making this connection for him? Did he understand the implications of what he was seeing and singing? If he did, how did he contain that joy?! I have a feeling that God left a few blanks to be filled in later for David. I wonder if he got his questions answered before or after Jesus’ work here on earth.

Knowing the rest of the psalm also references Jesus doesn’t make understanding all the imagery clear to me. I understand the part about Jesus ruling over all the earth and His enemies falling. I believe this is speaking of the time of His return in the battle of Armageddon. But the portion regarding His holy garments from the tomb of the morning and the dew of His youth puzzle me. When I first read it my mind went to the tomb. When His disciples saw the shroud He was wrapped in laid neatly on the stone I can imagine nothing more satisfying than when they later saw that those garments of mourning were now symbols of great joy. Death has been swallowed up by life and a new life has begun. Maybe that is the “youth” part.

With all the beauty at the “end of the story” I wonder if God sometimes wishes time would hurry by. Does He ever want to skip to the last chapter or ‘fast forward’ the story? His patience is SO MUCH GREATER than mine!!! He waits though so none will be lost. A minute too early or too late would change the results. He KNOWS the PERFECT time. I suppose I will just have to wait too. And be glad He did for the sake of those who have still not recognized the JOY of His salvation.

Come quickly Lord Jesus, but not until the right moment. Thank You Father God that You know the exact time when ALL mourning will be gone. The moment that will conclude this chaotic part of Your creation, for a time at least. I’m curious how long that “season” will be when Satan is released. Maybe You will fill in some of the hidden information as that day approaches.

Thank You Jesus for being my Lord and King. There is NONE like You! What a privilege for David to have witnessed this, even in the Spirit. Did he get to see his great, great, great… grandson’s face? Did he look for any of his features in Your face? Pride and humility all rolled up together that day for him to KNOW the truth of the Father’s promise. Whatever my role between now and then Father, let it be a benefit to Your Kingdom. Use me Father as You would.