Psalm 110/Overview/Introduction

Author

David

Book

Book 5 of the Psalter (Chapters 107–150)

Psalm 110 in Brief

This psalm presents a startling picture of the enemy kings being violently smashed, and their nations filled with corpses, as the first step to YHWH and his promised king reigning over these nations. YHWH vows to extend this king’s reign from Zion throughout the wide world; in the words of Ps 2, to the ends of the earth. YHWH does this for the king whom he invites to sit next to him, sharing YHWH’s own throne. This king is one whom David addresses as his superior: a descendant of his who will nonetheless be greater than he is, because he will receive the eternal and universal promises YHWH has made. This descendant will be greater not only in the extent of his kingdom, but also in his relationship to YHWH: he will be both priest and king, having immediate access to YHWH and receiving assurance of success because YHWH, himself, will do battle against his enemies.

“Sit at My Right Side” This title is a memorable phrase that helps remember the unique character and content of this psalm.

A way to remember this Psalm is with the phrase, "Sit at my right side!" With these words God invites a human king, from the line of David, to join him, sharing YHWH’s throne, to reign over the earth together.

Purpose The Purpose was the psalmist's probable intent or reason for writing this psalm.

To assure the king of his certain success.

Content The Content is a concise summary of the whole psalm's content.

YHWH will subdue your enemies and extend your dominion!

Message The Message is the main idea the psalmist probably wanted the audience to remember upon or after hearing the psalm.

YHWH will give universal dominion to his king (cf. Ps. 2).