Psalm 110 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Psalm 110 Short Summary:

Psalm 110 is a messianic psalm in which David, through the Spirit of God, prophesies about the coming Savior (Jesus). This savior would be seated at the right hand of God, would conquer all his enemies, and would serve as both a king and a priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Psalm 110 Summary

AUTHOR:

• David is the author of Psalm 110.

NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES:

• Mat 22:44, Acts 2:34, Heb 1:13; 5:6; 6:20; 7:17, 21

THEMES:

• The Lord who is seated at the right hand of God.

• The Lord who reigns as king and priest after the order of Melchizedek.

DEFINITIONS:

• Melchizedek (110:4) – Melchizedek is mentioned in Genesis 14:17-24. He interacted with Abraham after Abraham rescued his nephew, Lot. Melchizedek is described as being king of Salem and “priest of God Most High.” Melchizedek is important to the book of Hebrews, specifically Hebrews 7, as the author uses him to make a point about Jesus.

OUTLINE:

• THE COMING KING AND PRIEST (110:1-7):

  • Psalm 110 is messianic; we know this because Jesus and His Apostles referenced it numerous times in the New Testament and applied its words to the Messiah. David was inspired by the Spirit of God to write about the Messiah, who lived around 1,000 years after him.  

  • David’s first line is this psalm reads, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool” (110:1).

  • David was speaking of a “Lord” who was coming to whom God would subject all enemies.

  • This Lord would be a king with a “mighty scepter” (110:2).

  • When this King ascended the throne, people would give themselves to Him freely, they would recognize His greatness and join Him in His Kingdom.

  • His subjects would be clothed in holy garments, strong and youthful like the fresh dew of the morning.

  • About this coming Lord, God declared, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (110:4).

  • God would stand at the right hand of this Lord and together they would defeat all earthly kings and wicked rulers that opposed them.

  • The Lord would lift up His head in victory after the defeat of His enemies.

APPLICATION:

• Who is this “Lord” and Messiah described in Psalm 110?

• Who was greater than David, who was David’s Lord in Israelite history?

• Who conquers all enemies and defeats all kings? Who is the King of kings?

• Who is a king AND a priest (after Melchizedek’s order)? Who offers a sacrifice for the people in a priestly capacity?

• Who sits at the right hand of God?

• David was prophesying about Jesus, the Christ (the anointed one). This becomes clear when you consider the words of Psalm 110 and especially when you see how the psalm is used, quoted, and applied by the New Testament authors.