Psalms 110

My Lord, the Messiah at the right hand

My Lord (Hebrew adoni) — my master; David calls the Messiah his Lord

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Psalms 110:1

The Father speaks to the Son, whom David calls "my Lord," and seats Him at His right hand. Jesus quoted this verse to show the Messiah is greater than David, and the apostles saw it fulfilled when He ascended to the Father's right hand.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by Matthew 22:41-45 — Jesus asks, "If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?"
• quoted by Acts 2:34-36 — Peter applies it to the risen Jesus, made both Lord and Christ.
• quoted by Hebrews 1:13 — Said to the Son, never to an angel.
• alluded to by 1 Corinthians 15:25 — "He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet."
• fulfilled by Acts 7:55-56 — Stephen sees the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
• fulfilled by D&C 76:20-23 — Joseph and Sidney see the Son on the right hand of God.

Millennial reign

The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Psalms 110:2

The Father sends out the Son's powerful scepter from Zion, and the Son rules even while enemies surround Him, a promise of Christ's reign that will fill the earth.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

The day of His power

Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. Psalms 110:3

In the day of the Messiah's power His people will freely offer themselves to Him, dressed in holiness, fresh as morning dew.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

High Priest after the order of Melchizedek

Melchizedek — king of righteousness

The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Psalms 110:4

God swears an oath that the Messiah will be a priest forever, not after Aaron's order but after Melchizedek's. Hebrews teaches this is Jesus, our eternal High Priest, and Latter-day Saints know this priesthood as the Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by Hebrews 5:5-6 — Applied to Christ, who glorified not himself to be made an high priest.
• quoted by Hebrews 7:17-21 — Christ made priest with an oath, for ever.
• typified by Genesis 14:18-20 — Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the most high God, a type of Christ.
• typified by Alma 13:14-19 — Alma presents Melchizedek, prince of peace, as a pattern for the people.
• the same title in D&C 107:2-4 — The Melchizedek Priesthood is the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.

Second Coming and judgment

The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. Psalms 110:5–6

The Lord at God's right hand will overthrow wicked kings and judge the nations. It points to Christ's Second Coming as King and Judge.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Revelation 19:15-19 — The King of kings smites the nations and meets the kings of the earth in battle.

The Messiah exalted

He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head. Psalms 110:7

The conquering King refreshes Himself along the way and lifts up His head in victory. Many read it as the Messiah's lowliness followed by His exaltation.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him