What does Psalm 110:1 mean?

This statement has major implications for the Bible's view of God. David relates a revelation, where he hears a conversation between two Persons. David uses two important terms here. One is Yahweh, or YHWH, the nearest thing to a personal name claimed by God (Exodus 3:15). Many translations render this as "Lord" using small capital letters. The other is Adonai, which literally means "Lord." This word was occasionally used as a general term (Judges 19:26–27; 1 Samuel 20:38; 1 Kings 16:24) but is mostly applied to God. David also describes the speaking of these words using a Hebrew term associated with oracles and visions.

David's statement, then, could be read as "Yahweh declares to Adonai" or "God said to my [David's] Lord." What David describes in the rest of the psalm is a messianic vision; this means the second Person is the Messiah. The Messiah was to be a descendant of David (Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:16; Isaiah 7:13–14). Yet David sees this Person and refers to Him as Adonai: [David's] Lord. This means Messiah must be more than an ordinary, mortal man. The nature of the conversation and the extent of Adonai's power and rule speaks of His divinity. Jesus pointed to this verse when discussing His role as Messiah (Matthew 22:41–46).

Yahweh expresses Adonai's position of power and authority: at the right hand of God. References to the "right hand" imply strength and approval. To be seated there, in relation to a king, was to be given the highest possible honor. Similarly, Yahweh indicates that all enemies of Adonai will be brought to submission. Depicting enemies as a place to rest one's feet demonstrates utter, unquestioned conquest.

David will continue to describe the nature of Adonai's victory (Psalm 110:2–7). This will include other remarks ascribing divinity to the Messiah. Because of such connections, this verse is one of the most-often quoted in the New Testament (Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42–43; Acts 2:34–35; Hebrews 1:13).