What does Psalm 110:2 mean?
The prior verse (Psalm 110:1) records a statement with enormous implications. David refers to two Beings using terms which can both refer to God. The first, Yahweh, tells the second, Adonai, to take a place of power and honor before experiencing total victory. Here, David continues to provide details indicating this Adonai—or "Lord"—is the Messiah. The "Lord" indicated here is Yahweh, or YHWH, a term only used for God (Exodus 3:15). New Testament writers explain how this implies that the Messiah is divine (Matthew 22:41–46; Hebrews 1:13).Where the earlier statement indicates divinity, this verse declares earthly rule. Zion is a reference to Jerusalem, the city founded by David which became the capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:7–10). Scripture indicates that the Messiah, or the "Anointed One" (Daniel 9:25) would assume the throne of Israel and eventually the world (Psalm 47:2; Isaiah 9:7). Complete fulfillment of this prophecy will happen when Jesus returns to take His throne on earth (Revelation 19:11–15).
Psalm 110:1–3 involves three separate persons. One is David, the psalmist. Another is YHWH, who is God the Father (Exodus 3:15). The third is someone David refers to as his own "Adonai," or "Lord." This statement is noted repeatedly in the New Testament to support Jesus' claims that He is both God and Messiah (Matthew 22:44; Acts 2:34–35; Hebrews 1:13). God the Father promises to grant God the Son victory and unrivaled rule over the world.
David records statements made between two persons, described using the Hebrew terms YHWH and Adonai. These are promises made by God the Father to the Messiah. Adonai is guaranteed total victory over the earth as well as an unending priesthood. These references point to someone who is both king and priest: Jesus Christ, a descendant of David.
