Psalm 110:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.

NIV: Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb.

NASB: Your people will volunteer freely on the day of Your power; In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew.

CSB: Your people will volunteer on your day of battle. In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, the dew of your youth belongs to you.

NLT: When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.

This psalm records David's vision of the Messiah and His incredible victories. Earlier verses (Psalm 110:1) implied that this Messiah is divine, and superior to King David. Later comments will establish that this figure is not only a king (Psalm 110:2), but also a priest (Psalm 110:4). The army depicted here may be a reference to the thousand-year reign of peace and prosperity under Jesus Christ during the end times (Revelation 20:4). It may mean the heavenly armies who will stand behind Christ when He comes in power (Revelation 19:14). Holy garments mentioned in Scripture include those of priests (Exodus 28:40–43).

Describing the army as "dew" may refer to youthfulness and brilliance (Micah 5:7). It could also imply massive numbers (2 Samuel 17:11–12). However, the original language of this verse is obscure. Various translations have been suggested. While this phrase is unclear, the statement made in the following verse is much easier to understand, and far more important.

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.

This is the most-often cited psalm in the New Testament. Psalm 110:1 is quoted in Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42–43, Acts 2:34–35, and Hebrews 1:13. The book of Hebrews extensively comments on the meaning of Psalm 110:4. Many other verses refer to subjects touched on in the psalm. David hears YHWH speaking to someone David identifies as his "Lord." This helps to ground important concepts such as the Trinity and Jesus' role as Messiah.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/21/2024 8:08:36 AM