Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
The explicit application of this Psalm to our Saviour, by Him (Matthew 22:42-45) and by the apostles (Acts 2:34; I Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 1:13), and their frequent reference to its language and purport (Ephesians 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 10:12-13), leave no doubt of its purely prophetic character. Not only was there nothing in the position or character, personal or official, of David or any other descendant, to justify a reference to either, but utter severance from the royal office of all priestly functions (so clearly assigned the subject of this Psalm) positively forbids such a reference. The Psalm celebrates the exaltation of Christ to the throne of an eternal and increasing kingdom, and a perpetual priesthood (Zechariah 6:13), involving the subjugation of His enemies and the multiplication of His subjects, and rendered infallibly certain by the word and oath of Almighty God. (Psalms 110:1-7)
The Lord said—literally, "A saying of the Lord," (compare Psalms 36:1), a formula, used in prophetic or other solemn or express declarations.
my Lord—That the Jews understood this term to denote the Messiah their traditions show, and Christ's mode of arguing on such an assumption (Matthew 22:44) also proves.
Sit . . . at my right hand—not only a mark of honor (I Kings 2:19), but also implied participation of power (Psalms 45:9; Mark 16:19; Ephesians 1:20).
Sit—as a king (Psalms 29:10), though the position rather than posture is intimated (compare Acts 7:55-56).
until I make, etc.—The dominion of Christ over His enemies, as commissioned by God, and entrusted with all power (Matthew 28:18) for their subjugation, will assuredly be established (I Corinthians 15:24-28). This is neither His government as God, nor that which, as the incarnate Saviour, He exercises over His people, of whom He will ever be Head.
thine enemies thy footstool—an expression taken from the custom of Eastern conquerors (compare Joshua 10:24; Judges 1:7) to signify a complete subjection.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Psalms 110:1:
Psalms 16:11
Psalms 110:1
Psalms 110:5
Proverbs 30:1
Daniel 1:21
Matthew 25:33
Mark 12:36
Acts 2:29-36
Romans 8:34
1 Corinthians 15:24
1 Corinthians 15:27
Ephesians 1:20
Philippians 2:9
Hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 1:13
Hebrews 2:17
Hebrews 7:21
Hebrews 10:13
Hebrews 10:13
1 Peter 3:22
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