We know Psalm 110 must be extremely important because it is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament, and its first verse is quoted more than any other Old Testament verse. So what should we learn from this psalm? Near the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the leaders of Israel were trying to trap Him with trick questions. Then Jesus turned the tables on them, asking a question of His own. “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They thought the answer was easy. “The son of David,” they replied. Then Jesus followed up with a searching question they were unable to answer. “How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet’?” If King David called his natural descendant “Lord,” it could only be because this person would be greater than David himself. In other words, the Spirit prompted David to convey through Psalm 110 that the coming Messiah would be more than a mere man. He would also be God. As the divine king, this son of David would be given the place of honor and authority at the right hand of the Father, sharing in His rule until every enemy is subdued (v 1). Earthly kings overpower enemies, they don’t rule “in the midst of” them. But Jesus is a King whose spiritual rule infiltrates the hostile forces of this world in a quiet and invisible way. At the end, He will come in power; but presently, He extends His rule through the witness of His church. He conquers His foes by converting them. And His army is composed entirely of volunteers, made willing by the gentle working of His grace in their lives. There is a battle to be fought, with the weapons of love, service, and truth. Will you enlist? (v 2-3). The other striking truth revealed in Psalm 110 is that David’s son, the Messiah, would not only be a powerful King, but also a sympathetic priest. Not many Christians today could probably tell you who Melchizedek is, but he plays an important role in Scripture, though mentioned only three times. He’s first introduced in the story of Abraham, as the kingly priest who mysteriously appears to receive Abraham’s tithes after a victorious battle (Gen 14:18-20). He’s mentioned again in this psalm. And much is made of him by the author of Hebrews. No king in Israel could be a priest, but Jesus occupies both offices, just like Melchizedek. Since the author of Genesis doesn’t tell us anything about Melchizedek’s genealogy or death, he becomes a fitting symbol of Jesus’ eternal priesthood (v 4). Trust in Him now as the sacrifice for your sins, for “on the day of His wrath,” it will be too late (v 5-7). For further meditation: