Jesus' Ascension and Exaltation in Psalm 110
Psalm 110 is a significant prophetic psalm frequently cited in the New Testament to explain the unique ministry and status of Jesus as the Messiah [4, 10]. It begins with the declaration, "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet'" (Psalm 110:1, BSB). This verse is foundational for understanding Christ's ascension and exaltation.
The psalm is attributed to David, who, "in spirit," calls the Messiah his Lord [9]. This is a crucial point highlighted by Jesus himself in Matthew 22:43-45, where he questions the Pharisees about how David could call his descendant "Lord" if the Messiah was merely David's son [4, 9]. The term "my Lord" (Hebrew ’adoni) signifies "my master" or "my superior," indicating a messianic figure who transcends David's own authority [4].
The phrase "Sit at My right hand" denotes a position of ultimate authority and honor [6]. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sitting at the right hand of a king or deity signified sharing in their power and rule. The New Testament consistently applies this imagery to Jesus' ascension. For instance, Acts 2:34-35 explicitly quotes Psalm 110:1, stating that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy when he ascended into heaven [7]. Peter, in Acts, argues that David could not have been speaking of himself, as he died and was buried, but rather of the resurrected Christ whom God exalted to His right hand [7]. Similarly, Luke 22:69 records Jesus referring to Psalm 110:1, indicating that despite his impending crucifixion, he would be vindicated through his resurrection and exalted to God's right hand, taking his place as Judge [8].
The second part of the verse, "until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet," speaks to the Messiah's ultimate triumph and dominion. This imagery signifies complete subjugation and victory over all opposition. The New Testament writers understand this as Christ's ongoing reign until all his enemies are defeated, culminating in the final judgment [10]. This concept of exaltation and ultimate authority is also echoed in other biblical texts, such as Isaiah 33:10, where the Lord declares, "Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself" (KJV) [2].
Psalm 110 also contains a significant prophecy regarding the Messiah's priesthood: "The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek'" (Psalm 110:4, BSB). This verse establishes a unique, eternal priesthood for the Messiah, distinct from the Levitical priesthood. The Epistle to the Hebrews extensively develops this theme, presenting Jesus as the great high priest who fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament priestly system [3]. The "order of Melchizedek" refers to a priesthood that predates the Mosaic Law and is characterized by both royal and priestly functions, as Melchizedek was both king of Salem and priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:18-20).
The early church and subsequent Christian tradition have consistently interpreted Psalm 110 as a direct prophecy of Jesus Christ. Commentators like Matthew Henry refer to it as "David's creed," containing "almost all the articles of the Christian faith" [9]. The explicit application of this psalm to Jesus by himself and the apostles leaves no doubt about its purely prophetic character [10]. The psalm reaffirms God's covenant with David and offers hope for the future, with the Messiah's position being restored and heightened beyond that of any earthly king [4]. The themes of divine exaltation and glory are also found in other psalms, such as Psalm 113:4, which states, "The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens" (BSB) [1]. This communal praise for God's greatness and power is often expressed through calls to "rise up" or "be exalted" [5].
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 113:4 (BSB) — The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens.”
- King James Version “[KJV] Isaiah 33:10 — Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 110:1: Ps 110 Jesus and the apostles cite this psalm to explain Jesus’ unique ministry and status as the Messiah (Matt 22:43-45; Acts 2:32-36). It reaffirms God’s covenant with David and gives hope for the future (see 2 Sam 7:8-16). 110:1 The king of Israel had the great privilege of being the Lord’s adopted son (Ps 2; 1 Chr 22:10), but he fell (Ps 89). This decree restores and heightens his position. • The Lord: Hebrew Yahweh, the name of God (see Exod 3:6-14; 6:2-8; 20:2). • my Lord (Hebrew ’adoni) means “my master” or “my superior.” The psalmist viewed God’s messiani”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 21:13: 21:13 Rise up (or be exalted, as in 57:5, 11; 108:5) expresses communal praise and joy in God’s greatness and power.”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 1:10: 1:10 Christ’s rising into heaven indicates his elevation to a place of ultimate authority (see Eph 1:19-23; Phil 2:9-11).”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 2:34: 2:34-35 This passage quotes Ps 110:1, which Jesus fulfilled when he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 22:69: 22:69 Jesus referred to Ps 110:1 (cp. Luke 20:42-43). Though he would be crucified, Jesus would be vindicated through his resurrection and exalted to God’s right hand (see Acts 2:33-36; cp. Dan 7:13-14). Furthermore, he would be seated in the place of power as Judge. Jesus would soon sit in judgment over those who were trying him.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 110:1: Some have called this psalm David's creed, almost all the articles of the Christian faith being found in it; the title calls it David's psalm, for in the believing foresight of the Messiah he both praised God and solaced himself, much more may we, in singing it, to whom that is fulfilled, and therefore more clearly revealed, which is here foretold. Glorious things are here spoken of Christ, and such as oblige us to consider how great he is. I. That he is David's Lord. We must take special notice of this because he himself does. Mat 22:43, David, in spirit, calls ”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 108 (introduction): The explicit application of this Psalm to our Saviour, by Him (Mat 22:42-45) and by the apostles (Act 2:34; Co1 15:25; Heb 1:13), and their frequent reference to its language and purport (Eph 1:20-22; Phi 2:9-11; Heb 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) pos”