How does Psalm 110:1 connect with Hebrews 1:13 regarding Christ's exaltation? The Original Promise in Psalm 110:1 “ ‘The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’ ” • David records a conversation within the Godhead—Yahweh (“the LORD”) speaking to David’s sovereign (“my Lord”). • The promise is royal: the Messiah will sit on the highest throne, sharing God’s authority. • The promise is triumphant: every enemy will ultimately lie subdued beneath His feet. Hebrews 1:13—The Fulfillment in Christ “But to which of the angels did He ever say, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet’?” • The writer quotes Psalm 110:1 verbatim, using it to prove Jesus’ supremacy over angels. • Angels serve (Hebrews 1:14); the Son reigns—He alone receives the right-hand seat. • By placing the verse at the climax of his opening argument (Hebrews 1:1-13), the author declares that the exaltation of Jesus is the centerpiece of God’s revelation. Why the Right Hand Matters • Position of honor (1 Kings 2:19) – the king’s mother sat at his right; the Messiah sits at God’s right. • Position of power (Exodus 15:6) – God’s “right hand” shatters enemies; Jesus now wields that very power (Ephesians 1:20-22). • Position of permanence – the seat is not temporary or symbolic; it endures “until” every foe is conquered and then stretches into eternity (Hebrews 10:12-13). The Footstool Motif—Total Victory • Ancient conquerors placed feet on a vanquished king’s neck; Psalm 110:1 adopts the picture. • 1 Corinthians 15:25 amplifies it: “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.” • The last enemy, death itself, will be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26), confirming the scope of Christ’s triumph. Not Spoken to Angels but to the Son • Angels are mighty servants, yet none receive this oath. • Psalm 2:7 parallels the exclusivity: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” • Together, Psalm 2 and Psalm 110 form a double witness that the throne belongs solely to the divine Son. Implications for Christ’s Present Ministry • He rules now—His enthronement is accomplished (Acts 2:34-36). • He intercedes as Priest-King (Hebrews 7:24-25), combining Psalm 110’s throne with its later priestly verse (Psalm 110:4). • He directs the spread of the gospel, subduing enemies not only by judgment but by gracious conquest of hearts (Colossians 1:13). Living in the Light of His Exaltation • Confidence—our Lord has already taken the seat of highest authority (Philippians 2:9-11). • Hope—every opposing power will be made His footstool; none can overturn His kingdom (Romans 16:20). • Worship—the throne room is open; we “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) because our exalted King welcomes us. |
    |