Psalm 110 unveils Christ in His ascension. In this psalm Christ is revealed as the King (v. 2), the Priest (v. 4), the Warrior (v. 3), and the Victor (vv. 5-7).

This verse concerning Christ’s ascension is quoted numerous times in the New Testament (Matt. 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42-43; Acts 2:34-35; Heb. 1:13), and Christ’s sitting at the right hand of God is referred to a number of other times (Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33; Rom. 8:34 etc.).

Psa. 3 title

Here Christ likens Himself to a plant that needs the watering of the mild, soft, gentle dew. As Christ is on His way to carry out God’s economy, He needs to be watered. Christ is watered by those who offer themselves willingly to Him. Whoever volunteers himself to Christ as an offering is a young man likened to the dew conceived in the womb of the dawn for watering Christ.

In the eyes of the Lord our willing consecration, our offering ourselves to Him, is a matter of splendor. Although the church has become degraded, throughout the centuries there has been a line of those who have offered themselves willingly to the Lord in the splendor, the beauty, of their consecration.

The word may also be translated adornment. The splendor of consecration is an adornment. If we offer ourselves willingly to the Lord, we will be beautified with a divine, heavenly splendor.

Lit., be freewill offerings.

Zion here is not the Zion on earth but the Zion in the heavens, as mentioned in Heb. 12:22 and Rev. 14:1. From this heavenly Zion God will send forth the scepter of Christ’s strength to rule over all the nations, who are Christ’s enemies, at His return (Psa. 2:6, 8-9; Rev. 19:15).

See note Heb. 1:13¹.

See note Eph. 1:20³. Christ’s ascension to the right hand of God is not merely a matter of His being in a place but of His being in a person, the Father. In His ascension Christ entered into the Father’s being and sat down there (John 16:28). Cf. note Isa. 22:23^1a.

This word concerning Christ’s sitting at the right hand of God implies Christ’s kingship. In His ascension Christ was made by God the Lord, the Christ, the Leader of the entire universe, and the Savior (Acts 2:36; 5:31; 10:36).

Christ’s lifting up His head is a sign of His victory, His triumph, in overcoming all the enemies.

The brook signifies the overcomers. As Christ is taking the lead to fight through to the end, He will need water to drink, and this water will be the overcomers. Cf. note Psa. 110:3^3b. See note Dan. 2:34^1a, par. 2.

Signifying the entire earth.

Christ, who is the Lord, the Master, and who is at God’s right hand (v. 1), will shatter kings in the day of His anger at His coming back with His overcomers and will execute judgment among the nations (v. 6; 2:9, 12; Dan. 2:34-35, 44; Joel 3:11-12; Rev. 17:14; 19:11-21). Thus, Christ will be the greatest Victor.

See note Gen. 14:18^1a.

See note Gen. 14:18^3c.

Christ is not only the King with power and authority (vv. 1-2); He is also the High Priest (Heb. 2:17; 4:14; 6:20; 8:1; 9:11). Christ’s heavenly ministry in His ascension includes both His kingship and His priesthood. As the King He has the scepter to rule over the earth and to manage our affairs, and as the High Priest He is interceding for us and taking care of our case before God (Heb. 7:25-26; 9:24; Rom. 8:34; Rev. 1:12-13).