Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

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Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Psalm 110 with John Calvin and Philip Melanchthon – God’s Anointed Protects His People The LORD says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand” (v. 1). It is true that earthly kings may be said to sit at God’s right hand, if they reign by his authority. However, here something more exalted is expressed, for this king is chosen in a peculiar manner and elevated to a powerful rank next to God. Of this dignity only glimpses appeared in David, while in Christ it shone forth in full splendor. And as God’s right hand is elevated far above angels, it follows that he who is seated there is exalted above all creatures. We cannot say that angels were brought down from their high position to be put in subjection to David. The result is that by the spirit of prophecy Christ’s throne is exalted far above all principalities in heavenly places. Therefore the Son, through whom the Father governs the world, is represented as invested with supreme dominion. Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet (v. 1). By these words the prophet affirms that Christ would subdue all his enemies’ raging opposition which attempts to subvert his kingdom. At the same time, David suggests that the kingdom of Christ would never enjoy peace until he conquered his numerous enemies. But even if the whole world directed their energy to overthrowing Christ’s royal throne, David here declares that it would remain unmoved and unmoveable, while all those who rise up against it shall be ruined. From this we learn that, however numerous those enemies may be who conspire against the Son of God, none will succeed against God’s unchanging purpose. On the contrary, they will bow at Christ’s feet. And since this prediction will not be accomplished before the last day, the kingdom of