Psalms 110:5
The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The theme of judgment through God's anointed one appears throughout the prophetic tradition (Psalm 2:8-9, Isaiah 63:1-6, Revelation 19:11-16). The specific mention of 'striking through kings' connects to warnings against resisting God's Messiah (Psalm 2:10-12). First-century Jewish expectations often included a militant Messiah who would overthrow Rome, which partly explains why Jesus' crucifixion scandalized His followers. However, Psalm 110:5 indicates judgment would come 'in the day of his wrath' - a future event. The apostolic church understood this as describing the eschatological judgment at Christ's return rather than the earthly ministry. Paul describes this in 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10, where he mentions Jesus 'revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance.' The timing of this judgment was understood as the Parousia (return) when Christ would be revealed in power and glory. Early Christians expected both Christ's gentle first coming and His righteous judgment at His second coming. Some passages (like 1 Corinthians 15:25) describe an interim period where Christ reigns while His enemies are progressively subdued.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Messiah 'at thy right hand' correlate with His role as judge, and what does this reveal about His relationship to God?
- What is the significance of judgment being executed 'in the day of his wrath' rather than continuously throughout history?
- How did early Christians reconcile the gentle, merciful Jesus of the gospels with the wrathful judge described in Psalm 110:5?
- In what ways does the judgment of 'kings' represent judgment against all human rebellion against God's authority?
- What comfort or warning does this verse offer to believers regarding the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse returns to the theme of judgment and vindication. 'The Lord at thy right hand' reinforces the close association established in verse 1, where the Messiah sits at God's right hand. The repetition emphasizes ongoing divine support and partnership. 'Shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath' presents the Messiah as an instrument of divine judgment against hostile rulers. The word 'strike through' (Hebrew 'makah') is the verb used of God's plagues against Egypt and suggests overwhelming, decisive judgment. 'Kings' likely refers to the world powers that oppose God's kingdom, encompassing both historical adversaries and eschatological enemies. 'In the day of his wrath' indicates a specific time of divine judgment - the day when God's long-suffering patience ends and justice is executed. This is consistent with apocalyptic imagery throughout Scripture regarding the 'day of the Lord.' The Messiah, though appearing vulnerable in His earthly ministry, is revealed as God's agent of judgment against those who reject His authority. This verse would have encouraged persecuted believers to recognize that apparent defeat is temporary; ultimate judgment belongs to Christ.