What is the meaning of Psalm 110 7?

What is the Meaning of Psalm 110:7?

Psalm 110:7 signifies the victorious Messiah (the "Lord") taking a moment of refreshment during his conquest, which enables him to achieve ultimate triumph and ascend to a position of honor and authority.

Understanding Psalm 110:7

Psalm 110:7, "He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head," concludes a powerful prophetic psalm often understood as describing the ultimate victory and rule of a divine king, identified in Christian theology as the Messiah. This verse uses symbolic language to depict a crucial moment in the "Lord's" journey to complete dominion. It describes a brief, strategic act of renewal that precedes the full manifestation of His ultimate triumph.

The Imagery Explained

The imagery in Psalm 110:7 is rich with meaning, pointing to both the Messiah's human experience and His divine victory.

• "He will drink from the brook by the way": This phrase does not suggest weakness or exhaustion, but rather a deliberate act of drawing strength or sustenance while on a journey or amidst conflict. It implies a pause for strategic refreshment and renewal. In the broader context of the "Lord's" victory, it symbolizes a moment of being refreshed and affirmed before the final display of power. It signifies a reliance on divine sustenance or a brief reprieve that empowers for the greater task ahead.
• "therefore he will lift up his head": This directly follows the act of drinking and signifies the result: renewed vigor, honor, and ultimate triumph. To "lift up one's head" is a gesture of confidence, authority, and success, especially after overcoming adversity. It denotes an ascension to a position of power and dominion, signifying that enemy kings are overwhelmingly defeated and the blessed One is fully victorious.

Context within Psalm 110

Psalm 110 is a pivotal prophetic psalm, highly regarded in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It begins with God's declaration to the "Lord" (a term indicating a superior, often divine, figure), "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet" (Psalm 110:1). The psalm continues to describe this "Lord" as a warrior-king ruling in the midst of His enemies (Psalm 110:2) and a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4).

Verse 7, therefore, serves as a culmination, illustrating the final step in the "Lord's" victorious campaign. The refreshment allows Him to fully assert His dominion, completing the narrative of His ascension to an unchallenged position of power.

Theological Significance

Psalm 110:7 holds profound theological significance, particularly in its application to Jesus Christ:

The Victorious King

This verse affirms the Messiah's kingly authority and His ultimate conquest. The symbolic refreshment prepares Him for the final act of establishing His reign over all adversaries. It points to the comprehensive nature of the "Lord's" eventual victory and rule over the earth.

Divine Refreshment

The "drinking from the brook" highlights the Messiah's dependence on divine sustenance or His capacity to draw strength even in the midst of His earthly mission. For Christian interpretations, this can allude to Jesus's reliance on prayer, the Father's will, and the spiritual strength that sustained Him through His suffering and ultimately led to His glorification. It's not a sign of weakness, but a strategic pause for empowering His mission.

Ultimate Triumph

The "lifting up his head" signifies the Messiah's exaltation, resurrection, and ascension to God's right hand. It symbolizes His ultimate triumph over sin, death, and all His enemies, leading to His glorious reign. This act demonstrates that the "blessed One is refreshed and affirmed" for His eternal dominion.

Key Interpretations

Christian theology often interprets Psalm 110:7 in light of Jesus Christ's suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension:

• Suffering and Humiliation: Some interpretations suggest the "drinking from the brook" might allude to Christ's humility, His experience of human suffering, or even His drinking of the "cup" of God's wrath on the cross, a moment of profound vulnerability.
• Resurrection and Exaltation: The "lifting up His head" is then seen as Christ's resurrection from the dead and His subsequent ascension to glory, where He is enthroned as King and High Priest, victorious over all.
• Strategic Empowerment: Another view sees the "brook" as a source of divine strength that Jesus drew upon during His earthly ministry and particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane, empowering Him to face the cross and ultimately achieve victory.

Practical Insights

Understanding Psalm 110:7 can offer valuable insights for believers:

• Hope in Trials: The verse provides a message of hope, indicating that even amidst spiritual battles or personal struggles, there are moments of divine refreshment that enable ultimate victory.
• Importance of Spiritual Sustenance: It underscores the need for drawing strength from God through prayer, scripture, and communion, much like the "Lord" drinks from the brook.
• Assurance of Victory: It reassures believers that their ultimate victory is guaranteed through the victorious Messiah, who has already overcome the greatest adversaries.

Here's a summary of the verse's meaning:

For further study on the context of Psalm 110, you can explore resources like Bible Gateway or learn more about Messianic Psalms.