Psalm 110 2

Psalm 110:2 kjv

The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

Psalm 110:2 nkjv

The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies!

Psalm 110:2 niv

The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, "Rule in the midst of your enemies!"

Psalm 110:2 esv

The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!

Psalm 110:2 nlt

The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem ;
you will rule over your enemies.

Psalm 110 verses

Psalm 110 2 Meaning

Psalm 110:2 declares that the Sovereign Lord, Yahweh, will empower the Messiah to extend His kingly authority and irresistible power from Zion. This divine commission enables the Messiah to rule decisively and continuously even in the very presence of and amidst the resistance of His adversaries. It proclaims an active, conquering reign that prevails over all opposition.

Psalm 110 2 Context

Psalm 110 is a pivotal prophetic psalm, often attributed to King David. It is quoted more often in the New Testament than any other Old Testament psalm. Verse 1 sets the scene with Yahweh (the Lord) addressing David's "Lord" (Adonai), commissioning Him to sit at His right hand until His enemies are made His footstool. Verse 2 elaborates on this commission, depicting the enthroned Messiah actively sending forth His sovereign authority. This psalm fundamentally defines the dual nature of the Messiah as both King and Priest, reigning dynamically and progressively. The historical context reflects the expectation of a divinely appointed King from David's line who would establish a worldwide dominion, surpassing mere earthly monarchies. The emphasis on "Zion" roots this rule in Jerusalem, representing God's earthly dwelling and the focal point of His covenantal purposes. It also implicitly refutes any claim to absolute authority by human rulers who did not acknowledge Yahweh's ultimate supremacy.

Psalm 110 2 Word analysis

• The Lord (יהוה - YHWH/Yahweh): This refers to God the Father, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. It is the ultimate divine authority and source of the Messiah's power. It signifies the divine initiator of the Messiah's rule.
• shall send (יִשְׁלַח - yishlach): A verb in the imperfect tense, indicating an active, initiated future action. It portrays Yahweh as actively commissioning and dispatching the Messiah's rule. It implies an unfolding and continuous process.
• the rod of Thy strength (מַטֵּה־עֻזֶּךָ - maṭṭeh-‘uzzeḵa):
  • rod (מַטֶּה - maṭṭeh): Can signify a staff, scepter, rod, or even a tribe. Here, it is primarily a symbol of kingly authority, shepherd's guidance, and powerful judgment. It's an emblem of ruling power.
  • of Thy strength (עֻזֶּךָ - ‘uzzeḵa): From ‘ōz, meaning strength, might, power, or dominion. This phrase indicates that the "rod" is infused with the Messiah's own divine and irresistible power. It is an instrument of invincible might.
  This phrase collectively represents the irresistible, kingly authority and power that the Messiah exercises, given by God. It embodies divine power, righteous judgment, and comprehensive dominion.
• out of Zion (מִצִּיּוֹן - miṣṣiyyon): Zion refers to Jerusalem, specifically the spiritual and governmental center where God's presence resided. This indicates the earthly origin and geographical starting point from which the Messiah's divine authority and kingdom's influence begin to radiate globally. It emphasizes Jerusalem's central role in God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His kingdom.
• rule Thou (רְדֵה - rəḏēh): An imperative verb, meaning "rule," "dominate," "tread down," or "have dominion." It's a divine command and affirmation to the Messiah, signifying His active, ongoing, and assertive exercise of kingly power. It is not merely a passive reception of rule but an active enforcement.
• in the midst of Thine enemies (בְּקֶרֶב אֹיְבֶיךָ - bəqereḇ ’ôyḇeḵā): This is a crucial phrase. It means 'among' or 'in the heart of' your enemies. It signifies that the Messiah's rule is exercised not in a peaceful, unchallenged environment, but dynamically, in direct confrontation with, and triumph over, active opposition. It implies a reign that progressively conquers and subdues resistance, rather than waiting for enemies to be completely eradicated before His rule begins. His dominion is current, effective, and transformative despite hostility.

Psalm 110 2 Bonus section

The "rod" (maṭṭeh) carries a dual connotation: one of authoritative rule and the other of shepherd-like guidance. While predominantly signifying power here, it echoes the idea of a good shepherd's staff guiding and protecting, demonstrating that Christ's rule is both powerful and providential for His people. The imperative "rule Thou" (rəḏēh) emphasizes the immediate and continuing nature of the Messiah's dominion, reinforcing the New Testament understanding of Christ's active heavenly rule from His ascension onwards, which is distinct from a mere future or post-millennial reign. This verse establishes that the kingdom of God, inaugurated by Christ, operates through conquest, not merely after all conquest.

Psalm 110 2 Commentary

Psalm 110:2 is a profound prophetic declaration regarding the active reign of the Messiah. Following His enthronement at God's right hand (v. 1), the Father, Yahweh, actively commissions and empowers Him. The "rod of Thy strength" symbolizes the Messiah's full, potent authority, which is irresistible and extends His dominion. The explicit origin "out of Zion" emphasizes that this divine rule flows from Jerusalem, highlighting its significance as the center of God's redemptive work, ultimately manifested in the sending of the Holy Spirit and the spread of the Gospel. Most notably, the command "rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies" asserts that the Messiah's reign is not delayed until all opposition is crushed. Rather, His kingdom is dynamic and operative now, progressively subduing all hostile forces—be they spiritual, ideological, or human—until He finally brings all things into complete submission. This verse thus speaks of the present reality of Christ's conquering, kingly authority, which advances amidst, and despite, the resistance of His adversaries.Practical applications include:

• Acknowledging Christ's present Lordship even amidst widespread sin and societal opposition.
• Embracing spiritual warfare, knowing Christ reigns over dark forces.
• Trusting Christ's ultimate victory, as His kingdom continues to advance.