InstaStudy

The LORD Said Unto My Lord: Unveiling the Divine Identity

This study explores the profound declaration of Psalm 110:1, "The LORD said unto my Lord," examining its original context and its powerful application in the New Testament to reveal the singular identity and supreme authority of God as manifested in Jesus Christ.

1. The Original Declaration in Psalm 110:1

1.1 Identifying "The LORD" (YHWH)

Verses: Psalm 110:1; Exodus 3:14-15; Deuteronomy 6:4
  • "The LORD" (YHWH) refers to the one, eternal, self-existent God of Israel.
  • This is the supreme, uncreated Creator of all things.
  • There is no other God beside Him.

1.2 Identifying "My Lord" (Adonai)

Verses: Psalm 110:1; Psalm 8:1; Isaiah 9:6
  • "My Lord" (Adonai) signifies a master, sovereign, or one in authority.
  • In this context, it points to a figure of divine authority and kingship.
  • The psalmist acknowledges this figure as his sovereign.

1.3 The Prophetic Nature of the Psalm

Verses: Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:30-31; Hebrews 1:13
  • This psalm is a messianic prophecy, looking forward to a future divine king.
  • It speaks of a unique relationship between the one God and this coming Lord.
  • The prophecy anticipates a king who would also be a priest forever.

2. New Testament Application: Jesus as "My Lord"

2.1 Jesus' Own Use of Psalm 110:1

Verses: Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44
  • Jesus challenged the Pharisees to explain how the Messiah could be David's son if David called Him "Lord."
  • He used this scripture to highlight His divine nature and pre-existence beyond mere human lineage.
  • This demonstrated that the Messiah was more than just a human king.

2.2 Peter's Proclamation on Pentecost

Verses: Acts 2:34-36
  • Peter explicitly applies Psalm 110:1 to Jesus, declaring Him both Lord and Christ.
  • Jesus' resurrection and ascension fulfilled the prophecy of sitting at God's right hand.
  • This established Jesus' supreme authority and divine identity.

2.3 Paul's Affirmation of Jesus' Lordship

Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Romans 10:9
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him the name above every name.
  • Confessing Jesus as Lord is central to salvation.

2.4 The Author of Hebrews on Jesus' Superiority

Verses: Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 5:6; Hebrews 7:17
  • The writer of Hebrews repeatedly uses Psalm 110:1 to show Jesus' superiority to angels and the Levitical priesthood.
  • Jesus is the eternal High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.
  • His divine appointment to sit at God's right hand confirms His unique status.

3. Understanding the Divine Identity of Jesus

3.1 Jesus as the Manifestation of the One God

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • The "Word" (God Himself) became flesh and dwelt among us.
  • In Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • God was manifest in the flesh, revealing Himself to humanity.

3.2 How "The LORD" Speaks to "My Lord"

Verses: Isaiah 45:21-23; John 10:30; John 14:9-10
  • The one God, in His eternal essence, speaks to Himself in His manifested form as the Son.
  • This reflects the different roles or aspects of the one God's self-revelation.
  • Seeing Jesus is seeing the Father, for they are one.

3.3 Jesus as Both Father and Son

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:7-9; Revelation 1:8
  • Jesus is called "Everlasting Father" and "Mighty God."
  • He is the Father revealed in human form, the Son of God.
  • He is the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty.

4. Implications of Jesus' Supreme Lordship

4.1 The Authority of Jesus

Verses: Matthew 28:18; John 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:20-22
  • All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus.
  • He is the judge of all humanity.
  • God has put all things under His feet.

4.2 Worship and Adoration of Jesus

Verses: Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:12-13; John 5:23
  • All angels are commanded to worship Him.
  • He is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing.
  • To honor the Son is to honor the Father who sent Him.

4.3 The Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow.
  • Whatever we do, we are to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.