The names of God #4: Adonai Psalm 110
Here is a recorded conversation within the Godhead. There are solemn statements and declarations made here, reflected in the words used. Said is from a verb which indicates a solemn statement; while an oath is in view, v4. The Father is speaking to the Son and the conversation is recorded/revealed by the Holy Spirit through David. The Psalmist was privileged to listen in on the internal communications of God. The conversation is on the subject of Christ’s great work of redemption and the glory of His triumph in that work.
I THE MASTER.
- Meaning and general use. The word Lord > Adonai, means ‘Lord or master’. It has widespread use in a general context. Cp Gen 18:12, 19:2, 24:10, 1Sam 25:24.
- Specific application. There is a special use of this term that relates to God the Son in His role as the Messiah. Cp Matt 22:41. Here is a vital question that demands an answer/explanation. Ps 110 is evidently to be understood as referring to the Messiah.
- The position occupied by the Master. He is at the right hand of Jehovah the eternal God. This position belongs to Christ in the wake of His finished and successful work of redemption. Cp Eph 1:19-23, Heb 1:3. This is His present position.
- He is my Lord. This is the expression of faith in submission to the Saviour. Cp 1Cor 12:3, Jn 20:16, 28.
II HE IS LORD AND MY LORD AS THE ETERNAL PRIEST.
- He occupies His place in the throne of God as a priest. Cp Heb 4:15-16.
- Eternal. He is an eternal priest. Cp Heb 7:20-25. He is installed by the Father in this office surely and irreversibly.
- His priesthood is according to the pattern revealed in Melchizedek. This revelation of Christ’s priesthood occurred in the days of Abraham. The priest is King of righteousness, king of peace, and king of (Jeru)Salem. Cp Heb 7:1-3. Now again in David’s day, Christ’s ministry is linked to Melchizedek and will fulfil all that that foreshadowing portends. Cp Heb 7:28-8:1.
- Successful. This is the Father’s validation of the Saviour’s success. Cp Heb 10:10-12.
III HE IS ADONAI AS THE COMING KING.
- He sits in expectation. Until… v1, Heb 10:12-13, Acts 2:29-36, 5:31.
- Return to triumph over His enemies.
- He will strike them through in wrath.
- He will rule over a remnant of His enemies in the earth.
- He will rule from Zion. Here is where His enemies will submit to Him. Here too His people, i.e. the remnant in Israel, will be seen to be willing to obey Him. Cp Zech 12:9ff.
- He is returning as a man, v7. He is seen here as a man needing to quench His thirst. Cp Acts 1:11, Matt 26:29.
- Installed as King by the Father. Cp Dan 7:13-14, 1Cor 15:24. The Kingdom belongs to the Father and is committed to the Son’s hand for a time as part of His mediatorial work.