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Context of Matthew 22:44
In the broader context, Jesus is in a discussion with the Pharisees, who were questioning Him. He asks them a probing question about the identity of the Messiah, referring to the Psalm that calls the Messiah "David’s Lord." This statement is perplexing to the Pharisees because, according to Jewish tradition, the Messiah was expected to be a descendant of David (thus, a son of David). However, Jesus points out that David himself refers to the Messiah as "Lord,"
implying that the Messiah is more than just a human descendant of David.
The verse reads:
“The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies beneath your feet.’” (Matthew 22:44, NASB)
"The utterance of Jehovah to my Lord":
This refers to Jehovah (YHWH), the personal name of God, speaking to “my Lord”.
The phrase “my Lord” refers to the Messiah, the one to whom David calls "Lord." This is an important point, as David, the king,
does not usually refer to his descendants as "Lord." Therefore, this is an indication that the Messiah is not merely a human king, but one who holds a higher status even over David himself.
In the Hebrew (Psalm 110:1), this phrase is "YHWH said to Adoni". The use of “Adoni” (my Lord) in the Hebrew text suggests the Messiah’s authority
, showing that He is distinct from God (YHWH) but still worthy of worship and honor.
“Sit at my right hand”:
This refers to a position of honor, authority, and power. In the ancient world, sitting at someone’s right hand meant sharing in their authority and rulership. It’s a symbol of supreme dignity and is used here to describe the Messiah's exalted position.
In Hebrews 1:3, it is said that Jesus, after His ascension, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, further emphasizing His divine status and kingship.
“Until I make your enemies a stool for your feet”:
This phrase describes God’s ultimate triumph over the Messiah’s enemies. The imagery of enemies being made a stool for the feet is a symbol of complete subjugation and victory. In the ancient world, a king would place his feet on the necks of defeated foes, symbolizing total dominance over them.
The phrase indicates that the Messiah’s reign will be one of total victory and dominion. It is not only a present position of honor but a future expectation where God will defeat all opposing forces, bringing them under the Messiah’s authority.
Jesus as the Messiah and Lord: In quoting Psalm 110:1, Jesus is affirming His divine authority and Messianic role. By addressing the Messiah as "Lord," Jesus is emphasizing that the
Messiah is more than just a human descendant of David. He is the divine King, worthy of worship and the one to whom all authority is given by God the Father.
Jesus' Ascension and Reign: Jesus, in His resurrection and ascension, has been seated at the right hand of God. This is a place of supreme authority, where He now reigns and intercedes on behalf of believers. The enemies that will be made a footstool are ultimately spiritual forces, including sin, death, and evil, which will be fully defeated at Christ’s second coming.
God’s Sovereignty: This passage highlights the sovereignty of God, showing that everything, including the Messiah’s exaltation and the defeat of His enemies, is under God’s divine plan and will. The Father gives the Son a place of honor and assures His ultimate victory over all opposition.
4. Jesus’ Use of Psalm 110:1
When Jesus refers to Psalm 110:1 in Matthew 22:44, He is not only asserting His own divine status, but He is also challenging the Pharisees' understanding of the Messiah. If David, their greatest king, calls the Messiah his Lord, how could He be merely a human descendant?
Jesus is demonstrating that the Messiah is both human (a descendant of David) and divine (the Lord to whom David bows).
How is it you don't understand
@Keiw1?
J.