Psalm 110

Psalm 110 is a short but powerful song about God’s promise and strength. It speaks of a king chosen by God who rules with justice and peace. This psalm is often connected to the coming of the Messiah. It shows God’s care for His people and His plan to guide them through a faithful leader.

This psalm was written in a time when kings played a central role in leading God’s people. It speaks of a ruler who does not act on his own power but follows God’s will. The psalmist celebrates how God gives this king authority and victory over his enemies. It reminds us that true power comes from God, not from human might.

In Christian faith, Psalm 110 is often seen as pointing to Jesus Christ. He is both king and priest, chosen by God to bring peace and salvation. This connection is made clear in the New Testament, where the psalm is quoted several times. Through it, we see how God’s promise in the Old Testament is fulfilled in Christ.

Psalm 110 also reminds us that God’s plan is steady and sure. It teaches us to trust in God’s timing and purpose. The psalm gives hope to all who follow Christ, showing that God’s kingdom will last forever. It is a prayer of trust and confidence in God’s power to bring goodness and order to the world.

• Prayer Based on this Psalm
• Printable Copy of Prayer
• More Psalms

This psalm is found in the fifth book of the Psalms, which runs from Psalm 107 to Psalm 150. This section focuses on praising God and trusting His lasting power. The people of Israel had faced many struggles, but these psalms remind them that God’s rule is steady and strong. They show faith that God will guide His people through every trial.

Psalm 110 is often linked to King David, who is named as the author in its opening line. David was known as both a ruler and a man of prayer. His songs often spoke of his faith in God and his hope for a future king who would lead with justice. This psalm may have been written for a royal celebration, such as a coronation or victory ceremony.

In ancient Israel, the king was seen as chosen by God to protect and guide the nation. But Psalm 110 looks beyond any single ruler. It speaks of a king who will rule forever and serve as both leader and priest. This idea was very special, because priests and kings usually had separate roles.

The words of this psalm gave people hope that God’s promise to David would not end. Even when times were dark, they trusted that a future king from David’s line would bring peace and righteousness. This promise would later be seen by Christians as pointing to Jesus Christ.

This psalm speaks about a ruler who is both king and priest. In Catholic teaching, this connects closely to Jesus Christ. He is seen as the true King who reigns forever and as the High Priest who offers Himself for all people. The psalm says that the king sits at God’s right hand, showing a place of honor and closeness to God. Catholics see this as a picture of Christ’s glory after His resurrection and ascension.

Another strong theme is God’s lasting promise. The psalm reminds us that God’s word is firm and cannot be broken. When God chooses and blesses, His plan will succeed. This helps believers trust that God’s promises to His people remain true through every age. In Jesus, the promise to David finds its full meaning.

The psalm also speaks of justice and peace. The king brings order, not by violence, but through God’s strength and wisdom. For Catholics, this shows how Christ rules not from a throne of gold, but from the cross. His victory comes through mercy and sacrifice, not power or war.

Finally, the psalm looks forward to the day when all will recognize God’s reign. It invites us to hope in the future that God has prepared. Catholics read this psalm as a song of trust, joy, and confidence that Christ continues to rule in heaven and in the hearts of the faithful.

This psalm still speaks clearly to the Church today. It reminds us that Christ is our true King who reigns with justice and love. In a world filled with conflict and fear, these words bring comfort. They tell us that God’s plan has not failed. Christ continues to rule, even when life feels uncertain. His kingdom is not built on wealth or power, but on faith, truth, and peace.

For Catholics, this psalm is a call to trust. It teaches us to place our hope in Christ’s authority rather than human strength. When we feel discouraged or weak, we can remember that Christ is seated at God’s right hand, guiding His people. He is not distant or silent. He is present in prayer, the sacraments, and the life of the Church.

The psalm also challenges us to follow Christ’s way of service. The King in this song leads by obedience to God. As His followers, we are invited to live with humility and care for others. We share in His mission when we act with kindness, fairness, and courage.

In every time and place, this psalm helps us see that God’s rule endures. It gives us strength to face the struggles of today with faith. It reminds us that Christ’s kingdom is already at work in the world and will one day be complete.

The King Who Leads Us

Lord, you sit above all things, yet you walk beside us each day.
You guide us when life feels busy and uncertain.
Help us remember that your power is not distant but caring.
Teach us to trust your rule even when we do not understand.

You are the King who serves.
Show us how to lead through kindness and courage.
Help us listen more than we speak and lift others up when they fall.
Let our words and actions reflect your peace.

You are the Priest who brings people together.
Help us be peacemakers in our homes, schools, and friendships.
Remind us that every person matters to you.
Give us patience and compassion in all we do.

You promise a kingdom that never ends.
When the world feels dark or unfair, remind us that your light lasts forever.
Help us live with hope and joy, knowing you are near.

Lord, rule in our hearts.
Make our faith steady and our service real.
Let us walk each day with gratitude, trusting that you are the King who reigns in love.

Psalm 110 is used often in the Roman Catholic lectionary. It appears in several Sunday and weekday Masses because it helps the Church remember Christ’s kingship and priesthood. The psalm’s message of a ruler chosen by God connects closely to Jesus, who is both Lord and Savior. When this psalm is read or sung, it points us toward the mystery of Christ reigning forever with mercy and justice.

One of the most well-known uses of this psalm is on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. On that feast, the Church celebrates that Jesus is the ruler of all creation. The psalm reminds us that His throne is everlasting and His victory comes through love.

It is also heard during Ordinary Time, often paired with readings about Christ’s priesthood and the covenant between God and His people. In these moments, the psalm helps us see how God’s promise to David is fulfilled in Christ. It connects the Old Testament hope with the New Testament reality.

Each time this psalm is used in the liturgy, it invites the faithful to look to Christ with trust. It reminds us that His power is gentle and His rule brings peace. When we sing these words at Mass, we join in the same praise that began centuries ago but still lives in the Church today.

At Weekday Masses

• Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4: Priesthood Forever in Majesty
• Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4: Priesthood Forever in Majesty
• Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4: Priesthood Forever in Majesty

Crown and Chalice of the Eternal King

This image captures the beauty and meaning of Christ’s kingship and priesthood, as celebrated in Psalm 110. The crown and chalice together remind us that Jesus reigns through love and service. Perfect for parish bulletins, newsletters, or youth ministry reflections, this artwork helps bring Scripture to life.

Download it to inspire reflection on the unity of Christ’s royal power and His sacrifice for all people.

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Who wrote Psalm 110?

Tradition says that King David wrote this psalm. He often wrote songs to praise God and to speak about the hope for a future ruler who would lead with justice and peace.

What is Psalm 110 about?

This psalm speaks of a king chosen by God. It describes how the king rules with God’s help and also serves as a priest. Christians see this as a picture of Jesus Christ, who is both King and High Priest.

Why is this psalm important in the Catholic Church?

It helps Catholics understand how Jesus fulfills God’s promises in the Old Testament. It shows that His reign is forever and that He brings mercy, peace, and salvation to all people.

How is this psalm used in Mass?

Psalm 110 appears in several readings throughout the year. It is often sung or read on the feast of Christ the King and in other liturgies that celebrate Christ’s rule and priesthood.

What does it mean that the king sits at God’s right hand?

This phrase means that the king has a special place of honor and closeness to God. In Christian belief, it points to Jesus, who now sits at God’s right hand after His resurrection.

What does it mean that the king is also a priest?

In this psalm, the ruler is called a priest forever. This is unusual because kings and priests had different roles. For Catholics, it shows how Jesus unites both roles. He leads His people and also offers Himself as a sacrifice for them.

How does this psalm relate to Jesus Christ?

Catholics see Jesus as the promised King from David’s line. He is the one who fulfills God’s plan of salvation. The psalm’s words about ruling forever and being a priest forever are seen as pointing to Him.

What message can we learn from this psalm today?

It teaches us to trust in Christ’s power and love. Even when life feels uncertain, we can be at peace knowing that Jesus reigns over all and cares for His people.

Why does the psalm talk about enemies?

The enemies in the psalm represent the forces that stand against God’s plan. For Catholics, it reminds us that good will triumph over evil in the end through Christ’s victory.

Why do we still sing this psalm today?

We sing it to remember that God’s promise continues. It connects us to the faith of generations before us and helps us praise Christ, who reigns forever.

Psalm 110 is a song about God’s promise to raise up a king who rules with justice and peace. It celebrates the strength and faithfulness of God, who gives power to His chosen one. This psalm speaks of a ruler who sits at God’s right hand, showing honor and closeness to God. It also says that this ruler is a priest forever, linking the ideas of leadership and service.

Catholics see this psalm as a prophecy about Jesus Christ. He is both King and High Priest. His kingdom is not built on force but on love and mercy. The psalm’s message is clear: Christ reigns forever, and His rule brings peace to all who follow Him.

This psalm also reminds us that God’s promises never fail. What was spoken long ago is still true today. The Church continues to sing these words in worship, giving praise to Christ who lives and rules forever. Psalm 110 invites us to place our hope in Him, knowing that His power brings goodness to the world.

It is a psalm of confidence and joy. It helps believers remember that no matter what happens, Christ remains King. His priesthood never ends, and His love continues to guide the Church through every age.

Take a few moments to read Psalm 110. Let its words remind you that Christ reigns with love and peace. As you reflect, think about what it means for Jesus to be both King and Priest in your life.

Share your thoughts in the comments below. How does this psalm speak to your faith today? Your reflection may help others see how God’s promises are still alive and strong in our world.