Psalms – Chapter 110

Old Testament • 10 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 110 opens with the words: "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just, and in the congregation." Across its 10 verses, two threads run through the text: God's covenant promises and worship and praise. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just, and in the congregation.

2Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all his wills.

3His work is praise and magnificence: and his justice continueth for ever and ever.

4He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord:

5He hath given food to them that fear him. He will be mindful for ever of his covenant:

6He will shew forth to his people the power of his works.

7That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of his hands are truth and judgment.

8All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever, made in truth and equity.

9He hath sent redemption to his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name:

10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding to all that do it: his praise continueth for ever and ever.

Important Verses in Psalms 110

“I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just, and in the congregation.”

Psalms 110:1

“He hath given food to them that fear him. He will be mindful for ever of his covenant:”

Psalms 110:5

“He hath sent redemption to his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name:”

Psalms 110:9

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 110 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 10 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just, and in the congregation." It concludes: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding to all that do it: his praise continueth for ever…" In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just, and in the congregation." The passage repeatedly touches on God's covenant promises.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 110 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Bernard of Clairvaux and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 958).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

Reflection for Today

Psalm 110 is the most frequently quoted psalm in the New Testament, which Catholic theology understands as a profound messianic prophecy. The Catechism teaches that this psalm reveals Christ as both King and Priest, seated at the Father's right hand (CIC 659-664). Jesus Himself cited this psalm to demonstrate His divine sonship (Matthew 22:41-46).

The declaration "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" is central to Catholic understanding of Christ's priesthood. The Letter to the Hebrews develops this theme extensively, showing that Christ's priesthood supersedes the Levitical priesthood. The Catechism teaches that the ordained priesthood participates in Christ's eternal priesthood (CIC 1544-1545).

The imagery of enemies made a footstool and judgment among the nations points to Christ's ultimate victory. Catholic eschatology sees in this psalm the promise of Christ's return in glory to judge the living and the dead. This psalm reminds us that Christ reigns now at the Father's right hand, interceding for us, and that His kingdom will have no end.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 110 about?

Psalms 110 contains 10 verses. It opens with "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just, and in the congregation." and closes with "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding to all that do it: his praise continueth for ever…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 110?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just, and in the congregation." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Magnificat🙏The Nicene Creed🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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