Psalm 110:1 and the Status of the Second Lord

Psalm 110:1 and the Status of the Second Lord – Trinitarian Arguments Challenged

By Jaco van Zyl

In recent years much attention has been given to Christological studies ranging from the historical identity of Jesus to the later post-biblical developments of this central figure in Christianity. The voices in this search have indeed been diverse. Published works on the historical Jesus – who he was and what he taught – have received attention likened to the notorious development of 19th century Higher Criticism.[1] Many of these “discoveries” on the identity of Christ have proven to be edifying for the Christian believer in that much of what is taught in Scripture and from the pulpit have been confirmed by historical investigation. A consequence of these much-published findings has been a renewed search even on the part of the average Church goer to seek this historical figure and integrate him into their perception of reality and worship. This search, however, is not free from challenges. From, not only the modern “discoveries” of the historical Jesus, but also an unbiased study of canonical and non-canonical scripture, brought to light is a picture which, in many instances, is significantly different from the one traditionally presented to be the “orthodox” character of the Lord Jesus, as came to be adopted by the traditional Church and her confessions.

One such challenge to the “Orthodox” understanding of Christ the most-oft quoted OT text in the NT, that is Psalm 110:1 (109:1, LXX):

“The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy

footstool.”

“ειπεν ο κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου”

This Psalm forms the epicentre of the Kingdom hope and apocalyptic expectations of every Christian. It is no surprise then, that this text is so often quoted and alluded to in the NT. From the above text it is clear that one Lord or ho kurios speaks to someone else...