This psalm is entirely Messianic, focusing only on what Jesus will experience and do after his ascension. In verses 1-4, David describes the Father’s exaltation of Jesus and in verses 5-7 he speaks to the Father about the exaltation of Jesus and how he will fulfil his role.
In verse 1, the Father invites David’s Lord (Jesus) to sit at his right hand, the place of power on the divine throne. The invitation includes the length of the period of this aspect of his reign, which will last until the Day of Judgement. The location of the throne is Zion (heaven) and from there Jesus rules among his enemies, a description that points to their inability to prevent him doing as he wills (v. 2).
Throughout this period, called ‘the day of his power’, he will lead a volunteer army composed of priests, an indication that they will be devoted to him and will express their devotion through constant praise (v. 3). From the onset of this day (the dew of the morning), Jesus himself will have vigour and strength to accomplish his plans (v. 3).
Moreover, Jesus is from a different line of priesthood; he is not of the line of Aaron but of the line of Melchizedek, a priest of whom nothing his known concerning his ancestry and his future, which enables him to picture Jesus as having no beginning and no end (v. 4).
In verses 5-6, David describes the Day of Judgement which occurs at the close of this stage of the mediatorial kingdom of Jesus. It will be an occasion of complete triumph for Jesus over all kingdoms that oppose him, both the rulers and their subjects who resist his reign.
What is meant by verse 7: ‘He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.’ Does it describe what happens throughout his long campaign? It is a picture of refreshment, but where is the brook? Is John Gill correct to say that it refers to when Jesus ‘drank to his refreshment of the river of divine pleasure, when God showed him the path of life, and raised him from the dead, and gave him glory, and introduced him into his presence; where are fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore?’
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