Psalm 110 (109):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

22:4), and again, ‘Thou shalt shepherd them with a rod of iron; as a potter's vessels thou shalt break them’ (Ps. 2:9). Paul also reflects this understanding when he questions, ‘What do ye want? With a rod to come unto you, or with love and a spirit of meekness?’ (1 Cor. 4:21). Such references demonstrate the dual nature of the rod—as both a tool of correction and a symbol of authority. Isaiah states, ‘and a branch (rod) shall spring up from the root of Jesse, and a branch shall grow from his root’ (Isa. 11:1), while David declares, ‘Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. The rod of righteousness is the rod of Thy kingdom’ (Ps. 44:7).

Here, the rod represents the force with which the disciples traveled across the earth, correcting behaviors and transforming sinful humanity into a rational existence, in accordance with Christ's directive: ‘go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matt. 28:19). Moses possessed a rod, receiving power from God to perform marvelous deeds. His rod divided the waters, while this spiritual rod dismantled the wickedness of the world. Those who call the cross a rod of power speak truthfully, as this rod transformed the earth and sea, empowering them significantly. Through this rod, the apostles traversed the globe, accomplishing Christ's mission, beginning in Jerusalem and expanding beyond. ‘And prevail among Thy enemies’—this prophecy shines vividly. To prevail among one’s adversaries refers to triumph over both Gentiles and Jews. This is how churches were established in cities; it symbolizes the apostles’ victories. Erecting altars in the face of opposition is a mark of glorious triumph akin to being sheep among predators, just as Christ said when sending them forth: ‘I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves’ (Matt. 10:16). To triumph over those positioned against them reflects a remarkable miracle, comparing favorably to sheep overcoming wolves, especially since the apostles drew the entire world from the twelve.

‘And prevail among Thy enemies’ is stated not merely to indicate triumph but to signify dominion attained through authority rather than force of arms. Clearly, this is how the apostles achieved victory—Christ within them led their actions as if by command. Thus, every house opened its doors to them; believers obeyed them with greater eagerness than that of any servant, giving up their possessions and placing the proceeds at the apostles' feet, hesitating to take even a semblance for their own needs, showing such reverence that they dared not join them (Acts 5:13). Their influence extended not only over the faithful but also over the unfaithful, which further underscores their authority. What is the hallmark of a servant? Is it not obedience to the commands of their master? Conversely, what denotes a master? Does it not entail accomplishing their will through their servants? The apostles were the ones who achieved what they desired with the rulers and authorities of their time, for the latter sought to maintain wickedness in the world, directing service to false idols, while the apostles desired the opposite, and their intent was realized.

Even if you reference their chains, scourges, and torments, these only strengthen the evidence of their authority. How so? Despite suffering, their desires were fulfilled—not through the law, common to many masters, but through virtue alone, which does not rely on external support yet flourishes amid deep corruption. While ordinary masters sometimes fell victim to subterfuge from their servants due to their fragile dominion, the apostles' authority remained untouchable, their challenges serving to elevate it further.

Which master holds greater esteem? One who depends on numerous aids to keep slaves in compliance, or one who commands with inherent authority? Clearly, the latter. Authorities with power contingent on many external supports often lose their standing; Paul, however, ruled in deserts and other desolate settings. Want confirmation of his superiority over kings? He spread laws throughout the earth, leading individuals to abandon the edicts of earthly rulers for adherence to his teachings. Kings rule only over bodies, but faithful apostles commanded souls. No servant ever adhered to their master as devotedly as believers followed Paul, who communicated via letters alone. Who among his followers could express such devotion and zeal as those willing to sacrifice for him? What master has such devoted followers as he had?

Thus, the prophet, encapsulating these truths—how they subdued believers and how the unfaithful quaked before them—recognized how Christ triumphed through them. Thus, he stated not simply, ‘Be master (χὑρὶευε) among Thy enemies,’ but rather, ‘Rule (χαταχυρὶευε),’ indicating an unmatched authority. Their adversaries, though bolstered by laws and empowered enforcers, found themselves powerless in the presence of the authority with which they were imbued. They acted with boldness under the auspices of Him who resided within them. He was not just a lord but an actual ruler, invested with immense power. Through the strength of the one who dwelled in them, they faced fire, iron, and wild beasts without fear. Truly, Christ accompanied them, and thus, they were filled with joy, traversing as though inhabiting alien bodies, surrendering worldly sorrows, and embracing Christ's lordship without reserve—neither hoarding possessions nor fearing for their own lives. Those who were once adversaries became devoted followers through the unwavering power of Christ, who not only liberated them from enmity but instilled in them profound loyalty.

Thus, when it is claimed that the Father places enemies beneath His feet, this does not imply the Son is inactive in the process—all action belongs to the Only Begotten. Rather, as mentioned previously, perceive the Father and the Son as one God, distinct in their attributes, without suggesting they are two separate entities. Recognition of the Son’s involvement in these acts comes from observing the outcomes. Note that once-enemies have transformed into friends, while others remain adversaries. That He converts opponents into allies is reiterated by Paul: ‘when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father’ (1 Cor. 15:24). The Savior Himself illustrates this when He declares to His Father: ‘I have glorified Thee on earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast commissioned Me to do’ (John 17:4). The subjugation of enemies belongs to the Father’s domain. Nonetheless, the latter act is of greater import than the former, for punishing unyielding foes differs significantly from converting enemies into friends. Nevertheless, neither the Son nor the Father is inferior to the other.

To affirm the shared nature of their works, consider this: ‘Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’ (Matthew 25:41). The one who commands the angels to gather the tares is also the Only Begotten (Matt. 13:30), and evidence of Him punishing evil is found throughout scripture. Recognizing their fear, the demons declare, ‘Thou comest here before the time to torment us’ (Matt. 8:29), establishing that torment is, in fact, inevitable. All that has been ascribed to the Father also pertains to the Son, and the works of the Son inherently include the Father’s authority. ‘No one can come to Me unless the Father draws him’ (John 6:44), and conversely, ‘No one comes to the Father except through Me’ (John 14:6). Therefore, none of this should be perceived solely through a human lens.

Thus, expressions such as ‘your enemies’ should not be understood as solely referring to the Son's adversaries; ‘whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father’ (Jn. 5:23). Accordingly, the Jews are not merely opposed to the Son but also to the Father. It is for this reason that God inflicted severe trials upon them, destroying their city and rendering it desolate—not immediately post-crucifixion, but granting them ample time for repentance. Apostles were sent to lead them toward acknowledgment of His omnipotence with hopes of eventual conversion. Yet, as their affliction deepened, God employed utmost calamity in hopes of reconciliation. Faced with the reality that the one they scorned had become worshiped while all they possessed lay in ruins, they were compelled to confront the truth. If they remain unrepentant after such experiences, they shall meet eternal condemnation, deprived of any possibility of pardon.

When you encounter the term 'footstool,' interpret it not in a physical sense but rather as a manifestation of subjugation. The submission of enemies to the Father is clear in the subsequent phrases, indicating that just as the throne is singular, so is the footstool unified.

The ministers of the gospel were not swayed by external pressures; instead, facing persecution from the Greeks and outsiders, and surrounded by torrents of iniquity, they triumphed over those who opposed them, and as captives, they were brought to the King, growing to cherish His service.

The staff of might may also be interpreted as the cross, a notion supported by Chrysostom, since nothing is more potent than the cross, which effectively vanquishes and dispels both physical and spiritual adversaries. Theodoret emphasizes that the staff of power signifies the redemptive strength of the cross, by which He triumphed over all the forces of opposition, and it was raised upon Zion. Chrysostom adds that this staff of the cross transformed the earth and the sea, empowering them immensely. With this staff, the Apostles ventured throughout the world, achieving remarkable deeds, starting from Jerusalem. Athanasius and Eusebius saw the staff as the proclamation of the gospel exercised, which took root across all nations. Isikhiy observes that, since the staff wields dual authority to correct and guide, the cross serves to enlighten us while tormenting malevolent spirits. Thus, it is aptly named the staff of might, embodying such power. Where was it sent? From Zion, he states, for it is there that the Only Begotten offered Himself as a sacrifice. And to rule in the midst of Thy foes. Reign, says the Lord Jesus Christ, amidst Thy enemies, overcoming and overpowering them, drawing them into submission to Thee through the yoke of Thy gospel. It is remarkable that the divine Apostles of the Lord, despite being surrounded by adversaries, as noted by Theodoret, not only triumphed over them but subdued them with distinct authority and success. Theodoret's words: Observe this prophecy; it shines brighter than the sun. What does it mean to rule in the midst of Thy adversaries? This holds true among both Gentiles and Jews. As the churches are established within cities, so they prevailed and found victory. It symbolizes a clear triumph when altars are raised among foes, and sheep are placed among beasts, lambs among wolves. Furthermore, He did not state, conquer, but rather rule, indicating that the victory was achieved without military force, but that dominion was derived from divine command. This is how the Apostles secured their possession, with Christ dwelling within them!

Thus, the rod represents a scepter, which signifies royal power. The term power conveys strength or bravery, as the original text illustrates more clearly. This rod emerges from Zion, as if it has grown from the mountain itself, for the spiritual kingdom of Christ was inaugurated in Jerusalem. It was there that the first believers, the Apostles, laid the foundation for faith's spread. "And rule in the midst of your enemies" conveys a joyful proclamation from the subjects to their king, as if to say, "You will triumph and bring the armor of your cross into the midst of both Gentiles and Jews, where the multitude of your foes is greatest; there you will prevail, erect a victory banner, and establish your kingdom."