The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

PSALMS 110:2KJV
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Psalms 110:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 110:2 mean?

Psalms 110:2 describes the LORD giving power and authority to someone, sending out a symbol of strength from Zion so that this person will rule even while surrounded by enemies. The verse pictures a strong, divinely-backed leader whose reign begins in Jerusalem and extends outward, despite opposition.

In the setting of Psalms 110, the psalm is written by David and is often understood as God speaking to a chosen king or figure, promising victory and dominion. The mention of "Zion" points to Jerusalem as the starting point of this authority, and the "rod of thy strength" is a symbol of ruling power. The verse emphasizes that this leadership will not be easy or uncontested, but it will be effective even in the face of enemies.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 110:2

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting that the authority given comes directly from God, not from human sources.
  • rod (מַטֵּה, matteh): This word means a staff or scepter, often used as a symbol of authority and rule. Here, it represents the strength and right to govern.
  • strength (עֹז, oz): This word means might or power, showing that the rule given is not weak or symbolic, but real and forceful.
  • Zion (צִיּוֹן, tsiyyon): This is the ancient name for Jerusalem, marking the city as the center of God's action and the starting point for the extension of this rule.
  • rule (רָדָה, radah): This verb means to have dominion or to govern, stressing the active leadership expected from the one receiving authority.

Why Psalms 110:2 matters

  • Psalms 110:2 clarifies that the authority given by God is meant to be exercised even in difficult circumstances, not just in times of peace.
  • The verse connects the idea of divine backing with real-world leadership, showing that spiritual authority has visible, practical effects.
  • By rooting the promise in Zion, the verse ties the hope of victory and rule to a specific place and people, grounding the message in Israel’s story and identity.

Where else these words appear

“rule” Hebrew H7287 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
  • Judges 14:9 And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion.
  • Psalms 72:8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

“strength” Hebrew H5797 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
  • Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.