The king of Israel had the great privilege of being the Lord’s adopted son (Psalm 2; 1 Chronicles 22:10), but he failed (Psalm 89). This decree restores and elevates his position.
The LORD: This title represents the Hebrew name Yahweh, which is God’s personal name (see Exodus 3:6–14; 6:2–8; 20:2).
my Lord: The Hebrew word ’adoni means “my master” or “my superior.” The psalmist understood God’s messianic ruler (the king chosen by God) to be greater than himself. The New Testament often quotes this psalm to show that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 22:44–45; Mark 12:36–37; Luke 20:42–44; Acts 2:34–35; Hebrews 1:13).
The Lord’s right hand represents his authority, strength, presence, and benefits. The Lord chose the descendant of David and raised him up to be close to him (Psalm 80:17).
Jesus claimed this position for himself (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; 16:19; Luke 22:69), and the apostles announced that Jesus, having gone up to heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33; 5:31; 7:55–56; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2).
Ancient Near Eastern kings were sometimes shown placing their feet on the backs of their defeated enemies as on a footstool (see Hebrews 10:12–13).