This verse highlights the Messiah’s gathering of willing and dedicated followers.
Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. (v.3)
This verse is part of a psalm written by King David, who reigned in Israel from about 1010-970 B.C. David is historically considered Israel’s greatest king, and the New Testament declares he spoke prophetically about the coming Messiah in this psalm (Matthew 22:43). In this line from Psalm 110, David addresses how the Messiah’s people will gather around Him willingly and how they will be clad in holiness. The phrase Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power paints a picture of a king leading an army of willing followers who are not coerced but come together out of devotion. These “volunteers” are likened to the dawn’s early dew, an image of purity and refreshment. It underscores a heartfelt allegiance to the Messiah’s reign and mission, showing that participation in God’s kingdom is always a decision of faith and devotion rather than mere compulsion.
The next part of the verse, In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew, emphasizes the pure and radiant nature of the Messiah’s people. They arise early, like dew emerging at daybreak, signaling both freshness and eager willingness. The “holy array” suggests a picture of heavenly attire or spiritual readiness, as though those who follow the Messiah are clothed in the holiness of their King. In Jewish thinking, the new morning also symbolizes renewed mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23), so the dawn here reflects new beginnings and the beauty of embracing the Messiah’s righteous cause.
In New Testament terms, many believe that Jesus fulfills the role of this promised Messiah. The author of Hebrews quotes from this psalm repeatedly to show how Jesus is not merely David’s son but is David’s Lord, appointed as a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:5-6; 7:17) and destined to reign over all creation (Hebrews 10:12-13). The “youth” of the Messiah can be understood as all believers who eagerly serve Christ, reflecting His righteousness in their words and deeds. Their service is born out of gratitude and commitment, voluntarily offered to support the ongoing mission of their King.
This psalm thus pictures a future where the Messiah’s people, full of vigor and devotion, gather around Him in holy unity to do His will. They are as numerous as morning dew, a fitting metaphor for those renewed and ready to serve.
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Psalms 110:3 meaning
Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. (v.3)
This verse is part of a psalm written by King David, who reigned in Israel from about 1010-970 B.C. David is historically considered Israel’s greatest king, and the New Testament declares he spoke prophetically about the coming Messiah in this psalm (Matthew 22:43). In this line from Psalm 110, David addresses how the Messiah’s people will gather around Him willingly and how they will be clad in holiness. The phrase Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power paints a picture of a king leading an army of willing followers who are not coerced but come together out of devotion. These “volunteers” are likened to the dawn’s early dew, an image of purity and refreshment. It underscores a heartfelt allegiance to the Messiah’s reign and mission, showing that participation in God’s kingdom is always a decision of faith and devotion rather than mere compulsion.
The next part of the verse, In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew, emphasizes the pure and radiant nature of the Messiah’s people. They arise early, like dew emerging at daybreak, signaling both freshness and eager willingness. The “holy array” suggests a picture of heavenly attire or spiritual readiness, as though those who follow the Messiah are clothed in the holiness of their King. In Jewish thinking, the new morning also symbolizes renewed mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23), so the dawn here reflects new beginnings and the beauty of embracing the Messiah’s righteous cause.
In New Testament terms, many believe that Jesus fulfills the role of this promised Messiah. The author of Hebrews quotes from this psalm repeatedly to show how Jesus is not merely David’s son but is David’s Lord, appointed as a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:5-6; 7:17) and destined to reign over all creation (Hebrews 10:12-13). The “youth” of the Messiah can be understood as all believers who eagerly serve Christ, reflecting His righteousness in their words and deeds. Their service is born out of gratitude and commitment, voluntarily offered to support the ongoing mission of their King.
This psalm thus pictures a future where the Messiah’s people, full of vigor and devotion, gather around Him in holy unity to do His will. They are as numerous as morning dew, a fitting metaphor for those renewed and ready to serve.