The Fulfillment of Psalm 110:1: Analyzing Prophet David (PBUH)'s Prophecy of 'My Lord'

I. Introduction: The Monotheistic Imperative

Objective study of revealed scripture requires an unwavering commitment to the clear meaning of the divine word, free from preconceived doctrines. The fundamental truth of Islam is Tawḥīd (absolute Monotheism): Almighty God (Allah), the Creator, is the Ultimate Truth and is not the author of confusion. This principle must guide the interpretation of profound prophetic statements, such as the one recorded in the Book of Psalms:

"The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool.'" (Psalm 110:1)

This verse, quoted in the Gospels (Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, and Luke 20:42), raises a critical theological question regarding the identity of the figure addressed as "my Lord" by Prophet David (PBUH).

II. The Paradox of David’s Lordship

The traditional interpretation that both "Lords" in the verse are aspects of the Godhead is viewed in Islamic thought as illogical, suggesting that Prophet David acknowledged two Gods. To maintain the integrity of monotheism, the figure addressed as "my Lord" must be the noblest human being in the sight of God.

This interpretation leads directly to the question Prophet Jesus (PBUH) posed to the Jewish religious scholars (Pharisees):

He said to them, ”How is it then David, speaking by the spirit, calls him 'Lord'? If then David calls him 'Lord', how he can be his son?” (Matthew 22:43–45)

The Jews expected the Messiah (Jesus) to be a descendant of David—his "Son." The dilemma Jesus highlighted is that a king like David, who was the spiritual and political sovereign of his time, would not use the appellation "my Lord" (Adonai in Hebrew) for his own biological descendant. The usual and respectful term for a descendant would be "Son" or "my Son". By asking this question, Prophet Jesus (PBUH) flatly repudiated the interpretation that the prophecy referred to himself as David's descendant, clearly excluding himself from the title of David’s Lord.

This act of distancing himself from such a title, and his later exhortation, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me...” (Mark 7:6-7), reinforces the core Islamic belief that Jesus (PBUH) was a holy servant of God and a prophet, and should not be worshipped.

III. The Identity of the Rightful Inheritor

The prophecy demands a figure who is exalted enough to be David's "Lord" yet is not his descendant, thus resolving the paradox Jesus presented.

1. Lineage and Distinction: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not an Israelite, but an Ishmaelite, descending from the Kedar tribe, who were the progeny of Prophet Ishmael, the son of Prophet Abraham. Since Prophet David was a descendant of Isaac, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emerged from the brotherly line (the Ishmaelites or "brethren"), making it entirely conceivable for King David to refer to this future non-Israelite prophet—the most praised (Aḥmad) and noblest of all humankind—as "my Lord".
2. Prophetic Stature: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the fulfiller of the everlasting covenant to Prophet Ishmael and the final messenger of God (Khatam an-Nabiyyīn). He inherited the mantle of universal lawgiving, a status that aligns him functionally with Moses (Deut. 18:18) and places him above the status of a mere descendant of David.   

Moreover, Islamic theology insists on the absolute infallibility (‘Iṣmah) of all prophets in conveying the divine message and protects them from major sins. This doctrine necessitates the rejection of stories found in parts of the Bible that ascribe grievous moral failures to figures like David and Lot, thereby maintaining the dignity required of a figure who is the "noblest and the highest human race".   

IV. The Unity of Prophecies

The prophecy in Psalm 110:1 does not stand in isolation. It converges with a chain of prophecies that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conclusively fulfilled:

• The Second Counselor: He was the messenger whose coming was anticipated by Jesus (PBUH) as the Counselor or Spirit of truth (John 14, 15, 16), who would continue his mission and glorify him. This figure was revealed in the Qur'an as Aḥmad, who confirmed the Torah and gave good tidings of the final message (Q. 61:6).   
• The Prophet like Moses: He was the prophet referred to by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:18, who was to be raised "from among their brethren".
• The Seal of the Prophets: His message, Islam—the religion of total submission to Allah—completed the Divine Legacy for all mankind.   

Conclusion

The Biblical and logical evidences surrounding Psalm 110:1 provide incontrovertible proof that the individual referred to by Prophet David (PBUH) as "my Lord" was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). By demonstrating that the figure could not logically be David's son (Jesus) and establishing the unique spiritual and genealogical criteria pointing to the Ishmaelite final messenger, the prophecy is fulfilled, underscoring the universal truth and unity of the entire prophetic chain.