Bible Fact · Psalm 110:1 — 'The LORD says to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'
The Most Quoted Old Testament Book in the New Testament
The Fact
The book of Psalms is quoted or alluded to in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament book — approximately 100 direct quotations and hundreds of allusions. Isaiah comes in second with around 65 direct quotes. Deuteronomy ranks third. The Psalms were the hymn book and prayer book of ancient Israel, and Jesus and the apostles treated them as deeply prophetic texts about the Messiah. Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1 from the cross ('My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'), Psalm 110:1 in his debate with the Pharisees, and Psalm 31:5 at his death. Peter's Pentecost sermon (Acts 2) quotes Psalm 16 and Psalm 110 as proof texts for the resurrection and ascension. Paul's letter to the Romans alone quotes the Psalms over 15 times. The most quoted single verse from the Psalms in the New Testament is Psalm 110:1: 'The LORD says to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'
Context
The early church essentially read the Psalms as a messianic biography written in advance. Jesus's passion, death, resurrection, and ascension were all interpreted through the lens of the Psalter.
Significance
The Psalms' dominance in New Testament quotation shows that the early church saw them as prophetically pointing to Jesus — and that he fulfilled their imagery in specific, verifiable ways.
Reflection
The Psalms give us language for grief, joy, confusion, and praise. Which psalm most closely matches what you are feeling right now?