John Calvin Commentary Psalms 110:7

"He will drink of the brook in the way: Therefore will he lift up the head." — Psalms 110:7 (ASV)

He shall drink. Many interpreters, in my opinion, explain this verse in a very harsh manner: that the carnage would be so great as to cause the blood of the slain to flow in torrents, from which Christ, the Conqueror, might drink until he was satiated.

Similar to this is the explanation of those who would interpret it as a figurative representation of misery and grief, and thus descriptive of the many afflictions to which Christ was liable during this transitory life. The comparison seems rather to be drawn from the conduct of brave and powerful generals who, when in hot pursuit of the enemy, do not allow themselves to be diverted from their purpose by indulging in luxuries but, without kneeling down, are content to quench their thirst by drinking from the stream they are passing.

It was in this way that Gideon identified the brave and warlike soldiers; regarding those who knelt down to drink as lacking courage, he sent them back to their homes (Judges 7:5). It therefore appears to me that David figuratively attributes military prowess to Christ, declaring that he would not take time to refresh himself but would hastily drink from any river in his path.

This is designed to strike his enemies with terror, indicating to them the rapid approach of impending destruction.

Should anyone be disposed to ask, "Where then is that spirit of meekness and gentleness with which the Scripture elsewhere informs us he will be endowed?" (Isaiah 42:2, 3; Isaiah 61:1, 2).

I answer that, as a shepherd is gentle towards his flock but fierce and formidable towards wolves and thieves, in the same way, Christ is kind and gentle towards those who commit themselves to his care.

However, those who willfully and obstinately reject his yoke will feel the awful and terrible power with which he is armed.

In Psalm 2:9, we saw that he had in his hand an iron scepter, by which he will beat down all the stubbornness of his enemies. Accordingly, he is here said to assume the aspect of cruelty in order to take vengeance on them.

Therefore, we must carefully refrain from provoking his wrath against us by a stiff-necked and rebellious spirit, when he is tenderly and sweetly inviting us to come to him.