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The "lord" of Psalm 110:1 According to Jesus

Here is another insight from Flusser, pertaining to Jesus' usage of Psalm 110:1 "lord":


External corroboration of Jesus’ Jewish scholarship is provided by the fact that, although he was not an approved scribe, some were accustomed to address him as “Rabbi,” “my teacher/master.” Nevertheless, it should be noted that according to the oldest sources, as reflected by Luke, only outsiders addressed Jesus as “Rabbi.” Those numbered among the inner circle of his followers and those who came to him in need addressed him as “lord” (ha’adon). Apparently this is the title that he preferred. This we know, again thanks to the report of Luke: “How can one say that the Messiah is the Son of David? For David himself says in the Book of Psalms (11:1), ‘The Lord (God) said to my lord’ (לאדונִי), ‘Sit on My right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’ David calls him lord (i.e. אדון). How then can he be David’s son?” (Luke 20:41-44 and par.) The title should not be confused as a sign of his deity (i.e. Adonai), but an indication of his high self-awareness. David Flusser, The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus' Genius, pg. 13

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