Commentators differ over the psalmist's exact intent here. The immediate context of the psalm is the wedding of an earthly king (Psalm 45:1, 9). Yet, because the psalmist references a ruler in the line of David (2 Samuel 7:12–13, 16), his words also serve as prophetic remarks about the Messiah. Here, the language can be interpreted in more than one way. It is possible to interpret the first phrase to mean "your throne is God's forever." Or, as most English translations have it, "your throne, O God, is forever."

The Hebrew word used for "God" here is 'elō'him, or Elohim, a noun referring to greatness or power. In most cases, Hebrew Scripture uses this as reference for Yahweh: the One True God. However, the word is also used of human rulers in certain situations (Psalm 82:6; Exodus 21:6; John 10:35). The rulership of Israel was sometimes called the "throne of the LORD" (1 Chronicles 29:23). If the psalmist is referring, directly, to the newly-married king, this might be his usage, here. While there are clear messianic tones in this psalm, it does not seem to have been written for that immediate purpose.

And yet, the New Testament shows how this reference connects to the role of Messiah. Hebrews introduces Jesus Christ as the heir of all things and the Creator (Hebrews 1:2). He is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3). He is superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:4). He is God's Son (Hebrews 1:5). He is worthy of worship (Hebrews 1:6), and He is God (Hebrews 1:8). His throne is "forever and ever" and His scepter is "the scepter of uprightness" (Hebrews 1:8). The writer of Hebrews notes the words of this verse, in this psalm, to connect the throne of David's line to God's promise to send a Savior.

Revelation 11:15 anticipates the establishment of Messiah Jesus' kingdom. A crescendo of voices in heaven declare, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."

Psalm 45:6–17 describes the glorious king, his bride, and the wedding procession. The original subject of this song was an earthly king and his bride. However, the words also serve as prophecies about the ultimate Davidic King, Jesus Christ.

The psalm begins with the exaggeration for effect common to love songs and works celebrating an earthly king. The groom is described as handsome, powerful, and graceful. The psalm also speaks of an eternal throne—this connects to prophecies about the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–13; Hebrews 1:8–9). The Bible often uses marriage images to explain the relationship between Christ and the church, including songs such as this.

This psalm is often identified as a marriage song, likely ascribing praise to a descendant of David. However, its praise transcends a mortal ruler and his wedding. There are messianic interpretations, noted in the New Testament (Hebrews 1:8–9). These references provide another layer of meaning, as they praise the King of kings, Jesus Christ.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/21/2024 6:22:34 PM

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