Psalm 45:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth.

NIV: Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.

NASB: In place of your fathers will be your sons; You shall make them princes in all the earth.

CSB: Your sons will succeed your ancestors; you will make them princes throughout the land.

NLT: Your sons will become kings like their father. You will make them rulers over many lands.

KJV: Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.

NKJV: Instead of Your fathers shall be Your sons, Whom You shall make princes in all the earth.

This verse carries the psalmist's blessing on the king and his queen as they leave the palace. He addresses the king by observing that the king's forefathers were great, but his descendants will be greater. The king will place them in his kingdom as princes. Because this wedding song (Psalm 45:1, 9) also parallels the ministry of Christ (Psalm 45:6–7; Hebrews 1:8–9), it's possible to see hints about aspects of the end times.

When Jesus sets up His kingdom on earth, He will grant positions of authority to His faithful servants. In His parable of the talents, Jesus commented that the faithful servant's master said, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:23). Second Timothy 2:12 promises, "If we endure, we will also reign with [Jesus]." Jesus promised the church at Thyatira: "The one who conquers and keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron" (Revelation 2:26–27).

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 4/29/2024 3:48:52 PM