Thy throne, O God. Quoted in Hebrews 1:8 , Hebrews 1:9 . Several attempts are made by certain commentators to get rid of this reference to Christ's Godhead; but not only would Hebrews 1:8 , Hebrews 1:9 have to go, but Isaiah 9:6 , and Jeremiah 23:6 ; Jeremiah 33:16 as well. kingdom. Compare Psa 20:21 , Psa 20:24 .Luke 1:31-33 , &c. read more
"Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever:The sceptre of equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom.Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness:Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed theeWith the oil of gladness above thy fellows."We have no respect for the devices which men use in order to soften these words, or change their meaning. We know what the meaning is, because the inspired author of the Book of Hebrews has told us. The Hebrew passage reads:"Who maketh his angels winds, And his... read more
Psalms 45:6. Thy throne, O God, &c.— In Heb 1:8 this verse is immediately applied to Christ. The word here rendered God, is אלהים elohim, in the plural; concerning which, see the note on the 1st verse of the 1st chapter of Genesis. In agreement with this verse, St. Paul says of him, that He is over all, God blessed for ever, Rom 9:5 and we are told, Luk 1:33 that of his kingdom there shall be no end. The sceptre of his kingdom is a right sceptre; i.e. "His laws are all righteous and good."... read more
6. No lawful construction can be devised to change the sense here given and sustained by the ancient versions, and above all by Paul ( :-). Of the perpetuity of this government, compare 2 Samuel 7:13; Psalms 10:16; Psalms 72:5; Psalms 89:4; Psalms 110:4; Isaiah 9:7. read more
1. Praise for the bridegroom 45:1-9 read more
Psalms 45This royal psalm glorified a king as he prepared for his wedding. The writer related the counsel that the bride had received as she anticipated the wedding. He then predicted that people would honor the king forever because of the descendants born to him. The psalmist also appears to have spoken prophetically of Christ (cf. Ephesians 5:32-33; Hebrews 1:8-9). [Note: Kidner, p. 170.] "Psalms 45 is another example of a royal psalm which reflects the historical situation of ancient Israel,... read more
The writer addressed his human king as "God" (Elohim). He did not mean that the king was God but that he stood in the place of God and represented Him. Compare Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:8-9; and Psalms 82:1 where the biblical writers called Israel’s judges gods because they represented God. [Note: See also ibid., p. 266, n. 17.] This is an extravagant expression of praise for the king. God had blessed this king because he had represented the Lord faithfully by ruling as Yahweh does. God had given... read more
The poem celebrates the marriage of a king. After the prelude (Psalms 45:1) come addresses to the royal bridegroom (Psalms 45:2-9) and bride (Psalms 45:10-12), a description of the bridal procession (Psalms 45:13-15), and a final address to the king (Psalms 45:16-17). The marriage of Solomon to the Egyptian princess, of Ahab to Jezebel, of Jehoram to Athaliah, as well as later alliances, have all been suggested as the occasion in view. But while the Ps. had no doubt a historic reference, yet... read more
(6) Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.—This is the rendering of the LXX., Vulg., and of the versions generally. But whether they supposed the words to be addressed to the Divine Being, or that the theocratic king is thus styled, is uncertain. The Christian use of the verse as applied to the Messiah (Hebrews 1:8, Note, New Testament Commentary) does not help us to explain how the monarch, who is the poet’s theme here, could be addressed as God. The use of Elohîm in Psalms 82:6; Psalms... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 45:1-17
Psalms 45:0 A royal wedding songThis song was written to be sung at the wedding of some Israelite king. The anticipation of such an occasion causes the writer’s heart to overflow with joy (1).First the writer addresses his comments to the king. Handsome in appearance, gracious in speech and strong in purpose, this one has been supremely blessed by God to fight for truth and justice (2-5). Since he is God’s representative, the king will have an enduring kingdom. Since he fights for all that is... read more