Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 45

Psalm 45 is clearly a messianic psalm in which we see snapshot of the Second Coming of Jesus. This is a clear example of the need for careful study of the scriptures, as some try and deny this as messianic, particularly those who also deny the deity of Christ. This psalm is quoted in Hebrews 1:8-9 and clearly seen in Revelation 19:6-21.

Psalm 45:1-2

My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.  You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.

There have been many handsome men in this world, but none can stand up to the attractiveness of Jesus. No man has ever had the type of grace that Jesus speaks out from His lips to us. Like the psalmist, our hearts should overflow with praise to our King Jesus.

Psalm 45:3-5
Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!  In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!  Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you.

The modern church loves to speak of the love of God, which is a love beyond any comparison. But the truth is this; God is also a god of war. Some 270 times in the Bible God is called the Lord of Hosts or the God of Hosts. The Hebrew word translated here for hosts means armies and speaks of God as the head of a great army. God is at war with sin and with Satan. He led Israel into great physical battles and He still leads us in great spiritual ones. Paul addressed this in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 instructing us that “though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” We are at war.

Take notice of three words from this psalm. They are key to the war that is being fought this very day all around us. The words are truth, meekness, and righteousness. These three words are being stomped on today in the battle against God and His people. Just look at the internet or turn on the news.

But there is hope. That hope is in the return of Christ.

Psalm 45:6-7
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;  you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.

Did you catch that? Jesus loves righteousness and He hates wickedness. He is coming back to establish truth, meekness, and righteousness.

And the church can rejoice in this hope for we are His bride. And Jesus is preparing us for the coming wedding.

Psalm 45:10-15
Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house,  and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.  The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.  All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.  In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her.  With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.

Amid the turmoil of this life, we can and must have joy and gladness, for we are His bride. He is preparing us for that wedding and He shall not let anything stop it. He is our lord, so we must bow to Him.

The name of Jesus is the name above all names. He is coming back. Be looking for Him. Be focused on him. The world wants to deny and malign Him. The world hates His very name. But God will not let that happen.

Psalm 45:17
I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

This is Jesus. One day the nations will praise Him forever and ever. Until then, we fight. We fight for Jesus and the victory has already been one at Calvary. Put on your spiritual armor and stand firm until He returns.