Psalm 45
The Glorious Reign of the Messiah King
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Intro
Psalm 45 is a majestic psalm that celebrates the glorious reign of the Messiah King. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Messianic King. We will explore the themes of the King's beauty and splendor, the King's righteousness and authority, and the King's eternal reign.
Section 1: The King's Beauty and Splendor (vs 1-9)
"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds. Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's admiration and praise for the King's beauty and splendor.
The anointing of the King with grace and the blessing of God upon Him.
The portrayal of the King as a victorious warrior and the embodiment of truth, humility, and righteousness.
Harmony: Hebrews 1:8-9, "But about the Son He says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.'"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's description of the King's beauty and splendor inspire you to appreciate the majesty of Jesus Christ as the Messiah King?
In what ways can we see Jesus as the embodiment of truth, humility, and righteousness in His earthly ministry?
How does Jesus, as the eternal King, bring victory and establish His righteous kingdom in our lives?
Section 2: The King's Righteousness and Authority (vs 10-15)
"Hear, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father's house. The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, men of wealth will seek your favor. All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you. They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king."
Talking Points:
The call to the daughter to honor the King and forget her former allegiances.
The portrayal of the princess as glorious and adorned for her marriage to the King.
The joyful entrance of the princess and her companions into the palace of the King.
Harmony: Revelation 19:7-9, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.' (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.) Then the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's description of the King's righteousness and the call to honor Him resonate with your own desire to honor and serve Jesus Christ?
In what ways can we, as the bride of Christ, prepare ourselves and make ourselves ready for the glorious wedding of the Lamb?
How does Jesus, as the righteous King and Bridegroom, invite us to enter into His presence with joy and gladness?
Section 3: The King's Eternal Reign (vs 16-17)
"Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever."
Talking Points:
The assurance of the King's enduring legacy through His sons and their reign.
The proclamation of the King's memory being perpetuated through all generations.
The anticipation of the nations praising the King for ever and ever.
Harmony: Revelation 11:15, "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.'"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's proclamation of the King's eternal reign inspire you to trust in the everlasting authority and rule of Jesus Christ?
In what ways can we participate in the proclamation of the King's legacy and the anticipation of the nations praising Him?
How does Jesus, as the eternal King, establish His kingdom in our hearts and invite us to live in the reality of His reign?
Summary
Psalm 45, viewed through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ, depicts the splendor and majesty of the Messianic King and the celebration of His glorious reign, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's description of the King's beauty and grace foreshadows Jesus, who is the perfect embodiment of God's glory and the radiance of His love (Hebrews 1:3).
The psalmist's proclamation of the King's righteousness reflects the perfect righteousness we receive through faith in Jesus, who fulfilled the law on our behalf (Romans 3:22-24).
The psalmist's depiction of the King's victorious reign and the destruction of His enemies anticipates Jesus' ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
The psalmist's exhortation to the King's bride to worship and submit to Him prefigures the Church's devotion and submission to Jesus, our Bridegroom and Lord (Ephesians 5:23-27).
The psalmist's recognition of the King's eternal throne signifies Jesus' everlasting reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).
Psalm 45 portrays the splendor and majesty of the Messianic King, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Righteous King and the source of our worship and adoration.