Psalm 45 Devotional

The Bridegroom King

“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.”Psalm 45:7 (BSB)

Psalm 45 is a love song for a royal wedding (45:1). The poet's heart overflows as he praises the king: grace pours from his lips, and God has blessed him forever (45:2). He rides out in splendor for the cause of truth, humility, and justice (45:4). Then the song does something astonishing. It addresses the king as God, whose throne lasts forever and whose scepter is justice (45:6). Because the king loves righteousness and hates wickedness, God has anointed him with gladness above his companions (45:7).

Hebrews applies these very lines to the Son, as words God speaks about him (Hebrews 1:8-9). The king in this song is more than an earthly ruler; he points to Jesus, whose reign is just and without end. The second half turns to the bride, urging her to leave her father's house and honor the king, and pictures her led in with joy (45:10-15). The one you are invited to follow is not a harsh master but a gracious and righteous King, worthy of glad devotion.

To think about: How does seeing Jesus as this gracious and righteous King change the way you think about following him today?