Psalm 45: this is a royal
wedding song, as is seen by the king’s preparations (verses 8, 9), and those of
the queen (verses 10-15).!23 The king is praised for his beauty and his grace
of speech (verse 2). He is called ‘O mighty one’, and his ‘glory’ and ‘majesty’
are referred to (verses 3, 4). He is victorious (verse 4), and his enemies are
subdued (verse 5). The reason for this warfare is ‘for the cause of truth and
to defend the right’ (verse 4). His righteousness and hatred of wickedness are
emphasized (verses 6, 7). His throne is related to that of God, and it will
last for ever (verse 6; cf. verse 17).
The emphasis on righteousness
shows the king’s subordination to God’s will. God is called ‘your God’ (verse
7), indicating a close relationship. The king is dependent on God for blessing
(verse 2) and appointment (‘anointed’, verse 7). A. Cohen comments on עַל־כֵּ֤ן
(‘therefore’, verse 2; cf. verse 7), “These outward qualities which all can see
are an indication that the king has been blessed by God, and the same favour
will assuredly rest upon his descendants.” Verse 16 shows the king’s universal
rule. (Robert D. Rowe, God’s Kingdom and God’s Son: The Background to Mark’s
Christology from Concepts of Kingship in the Psalms [Leiden: Brill, 2002], 41-42)
