Psalmen 45:6 Kommentar

This psalm is an illustrious prophecy of Messiah the Prince: it is all over gospel, and points at him only, as a bridegroom espousing the church to himself and as a king ruling in it and ruling for it. It is probable that our Saviour has reference to this psalm when he compares the kingdom of heaven, more than once, to a nuptial solemnity, the solemnity of a royal nuptial, Mat 22:2; Mat 25:1. We have no reason to think it has any reference to Solomon's marriage with Pharaoh's daughter; if I thought that it had reference to any other than the mystical marriage between Christ and his church, I would rather apply it to some of David's marriages, because he was a man of war, such a one as the bridegroom here is described to be, which Solomon was not. But I take it to be purely and only meant of Jesus Christ; of him speaks the prophet this, of him and of no other man; and to him (Psa 45:6, Psa 45:7) it is applied in the New Testament (Heb 1:8), nor can it be understood of any other. The preface speaks the excellency of the song (Psa 45:1). The psalm speaks, I. Of the royal bridegroom, who is Christ. 1. The transcendent excellency of his person (Psa 45:2). 2. The glory of his victories (Psa 45:3-5). 3. The righteousness of his government (Psa 45:6, Psa 45:7). 4. The splendour of his court (Psa 45:8, Psa 45:9). II. Of the royal bride, which is the church. 1. Her consent gained (Psa 45:10, Psa 45:11). 2. The nuptials solemnized (Psa 45:12-15). 3. The issue of this marriage (Psa 45:16, Psa 45:17). In singing this psalm our hearts must be filled with high thoughts of Christ, with an entire submission to and satisfaction in his government, and with an earnest desire of the enlarging and perpetuating of his church in the world. To the chief musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil. A song of loves.

We have here the royal bridegroom filling his throne with judgment and keeping his court with splendour. I. He here fills his throne with judgment. It is God the Father that says to the Son here, Thy throne, O God! is forever and ever, as appears Heb 1:8, Heb 1:9, where this is quoted to prove that he is God and has a more excellent name than the angels. The Mediator is God, else he neither would have been able to do the Mediator's work nor fit to wear the Mediator's crown. Concerning his government observe, 1. The eternity of it; it is for ever and ever. It shall continue on earth throughout all the ages of time, in despite of all the opposition of the gates of hell; and in the blessed fruits and consequences of it it shall last as long as the days of heaven, and run parallel with the line of eternity itself. Perhaps even then the glory of the Redeemer, and the blessedness of the redeemed, shall be in a continual infinite progression; for it is promised that not only of his government, but of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end (Isa 9:7); even when the kingdom shall be delivered up to God even the Father (Co1 15:24) the throne of the Redeemer will continue. 2. The equity of it: The sceptre of thy kingdom, the administration of thy government, is right, exactly according to the eternal counsel and will of God, which is the eternal rule and reason of good and evil. Whatever Christ does he does none of his subjects any wrong, but gives redress to those that do suffer wrong: He loves righteousness, and hates wickedness, Psa 45:7. He himself loves to do righteousness, and hates to do wickedness; and he loves those that do righteousness, and hates those that do wickedness. By the holiness of his life, the merit of his death, and the great design of his gospel, he has made it to appear that he loves righteousness (for by his example, his satisfaction, and his precepts, he has brought in an everlasting righteousness), and that he hates wickedness, for never did God's hatred of sin appear so conspicuously as it did in the sufferings of Christ. 3. The establishment and elevation of it: Therefore God, even thy God (Christ, as Mediator, called God his God, Joh 20:17, as commissioned by him, and the head of those that are taken into covenant with him), has anointed thee with the oil of gladness. Therefore, that is, (1.) "In order to this righteous government of thine, God has given thee his Spirit, that divine unction, to qualify thee for thy undertaking," Isa 61:1. 1. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because he has anointed me. What God called him to he fitted him for, Isa 11:2. The Spirit is called the oil of gladness because of the delight wherewith Christ was filled in carrying on his undertaking. He was anointed with the Spirit above all his fellows, above all those that were anointed, whether priests or kings. (2.) "In recompence of what thou has done and suffered for the advancement of righteousness and the destruction of sin God has anointed thee with the oil of gladness, has brought thee to all the honours and all the joys of thy exalted state." Because he humbled himself, God has highly exalted him, Phi 2:8, Phi 2:9. His anointing him denotes the power and glory to which he is exalted; he is invested in all the dignities and authorities of the Messiah. And his anointing him with the oil of gladness denotes the joy that was set before him (so his exaltation is expressed, Heb 12:2) both in the light of his Father's countenance (Act 2:28) and in the success of his undertaking, which he shall see, and be satisfied, Isa 53:11. This he is anointed with above all his fellows, above all believers, who are his brethren, and who partake of the anointing - they by measure, he without measure. But the apostle brings it to prove his pre-eminence above the angels, Heb 1:4, Heb 1:9. The salvation of sinners is the joy of angels (Luk 15:10), but much more of the Son. II. He keeps his court with splendour and magnificence. 1. His robes of state, wherein he appears, are taken notice of, not for their pomp, which might strike an awe upon the spectator, but their pleasantness and the gratefulness of the odours with which they were perfumed (Psa 45:8): They smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia (the oil of gladness with which he and his garments were anointed): these were some of the ingredients of the holy anointing oil which God appointed, the like to which was not to be made up for any common use (Exo 30:23, Exo 30:24), which was typical of the unction of the Spirit which Christ, the great high priest of our profession, received, and to which therefore there seems here to be a reference. It is the savour of these good ointments, his graces and comforts, that draws souls to him (Sol 1:3, Sol 1:4) and makes him precious to believers, Pe1 2:7. 2. His royal palaces are said to be ivory ones, such as were then reckoned most magnificent. We read of an ivory house that Ahab made, Kg1 22:39. The mansions of light above are the ivory palaces, whence all the joys both of Christ and believers come, and where they will be for ever in perfection; for by them he is made glad, and all that are his with him; for they shall enter into the joy of their Lord. 3. The beauties of his court shine very brightly. In public appearances at court, when the pomp of it is shown, nothing is supposed to contribute so much to it as the splendour of the ladies, which is alluded to here, Psa 45:9. (1.) Particular believers are here compared to the ladies at court, richly dressed in honour of the sovereign: Kings' daughters are among thy honourable women, whose looks, and mien, and ornaments, we may suppose, from the height of their extraction, to excel all others. All true believers are born from above; they are the children of the King of kings. These attend the throne of the Lord Jesus daily with their prayers and praises, which is really their honour, and he is pleased to reckon it his. The numbering of kings' daughters among his honourable women, or maids of honour, intimates that the kings whose daughters they were should be tributaries to him and dependents on him, and would therefore think it a preferment to their daughters to attend him. (2.) The church in general, constituted of these particular believers, is here compared to the queen herself - the queen-consort, whom, by an everlasting covenant, he hath betrothed to himself. She stands at his right hand, near to him, and receives honour from him, in the richest array, in gold of Ophir, in robes woven with golden thread or with a gold chain and other ornaments of gold. This is the bride, the Lamb's wife, whose graces, which are her ornaments, are compared to fine linen, clean and white (Rev 19:8), for their purity, here to gold of Ophir, for their costliness; for, as we owe our redemption, so we owe our adorning, not to corruptible things, but to the precious blood of the Son of God.

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 45 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. There are some things in this title we have met with already in other psalms; as the direction, "to the chief Musician, for the sons of Korah"; and one of its names, "Maschil". The word "shoshannim", according to Kimchi and Ben Melech, is the name of a musical instrument, on which this psalm was sung; an instrument of six strings, as Junius: but Aben Ezra thinks it was the first word of a song, to the tune of which it was sunny; though others are of opinion that it points at the persons, the subjects of this psalm, and may be rendered, "concerning Shoshannim"; that is, as the Targum interprets it, "concerning those that sit in the sanhedrim of Moses": and Jarchi's note is, "for the glory of the disciples of the wise men", comparable to lilies; for so this word signifies, and may be translated, "concerning the lilies" (t); that is, concerning Christ and his church, who are manifestly the subject of this psalm, and are compared to lilies, Sol 2:1. This psalm is called "a song of loves", an epithalamium, or marriage song, setting forth the mutual love of Christ and his church; or "a song of the beloved ones" (u) or "friends"; of Christ, who is the beloved and friend of his church; and the church, who is the beloved and friend of Christ; see Isa 5:1; and the word here used being in the feminine gender, some have supplied the word "virgins", and render it thus, "a song of the beloved virgins" (w); sung by them on account of the marriage between Christ and his church, who are the companions of the bride, mentioned in Psa 45:14, and friends and lovers of the bridegroom; see Sol 1:3. The writer of this psalm is not mentioned; it was not written by the sons of Korah, as say the Targum and Syriac version; but most probably by David, though not concerning his son Solomon, as some have thought, who, though wiser than all men, is never said to be fairer; nor was he a warrior, as the person is represented; nor was his throne and kingdom for ever and ever; nor he the object of worship; nor was his marriage with Pharaoh's daughter so commendable a thing; nor is she ever praised, as the queen herein mentioned is: but the person who is spoken of is the Messiah, as is owned by several Jewish writers: the Targum interprets Psa 45:2 of the King Messiah; and Ben Melech says, he is meant by the King in Psa 45:1. Aben Ezra observes, that this psalm is said concerning David, or concerning the Messiah his son, for so is his name, Eze 37:26; and Kimchi expressly says, it is spoken concerning the Messiah; and Arama affirms, that all agree that it treats of him. (t) "de liliis", Tigurine version. (u) "canticum amicarum", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "amatarum", Cocceius. (w) "Dilectarum sen de dilectis Christo virginibus", Michaelis; "a song of the well beloved virgins", Ainsworth.

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever,.... This verse and Psa 45:7 are cited in Heb 1:8; and applied to the Son of God, the second Person in the Trinity; and therefore are not an apostrophe to the Father, as some have said; nor will they bear to be rendered, "thy throne is the throne of God", or "thy throne is God"; or be supplied thus, "God shall establish thy throne". But they are spoken of the Son of God, who is truly and properly God, the true God and eternal life; as appears by the names by which he is called, as Jehovah, and the like; by his having all divine perfections in him; by the works which he has wrought, and by the worship which is given unto him; and to whom dominion is ascribed, of which the throne is an emblem, Gen 41:40. And this his government is either general, over angels, good and bad, and over men, even wicked men, and over the greatest among men, the kings of the earth; or special, over his own church and people, and which is exercised by his Spirit and grace in them; by his word and ordinances among them; and which will be in a glorious manner in the latter day; and in heaven, though not in the same manner as now, and that to all eternity: for to this government duration for ever and ever is attributed; Christ will have no successor, he will die no more; nor can his government be subverted or taken out of his hands, or he be removed from his throne by any of his enemies, or by all of them; and though his kingdom will be delivered up to the Father, it will not cease, it is an everlasting one; the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre; meaning either the Gospel, which is the golden sceptre of mercy and grace, stretched out and held forth for the encouragement of sensible sinners; and is a sceptre of righteousness, as it directs to the righteousness of Christ for justification, and encourages works of righteousness to be done by men: or rather the righteous administration of Christ's government is meant, the sceptre being an emblem of dominion and government, Gen 49:10.

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. [Psalms 45:6-7] And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Even before he became man, he was King and Lord everlasting, being image and word of the Father.

That is to say, your kingdom is beyond the ages and older than all thought.

By “throne” here he means not simply throne but kingship. He calls it eternal here, but elsewhere elevated: “I saw the Lord seated on an elevated throne,” Scripture says. And again: “Because your throne is elevated.” Another author … contemplates him seated on a throne of glory, whereas David presents also a throne of lovingkindness: “Mercy and judgment the foundation of his throne.” Now, all of these references are to his kingship, that it is everlasting (this is the meaning of “for ages of ages”), that it is in high esteem, that it is elevated, that it is powerful and mighty. Also that it has no beginning, when he says, “Your kingdom a kingdom of all ages.”

"Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever" [Psalm 45:6]. Because God has "'blessed You' for ever," on account of the "grace poured over Your lips." Now the throne of the Jewish Kingdom was a temporal one; belonging to those who were under the Law, not to those who were under "grace:" He came to "redeem those who were under the Law," and to place them under "Grace." His "Throne is for ever and ever." Why? For that first throne of the Kingdom was but a temporal one: whence then have we a "throne for ever and ever"? Because it is God's throne. O divine Attribute of Eternity! for God could not have a temporal throne. "Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever— a sceptre of direction is the sceptre of Your Kingdom." "The sceptre of direction" is that which directs mankind: they were before crooked, distorted; they sought to reign for themselves: they loved themselves, loved their own evil deeds: they submitted not their own will to God; but would fain have bent God's will to conformity with their own lusts. For the sinner and the unrighteous man is generally angry with God, because it rains not! and yet would have God not be angry with himself, because he is profligate. And it is pretty much for this very reason that men daily sit, to dispute against God: "This is what He ought to have done: this He has not well done." Thou forsooth see what you do. He knows not what He does! It is you that are crooked! His ways are right. When will you make the crooked coincide with the straight? It cannot be made to coincide with it. Just as if you were to place a crooked stick on a level pavement; it does not join on to it; it does not cohere; it does not fit into the pavement. The pavement is even in every part: but that is crooked; it does not fit into that which is level. The will of God then is "equal," your own is "crooked:" it is because you can not be conformed unto it, that it seems "crooked" unto you: rule you yourself by it; seek not to bend it to your own will: for you can not accomplish it; that is at all times "straight"! Would you abide in Him? "Correct you yourself;" so will the sceptre of Him who rules you, be unto you "a rule of direction." Thence is He also called King, from "ruling." For that is no "ruler" that does not correct. Hereunto is our King a King of "right ones." Just as He is a Priest (Sacerdos) by sanctifying us, so is He our King, our Ruler, by "ruling" us....

The prophetic word afterwards teaches the nature of God the Word incarnate himself … that he is God and eternal king, not having had a beginning and not due to have an end. This is what “forever” suggests.

Immediately he proceeded to say also “a rod of equity,” which suggests correctness and justice in prosecution. Such an expression, however, seems not applicable to a human being—at least such an expression occurs nowhere in reference to a human being—whereas it is applicable to God, of whom he says also in another place, “He will judge the world in righteousness; he will judge peoples in rectitude,” and elsewhere, “Good and upright is the Lord,” and “Because the word of the Lord is upright.”

"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever." Above, the Psalmist commended Christ for his graciousness and warlike virtue; here he commends him for his judicial power. And first, he describes his judicial power. Second, the execution of that power, at "a rod of direction." Third, the reason, at "therefore he has anointed you." He says therefore, "Your throne, O God." By "throne" in Scripture, judicial power is designated. Ps. 121: "There the thrones of judgment sat." Now judicial power belongs or pertains to Christ. Jn. 5: "The Father has given all judgment to the Son"; and therefore by the throne of Christ, his power is understood. Mt. 19: "In the regeneration, when the Son of Man shall sit," etc. But prelates and kings also have this judicial power; but as ministers. Wis. 6: "When you were ministers of his kingdom, you did not judge rightly." But Christ as the principal judge, and as true God; and therefore he says, "Your throne, O God," for vengeance belongs to the Lord; and here he expressly speaks of Christ, because he directs his speech to him. Of this, Rev. 3: "He who overcomes, I will give him to sit on my throne, even as I also overcame and sat on the throne." Is. 6: "I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne." Also, there is one temporal judicial power and another perpetual; and such is the power of the Son of God; hence he says, "forever and ever," because his judgment concerns eternal things. Dan. 7: "His power is an everlasting power." Thus he describes the power, dignity, and eternity of God. Consequently, he treats of the execution of power when he says, "a rod of direction." And first, the execution of power is set forth. Second, its explanation. For it is necessary that a king restrain offenses, because, as the Philosopher says, if the minds of men were ordered by God so that they would obey fatherly counsel, kings and judges would not be necessary; hence, so that the unruly may be corrected, kings are necessary, and hence they have a scepter. Prov. 22: "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, and the rod of discipline shall drive it away." But he has a rod to coerce enemies. Ps. 2: "You shall rule them with a rod of iron, and like a vessel," etc. Also to govern subjects. Mic. 7: "Feed your people with your rod." And therefore it is said, "the rod of your kingdom is a rod of direction," that is, for leading the people in the right way, because this is the end of the law and of governance: that they may not go astray, but may become virtuous. And this is the end of politics, and this belongs to Christ. Ps. 24: "Direct me in your truth and teach me." But this direction consists in man's abandoning evil and clinging to good. Is. 30: "This is the way; walk in it, and do not turn aside either to the right or to the left," that is, neither by excess nor by defect; and therefore he says, "You have loved justice." Also, he must hate iniquity, because if he does not love justice, he does not lead to the good; and Christ did this above all, because "the Lord is just, and he has loved justice." Also, if they do not hate iniquity, they do not punish; and because Christ especially hates iniquity, therefore he punishes the wicked. "Therefore he has anointed you." Here the cause is set forth, either final or effective; as if to say: therefore you have wrought justice, that God might anoint you. But did Christ merit this anointing? No, but he merited the manifestation of this anointing. And in Scripture, something is said to be done when it becomes known. And Christ, through his Passion, merited exaltation in the faith of all peoples. And thus the word "therefore" designates the final cause. But if it is the effective cause, it is understood thus; as if to say: so that your throne might be, and the rod, etc., "therefore he has anointed you." In the Old Testament, priests and kings were anointed, as is clear of David in 1 Sam. 16, and of Solomon, as is clear in 1 Kgs. 1. And prophets were anointed, as is clear of Elisha, who was anointed by Elijah, 1 Kgs. 19; and these things belong to Christ, who was king. Lk. 1: "He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever." He was also a priest, who offered himself as a sacrifice to God, Eph. 5. He was also a prophet, who foretold the way of salvation. Deut. 18: "The Lord will raise up a prophet from the children of Israel." But how was he anointed? Not with visible oil, because his kingdom is not of this world, Jn. 18; nor did he exercise a material priesthood; and therefore he was not anointed with material oil, but with the oil of the Holy Spirit; and therefore he says, "with the oil of gladness." And the Holy Spirit is called oil because, just as oil rises above all other liquids, so the Holy Spirit above all creatures. Gen. 1: "The Spirit of the Lord moved over the waters," that is, it must be above all things in the hearts of men, because it is the love of God. Second, because of its sweetness. All mercy and sweetness of mind is from the Holy Spirit. 2 Cor. 6: "In sweetness, in gentleness, in the Holy Spirit." Third, because oil is diffusive, so the Holy Spirit is communicative. 2 Cor. 13: "The communion of the Holy Spirit be always with all of you, amen." Rom. 5: "The charity of God is poured forth in our hearts through the Holy Spirit." Also, oil is the nourishment of fire and heat, and the Holy Spirit fosters and nourishes the warmth of love in us. Song 8: "Its lamps are lamps of fire." Also, oil illuminates, and so does the Holy Spirit. Job 32: "The inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding." But he says, "O God, God." This word "God" is either in the nominative or vocative case; and therefore in Latin it is ambiguous. But in Greek it is not, because there the nominative and vocative are different; for it says, "O God, your God has anointed you with the oil of gladness." And it is given to understand that it speaks of Christ, who is God, and cannot be anointed insofar as he is God, because insofar as he is God, he cannot be advanced. And therefore something must be taken in Christ in which he is anointed, and this is the human nature. And according to this, he has God, because insofar as he is God, he does not have God. And it is called the "oil of gladness" because in the time of gladness the Orientals anointed themselves with oil. Is. 61: "The oil of joy for mourning." The Holy Spirit is the cause of joy. Rom. 14: "And joy in the Holy Spirit." Gal. 5: "Charity, joy, peace." Because the Holy Spirit cannot be in anyone without his rejoicing in the good and in the hope of future good. Hence he says, "above your companions," because Christ was anointed above all other saints. Jn. 1: "We saw him full of grace and truth." His companions are said to be anointed because whatever is had of this oil, that is, of the grace of the Holy Spirit, is from the abundance of Christ. Jn. 1: "Of his fullness we have all received." Ps. 132: "Like ointment on the head," etc.

Shoshannim--literally, "Lilies," either descriptive of an instrument so shaped, or denoting some tune or air so called, after which the Psalm was to be sung (see on Psa 8:1, title). A song of loves, or, of beloved ones (plural and feminine)--a conjugal song. Maschil--(See on Psa 32:1, title, and Psa 42:1, title) denotes the didactic character of the Psalm; that it gives instruction, the song being of allegorical, and not literal, import. The union and glories of Christ and his Church are described. He is addressed as a king possessed of all essential graces, as a conqueror exalted on the throne of a righteous and eternal government, and as a bridegroom arrayed in nuptial splendor. The Church is portrayed in the purity and loveliness of a royally adorned and attended bride, invited to forsake her home and share the honors of her affianced lord. The picture of an Oriental wedding thus opened is filled up by representing the complimentary gifts of the wealthy with which the occasion is honored, the procession of the bride clothed in splendid raiment, attended by her virgin companions, and the entrance of the joyous throng into the palace of the king. A prediction of a numerous and distinguished progeny, instead of the complimentary wish for it usually expressed (compare Gen 24:60; Rut 4:11-12), and an assurance of a perpetual fame, closes the Psalm. All ancient Jewish and Christian interpreters regarded this Psalm as an allegory of the purport above named. In the Song of Songs the allegory is carried out more fully. Hosea (Hos. 1:1-3:5) treats the relation of God and His people under the same figure, and its use to set forth the relation of Christ and His Church runs through both parts of the Bible (compare Isa 54:5; Isa 62:4-5; Mat 22:3; Mat 25:1; Joh 3:29; Eph 5:25-32, &c.). Other methods of exposition have been suggested. Several Jewish monarchs, from Solomon to the wicked Ahab, and various foreign princes, have been named as the hero of the song. But to none of them can the terms here used be shown to apply, and it is hardly probable that any mere nuptial song, especially of a heathen king, would be permitted a place in the sacred songs of the Jews. The advocates for any other than the Messianic interpretation have generally silenced each other in succession, while the application of the most rigorous rules of a fair system of interpretation has but strengthened the evidences in its favor. The scope of the Psalm above given is easy and sustained by the explication of its details. The quotation of Psa 45:6-7 by Paul (Heb 1:8-9), as applicable to Christ, ought to be conclusive, and their special exposition shows the propriety of such an application. (Psa. 45:1-17) An animated preface indicative of strong emotion. Literally, "My heart overflows: a good matter I speak; the things which I have made," &c. inditing--literally, "boiling up," as a fountain overflows. my tongue is the pen--a mere instrument of God's use. of a ready writer--that is, it is fluent. The theme is inspiring and language flows fast.

No lawful construction can be devised to change the sense here given and sustained by the ancient versions, and above all by Paul (Heb 1:8). Of the perpetuity of this government, compare Sa2 7:13; Psa 10:16; Psa 72:5; Psa 89:4; Psa 110:4; Isa 9:7.

(Heb.: 45:7-8) In order to avoid the addressing of the king with the word Elohim, Psa 45:6 has been interpreted, (1) "Thy throne of God is for ever and ever,", - a rendering which is grammatically possible, and, if it were intended to be expressed, must have been expressed thus (Nagelsbach, 64, g); (2) "Thy throne is God (= divine) for ever and ever;" but it cannot possibly be so expressed after the analogy of "the altar of wood = wooden" (cf. Psa 45:9), or "the time is showers of rain = rainy" (Ezr 10:13), since God is neither the substance of the throne, nor can the throne itself be regarded as a representation or figure of God: in this case the predicative Elohim would require to be taken as a genitive for אלהים כּסּא, which, however, cannot possibly be supported in Hebrew by any syntax, not even by Kg2 23:17, cf. Ges. 110, 2, b. Accordingly one might adopt the first mode of interpretation, which is also commended by the fact that the earthly throne of the theocratic king is actually called יהוה כסא in Ch1 29:23. But the sentence "thy throne of God is an everlasting one" sounds tautological, inasmuch as that which the predicate asserts is already implied in the subject; and we have still first of all to try whether אלהים cannot, with the lxx ὁ θρόνος σου, ὁ Θεὸς, εἰς αἰῶνα αἰῶνος, be taken as a vocative. Now, since before everything else God's throne is eternal (Psa 10:16; Lam 5:19), and a love of righteousness and a hatred of evil is also found elsewhere as a description of divine holiness (Psa 5:5; Psa 61:8), אלהים would be obliged to be regarded as addressed to God, if language addressed to the king did not follow with על־כּן. But might אלהים by any possibility be even addressed to the king who is here celebrated? It is certainly true that the custom with the Elohim-Psalms of using Elohim as of equal dignity with Jahve is not favourable to this supposition; but the following surpassing of the אלהים by אלהים אלהיך renders it possible. And since elsewhere earthly authorities are also called אלהים, Exo 21:6; Exo 22:7., Psa 82:1-8, cf. Psa 138:1, because they are God's representatives and the bearers of His image upon earth, so the king who is celebrated in this Psalm may be all the more readily styled Elohim, when in his heavenly beauty, his irresistible doxa or glory, and his divine holiness, he seems to the psalmist to be the perfected realization of the close relationship in which God has set David and his seed to Himself. He calls him אלהים, just as Isaiah calls the exalted royal child whom he exultingly salutes in Psa 9:1-6, אל־גּבּור. He gives him this name, because in the transparent exterior of his fair humanity he sees the glory and holiness of God as having attained a salutary of merciful conspicuousness among men. At the same time, however, he guards this calling of the king by the name Elohim against being misapprehended by immediately distinguishing the God, who stands above him, from the divine king by the words "Elohim, thy God," which, in the Korahitic Psalms, and in the Elohimic Psalms in general, is equivalent to Jahve, thy God" (Psa 43:4; 48:15; Psa 50:7); and the two words are accordingly united by Munach. (Note: The view that the Munach is here vicarius Tiphchae anterioris (Dachselt in his Biblia Accentuata) is erroneous, vid., Accentuationssystem, xviii. 4. It is the conjunctive to אלהיך, which, in Heidenheim and Baer, on the authority of the Codices, has Tiphcha anterior, not Athnach as in the editions heretofore published. The proper place for the Athnach would at first be by שׁשׁון; but according to Accentuationssystem, xix. 6, it cannot stand there.) Because the king's sceptre is a "sceptre of uprightness" (cf. Isa 11:4), because he loves righteousness and consequently (fut. consec.) hates iniquity, therefore God, his God, has anointed him with the oil of joy (Isa 61:3; cf. on the construction Amo 6:6) above his fellows. What is intended is not the anointing to his office (cf. Psa 89:21 with Act 10:38) as a dedication to a happy and prosperous reign, but that God has poured forth upon him, more especially on this his nuptial day, a superabundant joy, both outwardly and in his spirit, such as He has bestowed upon no other king upon the face of the earth. That he rises high above all those round about him is self-evident; but even among his fellows of royal station, kings like himself, he has no equal. It is a matter of question whether the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews (Heb 1:8) has taken the first ὁ Θεὸς of the expression ὁ Θεὸς ὁ Θεὸς σου as a vocative. Apollinaris does not seem so to have understood him; for he renders it τοὔνεκά σοι Θεὸς αὐτὸς ἑὴν περίχηευεν ἀλοιφήν χηρίσας τερπωλῆς μετόχηοις παρὰ πάντας ἐλαίῳ, and the Greek expositors also take ὁ Θεὸς here as a nominative.