Psalms

Psalms 45: The King whose throne lasts forever

Begin in prayer

Before we hear the royal wedding song, let us remember the righteous King whose throne lasts forever. Ask God to lead us to trust Jesus and give us hearts glad to honour His rule.

The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, ‘One who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through clear shining after rain.’

2 Samuel 23:3-4

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that God's righteous King deserves joyful honour and that His throne will never end. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The sons of Korah present a royal wedding song, praising the king whose gracious speech receives God's blessing. He rides in majesty for truth, humility and righteousness, bringing nations beneath his rule. The king is addressed as God, and his everlasting throne is governed by righteousness. God anoints him with gladness, while fragrant garments, music and the queen's gold display the joy of the wedding. The bride is called to leave her former household and honour the king, receiving honour and gifts as she is led into his palace. The song looks toward sons ruling in place of fathers and a name remembered with thanks among the peoples forever.

As you read Psalms 45, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God has established His righteous King's everlasting throne, and His joyful people honour Him.

A royal wedding fills this song with splendour, music and a procession to the king. The king's victory serves truth, humility and righteousness, keeping power joined to the character of his rule. Sharp arrows strike the king's enemies in their hearts, and the nations fall beneath him. His everlasting throne and love of righteousness reach their fulfilment in the Son, to whom Hebrews 1 verses 8 and 9 apply these words. The Son is addressed as God, while God His God anoints Him, fitting the Lord Jesus who is both God and man. Fragrant garments and ivory halls give the wedding its glad splendour, with the queen honoured at the king's right hand. She is called to leave her father's household and honour the king as her lord, entering a new allegiance and home. The bride and companions enter with rejoicing, while the promise of sons and enduring praise carries the song toward a kingdom beyond one generation.

How does Psalm 45 show us that God has established His righteous King's everlasting throne, and His joyful people honour Him?

God's righteous King rules with truth and humility.

The king's beauty and gracious words are joined to God's blessing. His victorious rule serves truth, humility and righteousness. The everlasting throne is governed by equity, and its King loves righteousness and hates wickedness.

God's King receives honour and joyful allegiance.

The queen stands in honour at his right hand and is called to honour him as her lord. His headship belongs with her dignity, and both bear God's image with equal worth (Genesis 1 verse 27). The wedding procession enters with gladness, and the song looks toward enduring rule and praise.

Memorise

Your throne, God, is forever and ever. A scepter of equity is the scepter of your kingdom.

Psalm 45:6

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what former allegiance am I keeping instead of honouring Jesus as King?

The song declares, “Your throne, God, is forever and ever.” The righteous King loves what is right and hates wickedness. His joyful wedding song reaches toward a rule and praise that no passing earthly reign can contain.

Our sin has rebelled against that righteous rule. Jesus, the eternal Son, became man and died in His people's place, bearing the punishment their sins deserved. He rose from the dead. Their righteous King has fully secured His people's forgiveness and welcome, giving them acceptance before God through His completed obedience and offering. His saving work is finished.

Turn from sin and trust this King. The righteous King promises pardon to guilty people who bow before Him in faith. Bring Him the allegiances that compete with His rightful rule, and ask Him for a heart glad to honour Him. Those who belong to Him may rejoice in the King whose righteous throne endures forever.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God's righteous King deserves joyful honour and that His throne will never end. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for the righteous King whose throne endures forever. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.

John 3:31

Father, thank You for the everlasting throne of Your righteous Son. Please lead us to trust Jesus for forgiveness through His completed work. Turn our hearts from rival loyalties and give us joy in His rule. Teach us to honour Your Son gladly as our King all through this week. Amen.