Subject: How best to translate Ps. 45:6? |
Bible Note: Hi Makarios, The idea of a King ultimately refers to Jesus Christ as Ryrie says. The footnote in my study bible has for the King of verse one, "Probably refers to Solomon as a type of Christ". Both the NASB and the NKJ have this king Solomon in capitals. In verse one and two we have the "King", "Thou", "Thy", and "Thee" all speaking of king Solomon as a type of Christ. However, a type of Christ is not Christ Himself. Therefore I do not capitalize these four words of verses 1 and 2. I do not capitalize the "King's daughter's of verses 9 and 13. And finally, for a seventh one to complete my human king, I do not capitalize "the *king's enemies" of verse 5. This leaves us for Psalm 45, three King words. Psalm 45:11, "Then the King will desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him." This is no doubt talking about Deity because it says He, the King, is your Lord. Psalm 45:13, "The *king's daughter is all glorious within; *her clothing is interwoven with gold. She will be led to the King in embroidered work; The virgins, her companions who follow her, Will be brought to Thee. They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing; *they will enter into the King's palace." Here we are given three words of "King" which like seven is a good number is it not?:) Psalm 45:16, "In place of your fathers will be your sons; *you shall make them princes in all the earth. I [the writer of the Psalm] will cause Thy name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the peoples will give (Thee) thanks forever and ever." I personally believe that when we enter the King's palace we will remember the name of Jesus and will give (Him) thanks forever and ever. So I agree with Ryrie that the Psalm ultimately refers to Jesus Christ the King who died for us on the cross. Concerning Psalm 45:6: First I would look at the Mighty One of verse 3. I believe that that is speaking of God who is, we must remember, Spirit. But verse 3b speaks of the splendor and majesty of the (Man) who rides on victoriously even as He rode on the donkey's back in Jerusalem. I further believe that it is His throne of which verse six speaks. But His/[Man] throne is the throne of the Spirit and of righteousness. Psalm 45:6, "Thy/throne, O God, is forever and ever;..." A reference that I had been led to through the years, and had written in for verse 3 concerning the Mighty One/ is John 8:54. "If I glorify Myself/ My glory is nothing." So I would quote to the Jew or anyone who is looking for the Messiah, Psalm 45:10, "Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear; Forget your people and your father's house; Then the King will desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him." From the heart,Ray |