Introduction

The Psalm is about a king and his bride. Verses 6 and 7 are quoted in Hebrews 1 v 8 and 9 and applied to Jesus.

Verses
1My heart overflows with a noble theme.
I recite my verses for the king.
My tongue is like the pen of a skilful writer.
2You are the most excellent of the sons of men.
Grace has anointed your lips,
therefore God has blessed you forever.
3Strap your sword on your thigh, mighty one:
your splendour and your majesty.
4In your majesty ride on victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness.
Let your right hand display awesome deeds.
5Your arrows are sharp.
The nations fall under you, with arrows in the heart of the king’s enemies.
6Your throne, God, is forever and ever.
A sceptre of equity is the sceptre of your kingdom.
7You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
8All your garments smell like myrrh, aloes, and cassia.
Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad.
9Kings’ daughters are amongst your honourable women.
At your right hand the queen stands in gold of Ophir.
10Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear.
Forget your own people, and also your father’s house.
11So the king will desire your beauty,
honour him, for he is your lord.
12The daughter of Tyre comes with a gift.
The rich amongst the people entreat your favour.
13The princess inside is all glorious.
Her clothing is interwoven with gold.
14She shall be led to the king in embroidered work.
The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you.
15With gladness and rejoicing they shall be led.
They shall enter into the king’s palace.
16Your sons will take the place of your fathers.
You shall make them princes in all the earth.
17I will make your name to be remembered in all generations.
Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever.

Questions

1.  Why has God blessed this king?

v 2 You are the most excellent of the sons of men.
Grace has anointed your lips,
therefore God has blessed you forever.

2. Why has God anointed this king with the oil of gladness?

v 7 You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.

3. What will the psalmist do for the name of this king and what will be the result?

v 17 I will make your name to be remembered in all generations.
Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever.

Summary Points

  • v 1 and 2  The psalmist feels he must praise the king
  • v 3 to 5 The king is encouraged to maintain truth and righteousness when he deals with his enemies
  • v 6 to 9 God has anointed this king because he reflects God's principles
  • v 10 to 12  A daughter is encouraged to leave her own family and honour the king. Gifts are brought
  • v 13 to 15 The princess and her companions will be brought to the king with great joy
  • v 16 and 17 Sons will be made princes and the king's name will be remembered with thankfulness

 Timeline 1050 to 850 BC

Audio