Psalms 45:4

4 In your majesty ride on victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds.

Psalms 45:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 45:4

And in thy majesty ride prosperously
Not literally, as was prophesied of him he should, and as he did, ( Zechariah 9:9 ) ( Matthew 21:7 Matthew 21:9 Matthew 21:16 ) ; but mystically and spiritually, either in the chariots of angels up to heaven, ( Psalms 68:17 Psalms 68:18 ) ; or on the white horse of the Gospel, with his bow and arrows after mentioned, conquering and to conquer, ( Revelation 6:2 ) ; and where he rides "in [his] majesty", showing forth his glory both as a divine Person and as Mediator; and which is very conspicuous in the Gospel, and the ministry of it; and also "prosperously", as he did in the first preaching of the word by the apostles, when it was made the power of God to salvation to multitudes, and the Lord caused them to triumph in Christ everywhere; and as he will in the latter day, when the Jews will be converted, and the fulness of the Gentiles brought in;

because of truth, and meekness, [and] righteousness;
either because he himself is "truth", the truth of all types, promises, prophecies, and doctrines; or because of the Gospel of truth which comes by him; or on account of his truth and faithfulness in fulfilling his own engagements, and the promises of his father: and because of the "meekness" which was so apparent in him, in taking upon him the form of a servant; in his marriage to sinners, and conversation with them; in ministering: to his disciples; in his conduct towards his enemies; and in seeking not his own glory, but his Father's: and because of "righteousness", the holiness of his nature, the purity of his life and actions; and because of the righteousness he is the author of to his people, and of his righteous administration of his offices, especially as a King;

and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things;
or thy power, which the right hand is a symbol of, shall perform terrible things; as it did in the work of redemption, by conquering and destroying the enemies of his people, and of himself; and as it does in the conversion of men, which makes terrible work in their consciences, as the instances of the three thousand, of Saul, and of the jailer show; and as it has in his judgments on his enemies the Jews, in the utter ruin of their nation, city, and temple; and will do on all the antichristian powers in the latter day. The Targum paraphrases it,

``the Lord shall teach thee to do terrible things with thy right hand F6.''


FOOTNOTES:

F6 "Dextra mihi Deus" Virgil. Aeneid. 10. prope finem.

Psalms 45:4 In-Context

2 You are the most handsome of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.
3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your glory and majesty.
4 In your majesty ride on victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds.
5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.
6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity;

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Cn: Heb [and the meekness of]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.