Read Psalm
44-45 & Acts
25
To discover:
As you read consider how
Psalm 45 should encourage those feeling the confusion of Psalm 44.
To ponder:
Psalm 44
reflects on the mystery of God allowing the righteous to suffer. It begins with
the congregation aware of how God drove out the Canaanite nations and
established their fathers in the land, where they flourished. They acknowledge
the victories were not by the sword, but by God’s arm (ie. power), and his
willingness to look with favour on them (the “light” of his face”) according to
his love for them as his people (44v1-3). 44v4-8 then express the individual
reflections of the psalmist or congregation member. They declare God is their king
through whom the people resist their enemies, and that they do not trust in
their weapons but only in him, boasting of his favour and praising his name
(44v4-8). But now they are confused, as it seems God has “rejected” and
“humbled” them, causing their enemies to plunder them and scatter them amongst
the nations. The note of God selling them for a pittance reflects the sense
that they cannot see any purpose in what has happened, for the LORD hasn’t
gained in any way (44v9-12). Nevertheless, the people are scorned and disgraced
amongst the neighbouring nations, and the psalmist himself taunted - perhaps
that God was not with him. And this “deep darkness” was despite the fact that
the people had not broken God’s covenant or strayed from his ways (44v13-21).
Indeed, it seems they are suffering in some way because of their faithfulness
to God (44v22), possibly engaging in a battle he called them to. So the
psalmist calls God to “awake” and not reject, hide his face from, or forget the
people, but rise up and “redeem” (ie. free) them from their situation because
of his covenant love (44v23-26).
The mention of “scattering” doesn’t
help us with the context of the psalm, as Israelites would have been taken
captive to other lands at various times during their history. But whatever
circumstances are in mind, today the psalm reflects the experience of
Christians when suffering or persecuted. From their knowledge of God’s past
deeds, they know he can deliver them, but wonder why he doesn’t, especially
when his purposes don’t seem to benefit from the situation. Paul therefore
fittingly applies the psalm to the believer’s hardships, but adds that we can
nevertheless be sure that nothing we face can separate us from God’s love,
which will eventually bring us to glory (Rom 8v35-39).
Psalm 45 celebrates the marriage
(see title) of a seemingly perfect king. It may have originally been written in
exaggerated language for one of Israel’s
kings, but under inspiration speaks of more. The psalmist begins affirming the
importance of the topic (45v1), and then praising the king. He is excellent,
gracious rather than harsh in speech and command, blessed, mighty and majestic.
And he acts on behalf of truth, humility and righteousness, and so does what is
just (45v2-4). The psalmist therefore wills that he subdues his enemies,
declaring that his throne and kingdom of justice will last forever (45v5-6) – a
reference to the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7v10-14). Moreover, the psalmist
affirms that because this king “loves righteousness” and “hates wickedness” God
has shown him as supreme over others by the joy he has given him (45v7). The
context suggests this joy is at the splendour that surrounds him, and
particularly the “bride” at his side (45v8-9). Most intriguing, however, is
that the king is called “God” whilst being exalted by “God” (45v6-7)! This is
astonishing, and looks to the exaltation of the incarnate Christ because of his
righteous obedience (Phil 2v6-11). He is ultimately the groom, and the church
his bride (Jn 3v29). What a king this psalm reminds us we have!
It continues calling the bride to
consider the excellencies of the king and so readily forget and therefore leave
her home in order to honour him as Lord and receive the gifts and favour of the
nations that will follow (45v10-12). She is then pictured in her chamber,
dressed in a glorious gown, before being led to the palace to marry the king,
with her companions rejoicing. The psalmist then tells her how her sons will
surpass the greatness of her fathers in being “princes,” and how he will
perpetuate her memory forever, bringing her praise from the nations (45v13-17).
For us, this all urges us to unreservedly and joyfully devote ourselves to
Jesus, knowing that no-one could be more worthy of our love, and that, with
him, we will eventually inherit the earth. Indeed, our children may well rule
with us then, and our privileged status as Christ’s bride will mean honour for
all time. But what is thrilling too, is to read that the king is enthralled at
his bride’s beauty (45v11). In pondering our sin, that must look to the beauty
of who we are in Christ, clothed in his righteousness and one day made
perfectly righteous ourselves. The psalm calls us to cherish Christ, but also
declares just how much Christ cherishes us. It is worth much meditation.
Praying
it home:
Praise God for the
excellencies of Christ outlined in Psalm 45. Pray that you would unreservedly
devote yourself to him and know joy in doing so.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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