A Scepter for Justice

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter in your kingdom is a scepter for justice.

You have loved what is right and hated what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has anointed you, rather than your companions, with the oil of joy.

All your robes are ⌊fragrant⌋ with myrrh, aloes, and cassia. From ivory palaces the music of stringed instruments delights you.

The daughters of kings are among your noble ladies. The queen takes her place at your right hand and wears gold from Ophir. [vss 6-10]

Listen, daughter! Look closely! Turn your ear ⌊toward me⌋. Forget your people, and forget your father’s house. The king longs for your beauty. He is your Lord. Worship him.

The people of Tyre, the richest people, want to win your favor with a gift.

The daughter of the king is glorious inside ⌊the palace⌋. Her dress is embroidered with gold. Wearing a colorful gown, she is brought to the king.

Her bridesmaids follow her. They will be brought to you. With joy and delight they are brought in. They enter the palace of the king.

Your sons will take the place of your father. You will make them princes over the whole earth.

I will cause your name to be remembered throughout every generation. That is why the nations will give thanks to you forever and ever. [vss 11-17]

(Psalms 45:6-‬17 GW) [context– Psalm 45]

This psalm was written as a love song with a composite picture in mind of a Jewish king and his bride. It is considered a Messianic psalm because parts of it are quoted in Hebrews 1:8-9 in reference to Jesus Christ (Messiah).

The imagery and wording speak of a king who is immortal. It looks ahead to the long-awaited Jewish Messiah establishing His kingdom on earth. A kingdom noted for its eternal permanence, favor, and justice.

Today, social justice is a hot topic, but clamoring for justice is nothing new. Protests, even revolutions, are undertaken for the cause of justice. But true justice isn't a legal issue, it's a moral one.

The Messianic king has an eternal throne and He is noted as one who, "loved what is right and hated what is wrong." His scepter, a symbol of authority, is "for justice."

But this is not a justice based on human laws or administered by human authority. It's based on the nature and character of God who is the originator, restorer, and maintainer of true justice.

True justice needs to be anchored in the nature of God, who is eternal, holy, and righteous.

In the narrative of this psalm, the bride is loved by the king, just as Jesus loved the world and gave Himself for it (John 3:16).

As believers who trust in the Lord Jesus, our appropriate response is worship, for we trust in Him who has proved His love for us. ©Word-Strong_2016