Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Daily reading assignment: Psalms 45-47

Rather than an extended commentary on today’s chapter readings from the Book of Psalms, I will briefly give the context, setting and application for Psalms 45, 46 and 47.

The heading of Psalm 45 identifies this psalm as “A Song of Loves” sent to the chief musician and to be set to a tune for worship. The tune is identified in the heading as “Shoshannim”, meaning “Lilies”.  The psalm appears in the first reading as a love song composed by a king for his bride; however, the fact verse 6 addresses “Thy throne, O God” and the was a worship song means its application rises above that of a love song composed for a bride.

Hebrews 1:8-9 quotes Psalm 45:6-7, identifying the “Son” as Jesus Christ; therefore the bride of Psalm 45 is the Church, the bride of Christ.  Having identified the psalm as a Messianic psalm, we appreciate Christ the King’s love for His bride, the Church.  With that in mind, I invite you to read again the duty of the Church to be pure and holy in the sight of the King of kings and Lord of lords (Psalm 45:10-17).

Psalm 46, beloved by believers down through the ages, expresses the majestic character of God and our confidence in Him as our “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (46:1-2).   Psalm 46:7 continue the same assurance of God’s presence and protection: “The LORD of hosts is with us [the Lord and His heavenly angels]; the God of Jacob is our refuge [high tower; fortress]. Selah.”  When troubles afflict us and adversaries surround us, the LORD comforts us with the assurance, “Be still, and know that I am God” (46:10a).

Psalm 47 is a psalm of praise and worship.  I wish I had time and space to rejoice with the psalmist in his praise of the LORD, but his words, guided by the Holy Spirit, are sufficient to say, our God is worthy of all praise.

Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith