Loves Righteousness/Hates Wickedness (An article by Christian Henry)

JANUARY 2, 2024

 “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” (Psalm 45:6-7)

The author of this psalm is unknown, and no answer can be determined as to this question unless we suppose that the title “for the sons of Korah” or “of the sons of Korah” conveys the idea that it was written by one of that family. Of course, no one can disprove that David may have written it, but since his name is not mentioned, the presumption is that it is not his.

Various opinions have been entertained regarding the occasion on which the psalm was composed. But there can be no question that it has reference to Christ, and is a most beautiful Messianic Psalm.

Nearly all older Christian interpreters agree that it does refer to the Messiah and many good modern interpreters of the Bible also hold this opinion. However, there are some who are not of this opinion. They disagree on the question to whom the psalm refers. Some think it may have been sung at Solomon’s marriage with a foreign princess, probably the daughter of the king of Egypt. Some say the king whose praises are sung is an Israelite. Others still hold that it was sung at the weddings of a Persian king.

So, what is written? In verse 6, the author writes, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever…” The author of the Epistle quotes this passage to the Hebrews as proof that the Messiah is exalted above the angels. It is undoubtedly an address to the “king” here referred to as God – one to whom the name “God” may be applied appropriately. It is also the title applied to the Messiah by the author of Hebrews, proving the Divinity of Christ.

He is a lover of righteousness and a hater of wickedness. In the last verse, we see a dual purpose that describes the psalmist’s then-ruling king and the prophesied Messiah, Jesus. The Gospel accounts of the earthly life of Jesus reveal His love of righteousness: He refused to yield to temptation. He continually performed God’s will. In Acts 10, Peter told the crowd gathered in Cornelius’s house that Jesus “went about doing good.” Jesus also detested wickedness: After forgiving the woman caught in the act of adultery, He told her: “…go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). When He saw moneychangers turn the temple into a den of thieves, He drove out those who sold and bought in the temple, overturning the tables.

According to Psalm 45:7, God has anointed His Son with the oil of gladness beyond His companions. The anointing with oil, in addition to its use in the anointing of kings and priests, was part of Hebrew marriage proceedings and represents joy. Jesus’ initial work as Messiah involved humility and even death. His final works, however, will be to establish victory and eternal happiness for His people.