At the heart of this verse lies a fundamental revelation about the character of the Messiah. It begins with love—a love that is directed towards righteousness. This love is not a passive sentiment but an active, intentional alignment with what is right and just. It's a love that stands in stark contrast to wickedness, expressing a clear and unwavering moral stance. This echoes the divine call to holiness and righteousness found throughout Scripture.
- Divine Anointing:
The consequence of this profound love for righteousness and aversion to wickedness is a divine anointing. "Therefore God, your God, has anointed you." This anointing is not ordinary; it is an anointing that flows from the divine source, setting the Messiah apart in a unique and exalted manner. The use of the term "God, your God" suggests a divine transaction within the Godhead—a divine honoring and elevation.
- The Oil of Gladness:
The imagery of anointing with the "oil of gladness" is rich with symbolism. Anointing with oil in the biblical context signifies consecration, empowerment, and divine favor. The specific mention of the "oil of gladness" adds a layer of joy and delight to this anointing. It speaks of a deep, abiding joy that comes from being in perfect alignment with God's will. This joy is not transient; it is an oil that flows continuously, bringing perpetual gladness to the anointed one.
Cross References:
Hebrews 1:9: "You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows." The New Testament echoes and affirms the Messianic interpretation of Psalm 45:7, emphasizing the unique anointing of the Son above all others.
Isaiah 61:1: "The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble." This verse from Isaiah is often associated with the Messianic anointing, portraying the anointed one as the bearer of good news and divine favor.
Psalm 23:5: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over." This familiar Psalm showcases the symbolic richness of anointing with oil, portraying it as a sign of divine provision and abundance.
As we reflect on Psalm 45:7, we find ourselves immersed in a profound revelation about the Messiah—His love for righteousness, His rejection of wickedness, and the unparalleled anointing that flows from this divine alignment. It's an invitation for us to ponder the state of our own hearts. Do we, like the Messiah, love righteousness and abhor wickedness? Are we aligning ourselves with the divine values that bring joy and gladness?
The anointing with the "oil of gladness" is not a distant concept but a beckoning reality for us. It calls us to a life that is consecrated, empowered, and marked by divine favor. It's an invitation to experience a continuous flow of joy that transcends circumstances—a joy rooted in our alignment with God's righteous ways.
So, as we stand on the threshold of Psalm 45:7, let's respond with hearts open to divine love, hands ready to embrace righteousness, and a spirit that delights in the joyous anointing that comes from walking in step with our God.
Psalm 45:7. You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.