Psalms 45:16

Concluding Promises To The King (Psalms 45:16).

Psalms 45:16

‘Instead of your fathers will be your children,

Whom you will make princes in all the earth.

I will make your name to be remembered in all generations,

Therefore will the peoples give you thanks for ever and ever.'

The final urging to the king is that he should concentrate his thoughts on his prospective children. These will replace his ancestors, and in contrast will be made princes in all the earth. Compare what was said about the sons of David in Psalms 122:5. The king's sons regularly had a say in ruling under their father.

This will then enable the writer (or God) to make the king's name remembered to all generations, although note the possible gentle transition into God's final promise made to him (Who else could promise this?). God will ensure that his name is remembered for ever, and that people will thank him for ever and ever. This last could only really be true of the Coming king who would rule over the everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:13; 2 Samuel 7:16).

It is often said that it is difficult to apply this last verse to the Messianic concept of the Psalm, but that is only so if the application is interpreted too strictly. However, if we remember that Isaiah said of the future Messiah that ‘He would see His seed' (Isaiah 53:10), it fits in admirably. The bride will produce princely sons for her bridegroom (who will in fact then become part of the bride). We can compare how the woman arrayed with the sun in Revelation 12:1, who was symbolic of Israel, also had children who were themselves Israel (Revelation 12:17).