Psalms 45:4 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

And in thy majesty ride prosperously, because of truth and meekness (and) righteousness. "Thy majesty" is repeated from Psalms 45:3, as being the pledge of a prosperous issue. The image in "ride" is that of kings going to battle in a chariot (1 Kings 22:34-35). "Prosperously" - literally, 'prosper thou' (cf. Isaiah 53:10; margin, Isaiah 52:13).

Because of - `on account of;' in behalf of.

Meekness - literally, humility, whence spring meekness and gentleness (Psalms 18:35). It is joined by a hyphen (maqqeph) to "righteousness." Therefore, instead of the English version, "meekness and righteousness," translate, 'meekness-righteousness' - i:e., righteousness manifesting itself in meekness. [Stier truly remarks, in support of this translation, that `anwaah (H6037), instead of the common `ªnaawaah (H6037), implies that the connection between the nouns "meekness" and "righteousness" is a kind of semi-construct state.] (Zephaniah 2:3.) Messiah Himself, the embodiment of 'truth and meekness-righteousness,' rides on prosperously in behalf of, as the Champion for, the 'truth and meekness-righteousness' which are at stake in the cause of His people (cf. Psalms 72:2; Psalms 72:4; Isaiah 11:4). So here there follow terrors of judgment.

And thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. It alone (without need of any other instructor) will make thee to witness its tremendous exploits.

Psalms 45:4

4 And in thy majesty ridea prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.