PSALM 45:6-7 and its christological contributions to Hebrews

Trinity Journal, Spring 2001 by Bateman, Herbert W IV

First, the significance of the Son's just rule is transformed or heightened due to his divine and eternal dimensions. In comparison with the OT, the God-like Davidic monarch's attempt to mirror Yahweh's just rule is no longer hindered by human frailty. As God, the divine Davidic Son shares all the attributes of his divine Father. The human dimension of failure to exercise a righteous rule is no longer a factor, and the divine dimension reinforces the Son's ability to exercise a just rule (cf. 7:14-17, 20-22, 26, 28b).28 Thus the Son's superiority over the angels is observed in that the divine Davidic Son rules in perfect righteousness, which in turn cultivates confidence for all of us (angelic and human sons) who are his subjects.

Second, the author of Hebrews speaks of the Son's rule when he deliberately changes the LXX's translation of the OT "your kingdom" (Trips pautXEL'a aoi) to "his kingdom" (...).29 This deliberate change underscores the author's perspective about the Son's kingdom. In keeping with Jesus' teaching (Mark 1:14-15), the author recognizes that the kingdom has come (12:22-24, 28; cp. Phil 3:20-21; Col 1:13).30 As a result, God makes two statements about him: the divine Davidic Son's ruling authority as well as his kingdom has come, and the divine Davidic Son's current administration and judgment are ethically right. Thus the Son's superiority over the angels is evident through his permanent function as the divine Davidic Son who presently executes ethical judgments perfectly over the subjects of his kingdom. This current rule over his kingdom is evident in his relationship with his companions.

IV. "ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS"

A. "Above your Companions" in Ps 45:7

In its original compositional and interpretational context, "above your companions" (...) could refer to "fellows of royal station, kings like himself,"31 or fellow princes of the royal family,32 or his honor guard,33 or merely his "fellows" or fellow Israelites.34 Although the evidence appears less than convincing, perhaps "above your companions" refers to the monarch's fellow Israelites (Song 1:7; 8:13; Judg 20:11). It seems, however, the phrase could be a reference to any and all who were in attendance at the wedding. Thus Yahweh has anointed the Davidic monarch with the oil of gladness.

The phrase, "has anointed ... with the oil of gladness" (...) may be understood in at least one of three ways. First, it may be a literal anointing to kingship (David: 1 Sam 16:13; 2 Sam 2:4; 5:3; 1 Chr 113; Ps 89:20; Solomon: 1 Kgs 1:39; 1 Chr 29:22; Joash: 2 Kgs 11:12; 2 Chr 23:11; and Jehoahaz: 2 Kgs 23:30).35 Second, it may be a literal anointing for the wedding and typical of festivals (Eccl 9:7; Amos 6:6). Finally, it may be a metonymy for unsurpassed joy (Song 3:11; perhaps Ps 23:5).36 The first suggestion seems unlikely since the monarch is presently ruling ("I recite my verses for the king," v. 1; "Your throne, 0 God," v. 6). Although the second option is possible via a servant of God (1 Sam 10:1; 16:13; 1 Kgs 1:34), the third option seems best because of the similar figure of speech used in v. 2 ("your lips have been anointed with grace"). Most tend to support the latter view. Thus Yahweh's joy is unlike the joy of any of the Davidic monarch's contemporary kings, royal family, honor guard, and fellow Israelite attendants at the wedding. In other words, Yahweh's joy surpasses any and all who had attended this particular monarch's wedding.