Chapter Forty-Five

Ps 45, as well as Ps 46 and Ps 47, belong to one writer from the family of Korah, as is indicated both by the inscription of the Hebrew Bible, the LXX, and the Vulgate, and by the similarity of these psalms in their content, structure of speech, and language. On the basis of the similarity of these psalms in content, it can be supposed that they were also written on the same occasion. All the psalms point to an attack on the Hebrews by nations and kingdoms (Ps 45:7) and their defeat; the Hebrews went out to battle with their enemies with the Ark of the Covenant (Ps 46:6); Jerusalem is presented as a flourishing and strong city with many towers (Ps 47:13-14); the destruction of the ships of Tarshish is mentioned (Ps 47:8). All these features coincide with the time of king Jehoshaphat, when the combined forces of the kings of Ammon, Moab, and the people of Mount Seir (Edomite tribes) attacked Judah. Disputes among these nations led to internal warfare and such bloodshed that when the Hebrews went out to meet them with their armies, they found an enormous quantity of corpses in the place of their camp, while those remaining alive fled (2 Chr 20:1-24). The destruction of the ships of Tarshish also occurred during Jehoshaphat’s time, who made an alliance with the godless king of Israel, Ahaziah, for which he was condemned by a prophet, and the ships, designated for trade relations with Tarshish, perished, not leaving the harbor, from a strong storm (2 Chr 20:37).

The inscription above psalm 45, “Upon Alamoth,” is understood as an indication of the method of vocal performance of the psalm — to sing in a thin voice, soprano (from the word “Almah” — maiden).

God is our refuge, and therefore no dangers, even the movement of mountains into the sea, can frighten us (2–4). God, as a river, waters Zion and guards it from enemies (5–6). See, nations have risen up, but God has crushed and destroyed them (7–10). Remember, all peoples, that the God of Jacob is the one true God (11–12).

Psalm 45:3. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth be shaken, and the mountains be moved into the heart of the seas. The movement of mountains into the sea should be accompanied by flooding of the land by a mass of waters. Waters signify calamity. However great the consequences may be, they will not frighten the worshipers of Jehovah. The waters here signify the movement of combined nations, flooding Judea with a vast number of troops.

Psalm 45:5. The river streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. A river stream, or for clarity a river flowing, is here called God. A river is not loud like the waves of the sea, but it flows constantly and peacefully, watering people and the earth. So also the Lord is the constant protector of “the city of God,” that is, of Zion, watering it with his mercy and protection, and with them granting victory over enemies.

Psalm 45:6. God is in the midst of it; it will not be shaken: God will help it in the early morning. “In the early morning” — the Lord grants help most speedily, at the time most needed.

Psalm 45:7. Nations roared; kingdoms were moved: the Most High gave His voice, and the earth melted. A picture of the menacing and tumultuous movement of nations against Judea and their swift destruction.

Psalm 45:10. Who brings wars to an end to the ends of the earth; He has broken the bow and shattered the spear; the chariots He has burned with fire. “Bringing wars to an end to the ends of the earth” — the destruction and flight of the enemies of the Hebrew people secured the borders (“ends of the earth”) of the kingdom from their invasions for a long time.

Psalm 45:11. Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The wondrous destruction of these nations should serve as an instructive lesson for all enemies of the chosen people. “Be still and know” — cease your hostile relations and be convinced by this fact that Jehovah is the one true God. He will be worshiped by all peoples.