Psalm 45 – Introduction – Psalms

Psalm 45 – Introduction – Psalms

Psalm 45 – Introduction – Psalms

(See Part One – Introduction)
(See Part Three – The Call and the Response)
(See Psalm 45 – Shoshannim)

Psalms of Sorrow, Repentance, and Joy

In our reading of Psalm 45 it is prudent to consider the Book of Psalms in its entirety so that we may appreciate the wide variety of human experience, great declarations. and provisions of God found within it. Some Psalms are borne out of sorrow, discouragement, and suffering. Because of their disobedience, the Israelites were carried away captive and dwelt “by the rivers of Babylon”. When they were asked in mockery to sing a song of Zion they replied:

“How shall we sing the Lord’s song
in a strange land?”
Psalm 137:4

Such songs of victory are not for those held captive in Babylon. Often those who are bound, struggling, and weary of the tyranny of sin, broken in spirit and weeping in their hearts, may pretend to sing songs of the victory and the freedom of His Spirit, but with little enthusiasm or reality. Such themes cannot be sung truthfully without the experiential joy of victory. There are, however, other Psalms that our hearts can rightfully sing while touching the spirit in which they were written.

The Book of Psalms holds melodies, deep and rich, filled with His mercies and wisdom, that regardless of our circumstances offer comfort and promises. They convey to us His heart and desire toward us. Within the Book of Psalms, we find seven “penitential” psalms wherein we touch the heart of one broken by sin and the depravity of the human heart. There are also psalms of “ascents” written by those whose lives are growing and ascending to the House of God (Psalms 120-134).

Psalm 46, also written to the Chief Musician, was to be sung by “Alamoth” virgins who had kept themselves pure and devoted to Him alone. It is a Psalm of confidence in God amid earthly devastation and upheaval. A Psalm sung by those who know their God and have touched the fervent faith that remains fixed upon God alone, (please see the brief article on Psalm 46 – Alamoth).

The scope of God’s heart for His creation is profound. Whether it be in the composition of music, the spectrum of colors, or the vastness of His creation, there are within each of these highs and lows, bright and dreary colors, pristine mountains and vast deserts, and everything else that encompasses the human experience. He not only created all these things but incredulously became a MAN to walk, live, and reveal our heavenly Father to us.

The variety and wonder of the Book of Psalms offer to all humanity the “breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of the Love of God that surpasses knowledge. Regardless of our circumstances, there is a Psalm in which we can all find comfort, strength, and provision.

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

(Psalm 45 – Introduction
to be continued)

Brian Troxel