Hebrews 1:9
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou hast loved righteousness - This is the characteristic of a just governor: he abhors and suppresses iniquity; he countenances and supports righteousness and truth. Therefore God, even thy God - The original, δια τουτο εχρισε σε ὁ Θεος, ὁ Θεος σου, may be thus translated: Therefore, O God, thy God hath anointed thee. The form of speech is nearly the same with that in the preceding verse; but the sense is sufficiently clear if we read, Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee, etc. With the oil of gladness - We have often had occasion to remark that, anciently, kings, priests, and prophets were consecrated to their several offices by anointing; and that this signified the gifts and influences of the Divine Spirit. Christ, ὁ Χριστος, signifies The Anointed One, the same as the Hebrew Messias; and he is here said to be anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows. None was ever constituted prophet, priest, and king, but himself; some were kings only, prophets only, and priests only; others were kings and priests, or priests and prophets, or kings and prophets; but none had ever the three offices in his own person but Jesus Christ, and none but himself can be a King over the universe, a Prophet to all intelligent beings, and a Priest to the whole human race. Thus he is infinitely exalted beyond his fellows - all that had ever borne the regal, prophetic, or sacerdotal offices. Some think that the word μετοχους, fellows, refers to believers who are made partakers of the same Spirit, but cannot have its infinite plenitude. The first sense seems the best. Gladness is used to express the festivities which took place on the inauguration of kings, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
iniquity--"unnrighteousness." Some oldest manuscripts read, "lawlessness." therefore--because God loves righteousness and hates iniquity. God . . . thy God--JEROME, AUGUSTINE, and others translate Psa 45:7, "O God, Thy God, hath anointed thee," whereby Christ is addressed as God. This is probably the true translation of the Hebrew there, and also of the Greek of Hebrews here; for it is likely the Son is addressed, "O God," as in Heb 1:8. The anointing here meant is not that at His baptism, when He solemnly entered on His ministry for us; but that with the "oil of gladness," or "exulting joy" (which denotes a triumph, and follows as the consequence of His manifested love of righteousness and hatred of iniquity), wherewith, after His triumphant completion of His work, He has been anointed by the Father above His fellows (not only above us, His fellow men, the adopted members of God's family, whom "He is not ashamed to call His brethren," but above the angels, fellow partakers in part with Him, though infinitely His inferiors, in the glories, holiness, and joys of heaven; "sons of God," and angel "messengers," though subordinate to the divine Angel--"Messenger of the covenant"). Thus He is antitype to Solomon, "chosen of all David's many sons to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel," even as His father David was chosen before all the house of his father's sons. The image is drawn from the custom of anointing guests at feasts (Psa 23:5); or rather of anointing kings: not until His ascension did He assume the kingdom as Son of man. A fuller accomplishment is yet to be, when He shall be VISIBLY the anointed King over the whole earth (set by the Father) on His holy hill of Zion, Psa 2:6, Psa 2:8. So David, His type, was first anointed at Bethlehem (Sa1 16:13; Psa 89:20); and yet again at Hebron, first over Judah (Sa2 2:4), then over all Israel (Sa2 5:3); not till the death of Saul did he enter on his actual kingdom; as it was not till after Christ's death that the Father set Him at His right hand far above all principalities (Eph 1:20-21). The forty-fifth Psalm in its first meaning was addressed to Solomon; but the Holy Spirit inspired the writer to use language which in its fulness can only apply to the antitypical Solomon, the true Royal Head of the theocracy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity,.... Christ loves righteous persons and righteous works, faithfulness and integrity, and a just administration of government, everything that is holy, just, and good; which has appeared in the whole course of his life on earth, in working out a righteousness for his people, and in encouraging righteousness in them, which he leads them in the way of; and his love of justice will still more appear at the last day, when he will judge the world in righteousness, and give the crown of righteousness to proper persons: and he hates iniquity; or "unrighteousness", as the Alexandrian copy and another read; as being contrary to his nature, both as God and man, and to the righteous law of God; which has appeared by his inveighing against it, and dehorting from it; by his severity exercised towards delinquents; by his suffering for it, and abolishing of it; and by chastising his own people on account of it; and his abhorrence of it will still more appear at the day of judgment, when all workers of iniquity, professors and profane, will be bid to depart from him: therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows: the anointer is the God of Christ; that is, God the Father, who is the God of Christ, as man; and is so called, because he prepared and formed the human nature of Christ, and supported it under all its sufferings, and has glorified it; and as such Christ prayed unto him, believed in him, loved him, and obeyed him: the anointed is the Son of God, the Son spoken to, and is called God in the preceding verse; though he is not anointed as God, but as Mediator, to be prophet, and priest, and King: what he is anointed with is not material oil, but spiritual, the Holy Ghost, as it is explained in Act 10:38 called the oil of gladness, in allusion to the use of oil at feasts and weddings, for the delight and refreshment of the guests; and because of the spiritual effects of joy and gladness, both on Christ, as man, and on his people. Now Christ was anointed as Mediator from all eternity; that is, he was invested with his office as such; and at his conception and birth he was filled with the Holy Ghost; who also descended on him at his baptism, after which he went about doing good, and healing diseases; but here it seems to refer to the time of his ascension, when he was declared to be Lord and Christ, the anointed one; and received gifts for men, the fulness of the Spirit without measure, and with which he was anointed above his "fellows"; by whom are meant, not the angels, nor the kings and princes of the earth; but the saints, who are so called, because they are of the same nature, and are of the same family, and are partakers of the same spirit, and grace; and having received the unction from him, are also kings, priests, and prophets, and will be companions with him to all eternity. Now the reason of his being anointed, or exalted, and made Lord and Christ, is, because he loves righteousness; see Phi 2:7 or rather, because he is anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure, therefore he loves righteousness; for the words may be rendered, "thou lovest righteousness--because God, thy God, hath anointed thee".
Hebrews 1:9
The Supremacy of the Son
8But about the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You above Your companions with the oil of joy.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
An Israelite in Whom Is No Guile
By Art Katz3.5K44:19NathanielPSA 16:11ACT 6:8HEB 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of righteousness and its rarity in today's world. He encourages listeners to examine their own hearts and desires, asking if they truly love righteousness and if they would recognize it if they encountered it. The speaker highlights that those who know and pursue righteousness will experience joy, regardless of their circumstances. He also discusses the significance of having a pure heart and how it affects our perception of others, urging listeners to see people as God sees them. The sermon references the story of Stephen in Acts 7 as an example of someone who was guileless and unafraid to speak the truth, even in the face of opposition.
(Through the Bible) Hebrews 1-2
By Chuck Smith2.1K1:31:36PSA 102:25PSA 104:4MAT 6:33HEB 1:6HEB 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that in the past, God spoke to our ancestors in various ways, but in the present time, He has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights seven facts about Jesus Christ, including his appointment as the heir of all things and the promise of a glorious kingdom yet to come. The prophets of the Old Testament provided glimpses of this kingdom, where mankind lived in peace and abundance. The speaker also expresses awe and gratitude for God's love and grace, acknowledging that even the articulate King David was left speechless before God's goodness. The sermon concludes with an encouragement to spend time in worship and fellowship with God, growing in our relationship with Him.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K51:26Heavenly CallingLUK 5:7HEB 1:9HEB 2:14HEB 3:1HEB 3:14HEB 6:4HEB 12:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the ministry being focused on bringing glory to the Lord Jesus. The speaker explains that while the ministry involves work and instruction in the things of the Lord, it is also a time for encouragement and spiritual growth. The sermon then delves into the book of Hebrews, highlighting the idea of believers being companions of Christ and holding fast to their faith. The speaker also discusses the overarching purpose of God throughout the Bible, emphasizing that God works in relation to his Son and his purpose will ultimately be realized.
(Divine Attributes) 10 the Awesome Knowledge of the Holy
By Denny Kenaston1.6K59:57Character Of GodISA 1:13ISA 6:3MAT 5:4HEB 1:91PE 2:91JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's holiness and its importance in understanding His mercy and love. He emphasizes that God's holiness is awe-inspiring and sets Him apart from anyone else. The preacher describes a scene from the Bible where angels, who are pure and holy themselves, humble themselves in the presence of the Lord by covering their faces and feet. This act of humility demonstrates the principle that all glory veils itself in the presence of God's glory.
Sons of Korah #3: Lesson of Love: Psalms 45
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:03:08Sons of KorahGEN 2:24PSA 45:1MAT 22:37JHN 13:34EPH 5:25HEB 1:9REV 22:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life and works of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the humility of Jesus during his time on earth, highlighting how he walked among people and performed good deeds. Despite being accused and put to death by the world, the psalmist saw the works of Jesus differently, recognizing the love and union between Christ and the church. The preacher encourages the audience to see Christ and the church as the key to understanding the entire Bible, stating that once this perspective is gained, the abundance of love in their hearts will overflow into their speech.
Growth to Maturiy (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:01:09PSA 16:11JER 29:13MAT 4:4MAT 15:32MRK 4:19ROM 8:29ROM 14:17HEB 1:9HEB 5:12HEB 11:25This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first, which is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It challenges believers to grow spiritually, not remaining as spiritual babies but progressing towards maturity by developing the mind of Christ, which involves loving righteousness and hating sin. The speaker highlights the need for continuous obedience to God's word, leading to spiritual growth, joy, and peace in the believer's life.
Acid Test Series 3 of 8 - Learning to Pray Like Jesus
By Al Whittinghill9831:01:31Christian LifeMAT 6:33LUK 3:21LUK 5:151TH 5:17HEB 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. He highlights how Jesus' prayer life was the secret to his ministry and encourages his listeners to make prayer their first choice, not their last chance. The speaker also discusses the relationship between prayer and temptation, stating that a praying life is less prone to straying. He further emphasizes the need to enter into God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, and to have a regular place and time for prayer. The sermon references Luke 11:1 and Luke 23:34 to support these teachings.
A People Who Judge Themselves
By Zac Poonen9091:03:29PRO 9:10ROM 15:31CO 4:52CO 5:10PHP 3:13HEB 1:91PE 4:171JN 3:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of judging oneself first before judging others, focusing on the need to live a life that pleases God by examining hidden areas of darkness and motives. It highlights the call to love righteousness and hate iniquity, seeking to be a new creature in Christ who does not live for self but for the Lord. The speaker urges believers to pursue a life of joy and freedom from sin, understanding the fear of the Lord and the significance of Christ's sacrifice in transforming our lives.
Beholding the Gladness of Jesus, Part 2
By Mike Bickle5450:56JesusIntimacy With GodGod's GladnessPSA 16:8HEB 1:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the gladness of Jesus, arguing that many believers perceive God as primarily angry or sad, which hinders their intimacy with Him. He asserts that God's true disposition is one of joy and gladness, which is essential for understanding His love and affection towards us. Bickle encourages believers to behold God's gladness, as this revelation transforms their own hearts and spirits, leading to a deeper relationship with Him. He highlights that God's emotions, particularly His gladness, are crucial for the prayer movement and for fostering a vibrant faith. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a shift in perception, urging believers to recognize that God delights in them, even amidst their weaknesses.
The True Nature of Sin - Ii Sam 13
By Phil Beach Jr.3922:45Righteousness vs. SinSinThe Nature of SinHEB 1:9JUD 1:17Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of recognizing and abhorring sin in our lives, illustrating this through the story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13. He explains that the conflict within Christians arises from the struggle between allegiance to God and self, and that true freedom comes from hating sin and loving righteousness. The sermon highlights how sin can initially appear appealing but ultimately leads to bitterness and regret, urging believers to seek God's help in overcoming sinful desires. Beach encourages the congregation to cultivate a love for God's Word and righteousness, which empowers them to resist temptation and live in accordance with God's will.
God's Beautiful Heart: Gladness and Humility
By Mike Bickle2638:45Humility of GodGod's Gladness1CH 16:27PSA 16:11PSA 36:8PSA 113:5ISA 65:19MAT 13:44LUK 15:10JHN 15:11HEB 1:9JUD 1:24Mike Bickle emphasizes the beauty of God's heart, focusing on His gladness and humility. He explains that God's primary emotion towards believers is gladness, countering the common misconception that God is mostly mad or sad. Bickle highlights David's revelations in the Psalms, which depict God's presence as a source of joy and pleasure, and he encourages believers to embrace this understanding to deepen their relationship with God. He also discusses the significance of humility in God's character, illustrating that true beauty lies in God's servant heart, which invites us into a closer relationship with Him.
Fire 21 Conference
By Brian Guerin613:01Flow of the Holy SpiritProphetic VisionJDG 7:13PSA 45:7PSA 46:4MAT 7:25JHN 1:51JHN 7:38ACT 10:11PHP 3:8HEB 1:9HEB 1:14Brian Guerin shares a prophetic message at the Fire 21 Conference, emphasizing the need to break barriers that hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit, likening them to a beaver dam that stops water. He encourages attendees to embrace the symbols and visions God provides, referencing biblical examples of prophetic dreams and their meanings. Guerin highlights the importance of intimacy with Christ, urging the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Him as they prepare for a move of the Spirit. He also shares prophetic insights about individuals being called to Australia and Cairo, Egypt, emphasizing the role of angelic assistance in their journeys. The sermon culminates in a call for prayer and worship, inviting the Holy Spirit to flow freely among the attendees.
Kingdom Authority, Truth & Purity
By Brian Guerin545:39Purity and TruthKingdom AuthorityMAT 24:14JHN 8:32ACT 10:38ROM 12:2EPH 6:142TI 2:21HEB 1:9JAS 4:71PE 1:161JN 1:9Brian Guerin emphasizes the significance of kingdom authority, truth, and purity in his sermon, urging believers to fully surrender to Jesus and embrace the power of the Holy Spirit. He shares personal experiences of transformation and the importance of living a life free from fear and sin, highlighting that true freedom comes from knowing the truth. Guerin encourages the congregation to cultivate a deep relationship with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them in purity and righteousness. He stresses that the church must stand firm in faith and authority, especially in challenging times, and calls for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit to empower believers for their mission.
(New Wine in New Wineskins) 10. Overcoming the Spirit of the Antichrist
By Zac Poonen0Spirit of the AntichristConfronting SinPSA 58:3MAT 5:1MAT 16:3JHN 8:442TH 2:32TI 4:3HEB 1:91JN 2:18REV 13:16Zac Poonen emphasizes the urgency of recognizing the spirit of the Antichrist that has infiltrated Christendom, warning that we are in the final moments before the Antichrist's emergence. He explains that this spirit manifests through casual attitudes towards sin, self-exaltation, and deception, which have become prevalent in many churches today. Poonen urges believers to identify and confront these antichrists within their assemblies, as they were driven out in the early church through strong preaching. He highlights the need for a radical stance against sin and a commitment to truth, as only then can the spirit of the Antichrist be expelled from the church. The sermon calls for a return to the purity and power of the early apostles to combat the current spiritual decline.
Understanding God's Heart
By Zac Poonen0ObedienceDiscipleshipISA 66:2MAL 1:11MAT 5:19MAT 6:5MAT 11:30JHN 7:39ACT 17:30GAL 3:24PHP 2:5HEB 1:9Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of understanding God's heart through obedience and reverence. He explains that while God overlooks our ignorance, He now calls us to turn to Him and obey, highlighting that true obedience is liberating rather than burdensome. Poonen illustrates the difference between a fleshly and spiritual Christian, urging believers to seek the Holy Spirit rather than worldly significance. He stresses that God desires pure sacrifices and true discipleship, not mere volunteers, and that our lives should reflect a deep hatred for sin to experience true joy. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, recognizing our purpose to bring pleasure to God.
Righteousness
By Smith Wigglesworth0FaithRighteousnessMRK 11:24LUK 1:45JHN 14:10ROM 8:1PHP 3:14HEB 1:9JAS 1:252PE 1:12PE 1:31JN 5:18Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the importance of righteousness in the life of a believer, stating that just as Christ loved righteousness and hated iniquity, we too must embody these qualities. He highlights that through faith, we can access a divine life filled with limitless power and resources, allowing us to overcome the devil's influence. Wigglesworth illustrates this through biblical examples, such as Abraham's faith and the healing testimonies of individuals who believed in God's promises. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, which grants them access to God's righteousness and the ability to manifest His power in their lives. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper faith that leads to greater exploits for God, urging the congregation to press on toward their divine calling.
The Oil of Gladness
By H.J. Vine0ISA 61:32CO 1:24PHP 1:29PHP 4:4HEB 1:9H.J. Vine preaches about the believer's desire to always be overflowing with joy and gladness, emphasizing that through Christ, we have received unspeakable gladness and eternal joy in God's glory. While we are called to rejoice in the Lord always, we must also be prepared for suffering and trials in this world. It is essential to seek joy in the right way, focusing not only on our own joy but also on promoting the joy of others and the joy of the Lord.
Disciples Must Be Watchful and Praying
By Sabu Athimattathil0GEN 4:7MAT 26:41ROM 7:15HEB 1:9HEB 5:71JN 2:6Sabu Athimattathil preaches on the importance of staying alert, watching, and praying against the desires of the flesh to avoid falling into temptation. Using examples from the Bible, he emphasizes the ongoing struggle between the new man in Christ and the flesh, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and reliance on God's strength to overcome sin. Just as Jesus asked His disciples to pray for Him in His moment of weakness, we are encouraged to seek God's help in times of temptation, knowing that He can save us from falling into sin.
Walking With Jesus
By Norman Grubb0GAL 2:20HEB 1:9JAS 1:151JN 1:7JUD 1:23Norman P. Grubb, in his sermon, emphasizes the importance of a daily walk with Jesus, focusing on the need for believers to handle temptations and sins on the spot, step by step, rather than relying on a long-term experience for victory. He distinguishes between Satan's condemnation, which is general, and God's conviction, which is specific and immediate. Grubb highlights the significance of walking in God's light, acknowledging sin, and receiving cleansing through the blood of Christ, leading to a life of continuous victory and holiness.
A Man After God's Heart
By T. Austin-Sparks01SA 13:141SA 15:221SA 16:7PSA 89:19JHN 1:4JHN 5:39JHN 7:39ACT 13:22HEB 1:91JN 5:11T. Austin-Sparks delves into the Bible's portrayal of men as the primary method through which God reveals Himself, emphasizing how each man represents distinctive features of God's thoughts and traits. These features, seen in men like Abraham's faith and Moses' meekness, collectively point to Christ as the ultimate expression of God's character. The sermon explores the concept of God seeking a man after His own heart, reflecting on the moral and spiritual likeness God desires in individuals, devoted to fulfilling His will. David's life is contrasted with Saul's, highlighting the importance of surrendering personal judgments and feelings to obey God's will completely, without reservations or compromises with the natural mind.
The Gift of Holy Hatred
By Chip Brogden0PSA 119:104PRO 6:16PRO 8:13ISA 1:11MAT 6:24LUK 14:26JHN 12:25HEB 1:9REV 2:15Chip Brogden preaches on the importance of holy hatred, emphasizing that alongside holy love, there is a need for a holy hatred towards sin, evil, hypocrisy, and false ways. He highlights the concept of loving what God loves and hating what God hates, stressing the necessity of choosing to serve and love the Lord above all else. Brogden delves into the idea of discipleship as a love/hate relationship, challenging believers to prioritize being true disciples of Christ over simply seeking salvation. He also explores the significance of hating self and embracing the Cross for eternal life, as well as the importance of aligning our hearts with what pleases and displeases the Lord.
A Christless Pentecost
By David Wilkerson0LUK 5:7JHN 2:23JHN 8:31HEB 1:9HEB 3:1HEB 3:14HEB 6:4HEB 12:8HEB 13:20The preacher delves into the term 'partakers' (metochos) in the Bible, emphasizing the concept of sharing in common blessings and being companions or accomplices in a spiritual enterprise. The sermon explores how believers can be participators in the Holy Spirit's work before salvation, highlighting the importance of responding to His drawing power and leading towards faith. The preacher addresses the question of whether a truly saved person can fall away, emphasizing the need for perseverance in the faith as proof of genuine salvation. The sermon also touches on the significance of tasting the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, pointing out that miracles alone do not save people, as seen in various biblical examples.
High Time to Awake Out of Sleep
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0MAT 7:23ROM 6:192TH 2:3TIT 2:14HEB 1:9HEB 10:171JN 3:4The preacher delves into the concept of lawlessness (anomia) as a disregard for God's law, emphasizing living as if there were no law and replacing God's law with personal desires. Lawlessness signifies rebellion against God's authority and intentional sin, describing those unregulated and uncontrolled by law. The sermon warns against practicing lawlessness while claiming Christ, urging repentance and assurance of salvation through genuine transformation and obedience to God's will.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou hast loved righteousness - This is the characteristic of a just governor: he abhors and suppresses iniquity; he countenances and supports righteousness and truth. Therefore God, even thy God - The original, δια τουτο εχρισε σε ὁ Θεος, ὁ Θεος σου, may be thus translated: Therefore, O God, thy God hath anointed thee. The form of speech is nearly the same with that in the preceding verse; but the sense is sufficiently clear if we read, Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee, etc. With the oil of gladness - We have often had occasion to remark that, anciently, kings, priests, and prophets were consecrated to their several offices by anointing; and that this signified the gifts and influences of the Divine Spirit. Christ, ὁ Χριστος, signifies The Anointed One, the same as the Hebrew Messias; and he is here said to be anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows. None was ever constituted prophet, priest, and king, but himself; some were kings only, prophets only, and priests only; others were kings and priests, or priests and prophets, or kings and prophets; but none had ever the three offices in his own person but Jesus Christ, and none but himself can be a King over the universe, a Prophet to all intelligent beings, and a Priest to the whole human race. Thus he is infinitely exalted beyond his fellows - all that had ever borne the regal, prophetic, or sacerdotal offices. Some think that the word μετοχους, fellows, refers to believers who are made partakers of the same Spirit, but cannot have its infinite plenitude. The first sense seems the best. Gladness is used to express the festivities which took place on the inauguration of kings, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
iniquity--"unnrighteousness." Some oldest manuscripts read, "lawlessness." therefore--because God loves righteousness and hates iniquity. God . . . thy God--JEROME, AUGUSTINE, and others translate Psa 45:7, "O God, Thy God, hath anointed thee," whereby Christ is addressed as God. This is probably the true translation of the Hebrew there, and also of the Greek of Hebrews here; for it is likely the Son is addressed, "O God," as in Heb 1:8. The anointing here meant is not that at His baptism, when He solemnly entered on His ministry for us; but that with the "oil of gladness," or "exulting joy" (which denotes a triumph, and follows as the consequence of His manifested love of righteousness and hatred of iniquity), wherewith, after His triumphant completion of His work, He has been anointed by the Father above His fellows (not only above us, His fellow men, the adopted members of God's family, whom "He is not ashamed to call His brethren," but above the angels, fellow partakers in part with Him, though infinitely His inferiors, in the glories, holiness, and joys of heaven; "sons of God," and angel "messengers," though subordinate to the divine Angel--"Messenger of the covenant"). Thus He is antitype to Solomon, "chosen of all David's many sons to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel," even as His father David was chosen before all the house of his father's sons. The image is drawn from the custom of anointing guests at feasts (Psa 23:5); or rather of anointing kings: not until His ascension did He assume the kingdom as Son of man. A fuller accomplishment is yet to be, when He shall be VISIBLY the anointed King over the whole earth (set by the Father) on His holy hill of Zion, Psa 2:6, Psa 2:8. So David, His type, was first anointed at Bethlehem (Sa1 16:13; Psa 89:20); and yet again at Hebron, first over Judah (Sa2 2:4), then over all Israel (Sa2 5:3); not till the death of Saul did he enter on his actual kingdom; as it was not till after Christ's death that the Father set Him at His right hand far above all principalities (Eph 1:20-21). The forty-fifth Psalm in its first meaning was addressed to Solomon; but the Holy Spirit inspired the writer to use language which in its fulness can only apply to the antitypical Solomon, the true Royal Head of the theocracy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity,.... Christ loves righteous persons and righteous works, faithfulness and integrity, and a just administration of government, everything that is holy, just, and good; which has appeared in the whole course of his life on earth, in working out a righteousness for his people, and in encouraging righteousness in them, which he leads them in the way of; and his love of justice will still more appear at the last day, when he will judge the world in righteousness, and give the crown of righteousness to proper persons: and he hates iniquity; or "unrighteousness", as the Alexandrian copy and another read; as being contrary to his nature, both as God and man, and to the righteous law of God; which has appeared by his inveighing against it, and dehorting from it; by his severity exercised towards delinquents; by his suffering for it, and abolishing of it; and by chastising his own people on account of it; and his abhorrence of it will still more appear at the day of judgment, when all workers of iniquity, professors and profane, will be bid to depart from him: therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows: the anointer is the God of Christ; that is, God the Father, who is the God of Christ, as man; and is so called, because he prepared and formed the human nature of Christ, and supported it under all its sufferings, and has glorified it; and as such Christ prayed unto him, believed in him, loved him, and obeyed him: the anointed is the Son of God, the Son spoken to, and is called God in the preceding verse; though he is not anointed as God, but as Mediator, to be prophet, and priest, and King: what he is anointed with is not material oil, but spiritual, the Holy Ghost, as it is explained in Act 10:38 called the oil of gladness, in allusion to the use of oil at feasts and weddings, for the delight and refreshment of the guests; and because of the spiritual effects of joy and gladness, both on Christ, as man, and on his people. Now Christ was anointed as Mediator from all eternity; that is, he was invested with his office as such; and at his conception and birth he was filled with the Holy Ghost; who also descended on him at his baptism, after which he went about doing good, and healing diseases; but here it seems to refer to the time of his ascension, when he was declared to be Lord and Christ, the anointed one; and received gifts for men, the fulness of the Spirit without measure, and with which he was anointed above his "fellows"; by whom are meant, not the angels, nor the kings and princes of the earth; but the saints, who are so called, because they are of the same nature, and are of the same family, and are partakers of the same spirit, and grace; and having received the unction from him, are also kings, priests, and prophets, and will be companions with him to all eternity. Now the reason of his being anointed, or exalted, and made Lord and Christ, is, because he loves righteousness; see Phi 2:7 or rather, because he is anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure, therefore he loves righteousness; for the words may be rendered, "thou lovest righteousness--because God, thy God, hath anointed thee".