Hebrews 1.8
“But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the sceptre of your kingdom.’”
On Sunday we said that this verse was originally about Solomon. If so, we might wonder why he is addressed as God… The best explanation I have seen is that he was on the throne as God’s representative, ruling God’s people on his behalf. At first Solomon did this wisely, but in the course of time pride crept up on him, and he made mistakes, as we all do. But Jesus is the king who will always reign wisely with compassion, truth and justice. As the last verse of the psalm he is quoting, Psalm 45.17, says “The nations will praise you for ever and ever.” The same thought is present in at least three of the other passages quoted in Hebrews 1: 2 Sam.7 (I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever), Psalm 110.4 (You are priest for ever), and Psalm 102.27 (But you remain the same, and your years will never end). Unlike all earthly powers, Jesus’ reign is eternal.
Jesus, our eternal king, we worship you, giving thanks that you reign not as an eternal tyrant, but as a faithful, just and loving servant.
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