Psalms 45:7

Psalms 45:7

Verse 7 states: “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” The order is telling: love for righteousness and hatred of wickedness leads to divine anointing and joy. The imagery of anointing with oil, especially “the oil of gladness,” signals consecration, favor, and joy in leadership. The “above thy fellows” emphasizes exceptional blessing, marking the king as set apart for a sacred task. The marital context frames the king’s mission as one of harmonious, just leadership that reflects God’s own nature. This verse underscores that true authority is rooted in virtue—loving what is good and resisting what is evil.

Theology here centers on the alignment of character with calling. God’s anointing is a response to moral fidelity: love for righteousness manifests in action that furthers justice, mercy, and truth. The “oil of gladness” links divine favor to joyful, holy leadership. For Christians, this points to Christ as the perfect embodiment of God’s love for righteousness and hatred of wickedness, anointed by God beyond all others, and bringing joy to the heart of creation. It also invites believers to pursue holiness as the basis of any entrusted authority.

Ask: what are you “anointed” to do, and how is joy a marker of your work? Seek to love righteousness in daily choices—honesty in work, fairness in dealings, compassion for the marginalized. Cultivate a posture that hates corruption and seeks restorative outcomes. If you lead teams, create cultures that celebrate integrity and rescue systems that correct wrongdoing with mercy. The oil of gladness suggests that good leadership should be marked by joy—not swagger, but a settled delight in doing what is right and beneficial for others. Practice gratitude, celebrate small victories in justice, and invite others into the joy of righteous living.

Cross-References: Psalm 1:6; 2:6-9; Isaiah 61:3; Luke 4:18-19; Hebrews 1:9