"For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head" (Psalm. 21:3).
Psalm 21 sets before us the hope of the eternal kingdom of Christ and the benefits that are bestowed upon the subjects of His kingdom. All who are in Christ receive the favor and preservation of God. Because our King is altogether righteous and holy, the Father has given Him rich blessings and has placed a “a crown of pure gold on his head.” This royal diadem symbolizes Christ’s authority and royalty in ruling over His people. Thus, in this psalm the minds of the godly are elevated to the hope of the eternal kingdom, of which a shadow only, or an obscure image, was set forth in the person and successors of David.
Like Psalm 20, this psalm is a common prayer of the people, lifting up thanksgivings to the Lord for the blessings bestowed upon the king. The people understood that when God set His favor upon their king, they reaped the benefits. When God grants safety and prosperity to the king, the whole realm is preserved as well. Christ is the end and perfection of this kingdom, signifying that only those who live under the head and kingship of Christ will be saved. Because our King is the Son of God, we can take comfort that God will preserve us in times of trial and even guide us safely through the gateway of death, thus ushering us into an eternal kingdom.
Calvin further elaborates on this theme saying, “the doctrine of the everlasting duration of the kingdom of Christ is, therefore, here established [in this psalm], seeing He was not placed upon the throne by the favor or suffrage of men, but by God, who, from heaven, set the royal crown upon His head with His own hand.” God exalted His Son to His right hand, where Christ reigns over His kingdom and intercedes on behalf of His people. Like David’s reign that began in a low and mean estate, which God translated to honor and glory, the same has been exemplified in Christ, who, from contempt, suffering, and death was raised by His Father in glory.
Because of the glory and honor of our King, we can trust in the stability and preservation that is promised to His people. Like the people of Israel who praised God for their glorious king, let us praise God for Christ our eternal King in whom we have life everlasting.
List a few of the benefits God’s people possess because they have Christ as their King. Use scriptural references where possible to highlight these benefits (i.e. 1 Cor. 15:50–58). Endeavor to reflect an attitude of praise in your prayers as you remember the blessings of Christ as King.
