Psalms 21:5
His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
Psalms 21:5 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 21 is a royal psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to King David. It stands beside Psalm 20, where the people prayed for the king before battle. Here they praise God for granting victory. This verse celebrates the king’s glory, honour, and majesty as gifts from God, not achievements of his own strength. The king’s success is a direct answer to the prayers of the people, and their praise reflects their recognition that God alone deserves the credit.
Meaning
The verse declares that the king’s glory is great in God’s salvation. Salvation means deliverance and rescue. God’s saving power makes the king’s glory shine. The words “honour and majesty” describe the dignity and splendour that God places upon the king. This is not earned honour; it is laid upon him by God. The king rules with authority because God has appointed him. His achievements and honour are ultimately a result of God’s grace and providence, not his own strength. This truth reminds us that any success we experience is rooted in God’s grace.
Biblical connections
This verse finds its fullest meaning in Jesus Christ, the anointed King. Jesus is the Messiah whose glory is great in the Lord’s salvation. God delivered Him from death and raised Him to His right hand, crowning Him with glory and honour. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished salvation for His people. His glory is also seen in the salvation He brings to believers. The honour and majesty given to the earthly king point forward to the perfect King, Jesus, who is exalted above all. The language of “honour and majesty” being laid upon Him echoes the divine attribute of being clothed with honour and majesty, and connects to the exaltation of Christ. As Mediator, it was His glory to be appointed to be the Lord’s salvation to His people.
Application
Believers can reflect on God’s glory displayed in their own salvation. God’s love and grace are shown in the cross of Christ. When God rescues and transforms lives, His glory shines brightly. Just as honour and majesty were laid upon the king, believers are called to honour God in their lives. This means recognising His sovereignty, obeying His commandments, and acknowledging His worthiness. The verse also reminds us that God appoints leaders. We are to respect and pray for those in authority, knowing that God is ultimately in control. The king’s glory is not self-derived but is bestowed by God, reminding us that any success or honour we experience is rooted in God’s grace.
Reflection
All glory belongs to God. The king’s success was a gift, and so is every good thing we receive. Our achievements and honours are rooted in God’s grace. This truth calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We can rejoice that the same God who exalted the king and raised Jesus from the dead is at work in our lives. He alone grants victory and bestows honour. Let us give Him the glory He deserves. God’s glory is magnified when He saves and protects His chosen ones, highlighting His power and majesty as the one who accomplishes salvation.
