This lesson teaches children that Psalm 45 is a song celebrating a king who loves what is right and whom God has chosen and blessed. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses and the activity.
Big Idea
God gives good kings who love what is right and are happy to honor him, and the song of Psalm 45 is written to praise one of them.
Memory Verse
Psalm 45:1
My heart overflows with a noble theme. I recite my verses for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.
(WEB)
Have the children place one hand on their heart and then lift both arms wide, like they are beginning a big song. Say the verse together while you hold that pose, then sing or hum the last few words with a rising voice.
The Story: Psalm 45 for Kids
Long ago, a king was getting married. The people of the land wanted to sing a happy song for him and his bride. The writer of the song felt full of good words, so he wrote them down quickly, like a pen flying across a page.
The song begins by telling the king that he is the most excellent of all men. God had blessed him with kindness and grace, so his words were gentle and strong. The writer also spoke about the king’s sword, his power and his fine clothes, all shining with splendor. The king rode out to fight for what is true, for kindness, and for what is right.
The song says the king loves righteousness and hates wickedness. Because of this, God chose him and poured out gladness on him more than on any of his friends. His clothes smelled sweet, and music from the palace filled the air. Everyone in the land felt joy.
Then the song turns to the bride. The writer speaks to her and says, “Listen, daughter, and think about this. Leave your old home and give your heart to the king, for he is your lord.” She was dressed in gold and beautiful threads, and her friends walked with her into the palace with singing and gladness.
The song ends with a promise. The king’s children would one day become princes all over the land, and people would remember his name for all the years to come. So the people sang thank you to God forever and ever.
Read It Together
Psalm 45:6
Your throne, God, is forever and ever. A scepter of equity is the scepter of your kingdom.
(WEB)
Point out that the throne belongs to God and lasts forever. Ask the children to notice that the king’s power is a gift that comes from God, who is always in charge.
Psalm 45:7
You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
(WEB)
Show the children the two halves of this verse: loving what is right and hating what is wrong. Explain that God blessed the king because his heart was turned toward goodness.
Psalm 45:17
I will make your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever.
(WEB)
Point out the words “all generations” and “forever and ever.” Explain that the people of God remember good leaders and thank God for them, and that God’s goodness lasts longer than any king.
Talk About It
- What kind of things did the king in this song love, and what did he hate?
- Why do you think the writer wanted to sing about the king with so much joy?
- How did God bless the king, according to the song?
- What is one way you can love what is right this week at home or at school?
- Why do you think God is the one who sits on the throne forever?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Royal Crown
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child cut a long strip of paper, fold it into a band that fits their head, and decorate it with gold crayon and jewels drawn in bright colors. As they decorate, ask them to name one thing that a good king would do, and write that word on the crown.
Royal Parade Game
Clear a space in the room and make a rope or line of masking tape as the palace path. Play a simple walking game where one child is the king, and the others follow in a parade while clapping and singing a short happy tune. Stop the music now and then and let the king call out something good to do, like sharing or helping, and the children act it out.
Take-Home Kindness Chart
Give each child a sheet of paper with a large crown drawn at the top and five empty boxes below. You will need a pencil and a few stickers. Each day the child can add a sticker for one act of kindness or right choice, and the chart becomes a reminder to love what is good at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 45 is a royal wedding song, traditionally read as a picture of a king who rules with truth and righteousness and whose reign points forward to God’s own perfect kingdom. Scholars differ on the exact king and occasion, so it is wise to keep the focus on the character of a good ruler and on the God who blesses him.
With children, avoid suggesting that the king in the psalm is Jesus in every detail, or that children can earn God’s blessing by being good. Keep the lesson on God’s faithfulness and goodness, and let the children see the joy of praising a true and lasting king.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are good and that your throne lasts forever. Help us to love what is right and to turn away from what is wrong. Thank you for your kindness to us every day. We want to praise you all our lives. Amen.
