John Calvin Commentary Psalms 45:17

"I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: Therefore shall the peoples give thee thanks for ever and ever." — Psalms 45:17 (ASV)

I will make your name to be remembered, etc. This also is equally inapplicable to Solomon, who, by his shameful and impious rebellion, stained the memory of his name with disgrace. In polluting by superstitious abominations the land which was consecrated to God, did he not bring upon himself indelible ignominy and shame?

For this deed alone, his name deserves to be buried in everlasting oblivion. Nor was his son Rehoboam in any degree more deserving of praise, for through his own foolish presumption, he lost the better part of his kingdom. To find, therefore, the true accomplishment of what is said here, we must come to Christ, the memory of whose name continues to prosper and prevail.

It is no doubt despised by the world; indeed, wicked men, in the pride of their hearts, even reproach his sacred name and outrageously trample it under their feet; but still, it survives in its undiminished majesty.

It is also true that his enemies rise up on all sides in vast numbers to overthrow his kingdom. Nevertheless, men are already beginning to bow the knee before him, and they will continue to do so until the time comes when he shall tread down all the powers that are opposed to him.

The furious efforts of Satan and the whole world have not been able to extinguish the name of Christ. Being transmitted from one generation to another, it still retains its glory in every age, just as today we see it celebrated in every language. And although most of the world tears it to pieces with their impious blasphemies, yet it is enough that God stirs up his servants everywhere to proclaim with fidelity and unfeigned zeal the praises of Christ.

In the meantime, it is our duty diligently to strive so that the memory of Christ—which ought to prosper and prevail throughout all ages for the eternal salvation of men—may never at any time lose any of its renown.