My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house;
So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace.
Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.
I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
Psalms 45 is a captivating psalm, often understood as a royal wedding song, but rich with layers of meaning that extend far beyond a simple celebration. While it undoubtedly praises a king, likely a descendant of David, its language and imagery point towards a greater reality – the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This psalm, therefore, functions on two levels: celebrating an earthly king and foreshadowing the ultimate King, the Messiah. The New Testament, specifically Hebrews 1:8-9, directly connects this psalm to Jesus, solidifying its Messianic significance.
Context and Title
The psalm is addressed to the "chief Musician," suggesting it was intended for liturgical use, possibly in the temple. The term "upon Shoshannim" (lilies) might indicate the tune to which it was sung. It's also designated as a Maskil, a term often associated with psalms that are contemplative and instructive. The "Sons of Korah," known for their musical leadership during the reigns of David and Solomon, are credited with its composition, highlighting its importance in temple worship.
A King's Splendor (Psalms 45:1-5)
The psalm begins with an outpouring of admiration for the king, focusing on his beauty, eloquence, and might. The psalmist's heart overflows with joy as he describes the king as handsome and blessed by God (Psalms 45:1-2). He is depicted as a valiant warrior, girded with a sword, riding forth in majesty and victory. He is ready to fight in God’s name for truth, humility, and justice (Psalms 45:3-4). Nations fall before him as he goes to battle with his enemies (Psalms 45:5). Some of this language is undoubtedly hyperbolic, using deliberate exaggeration to emphasize the king's virtues. Just as in modern love songs, where someone might be called "the most beautiful in the world," the psalmist lavishes praise upon the king. While some of these attributes, like exceptional attractiveness (Isaiah 53:2), might not perfectly align with traditional Messianic prophecies, the overall picture resonates with the power and authority of the coming Messiah.
A Throne Eternal (Psalms 45:6-7)
These verses take on profound significance when viewed through the lens of Hebrews 1:8-9. The psalmist declares, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever," directly applying divine attributes to the king. As God’s representative, the king would have a throne that would last forever and ever (Psalms 45:6), which is an allusion to God’s covenant with David, which promised that he would never fail to have a descendent on his throne (see 2 Samuel 7:11-16). The king was just in the administration of his kingdom, loving righteousness and hating wickedness (Psalms 45:7). Hebrews 1:8-9 applies these verses to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He will rule in his millennial kingdom with perfect justice and righteousness. And, he fulfills God’s covenant with David. By virtue of his resurrection from the dead, he will ever live to sit on David’s throne. This verse establishes the king not merely as a ruler, but as God's representative, possessing a throne that transcends earthly limitations. This concept directly aligns with the Messianic understanding of Jesus as both King and God.
The Royal Wedding and the Bride (Psalms 45:8-15)
The psalm vividly portrays the king's wedding day, filled with opulence and joy. The king was magnificently arrayed on his wedding day, scented with fragrances, and surrounded by joyful music (Psalms 45:8). His bride was beside him, adorned with gold (Psalms 45:9). She is urged to pay homage to the king, her lord, who honored her for her beauty (Psalms 45:10-11). Glorious gifts would be bestowed on her (Psalms 45:12).
The bride, adorned in splendor, is a central figure in this celebration. She is encouraged to forsake her former life and embrace her new role as queen. This imagery resonates with the biblical motif of marriage as a symbol of God's relationship with Israel and Christ's relationship with the church (Isaiah 54:5; Hosea 2:19; John 3:29; Revelation 21:9; 22:17). Believers are to forsake the world now that we are promised to Christ (see Luke 14:26-33). The glorious bride is led into the king’s palace (Psalms 45:13-15).
A Legacy of Praise (Psalms 45:16-17)
The psalm concludes with a vision of the king's enduring legacy. The psalmist foretells the prosperity of their marriage—which would produce sons who would be princes throughout the land (Psalms 45:16). The king would be honored by all generations, and the peoples will praise [him] forever (Psalms 45:17). This will ultimately be fulfilled at the marriage of the Lamb when the great King, the Lord Jesus Christ, is united forever with his bride, the church (see Revelation 19:6-9). The promise of sons who will become princes throughout the land further reinforces the idea of a kingdom that extends beyond the present. The king's name will be remembered and praised for generations to come, foreshadowing the eternal reign of Christ.
Psalms 45, therefore, is more than just a wedding song. It is a powerful testament to the glory of God, the majesty of Christ, and the enduring nature of His kingdom. It invites us to celebrate the King of kings and to anticipate the day when He will be united with His bride, the church, in eternal glory.
My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house;
So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace.
Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.
I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
Psalms 45 is a captivating psalm, often understood as a royal wedding song, but rich with layers of meaning that extend far beyond a simple celebration. While it undoubtedly praises a king, likely a descendant of David, its language and imagery point towards a greater reality – the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This psalm, therefore, functions on two levels: celebrating an earthly king and foreshadowing the ultimate King, the Messiah. The New Testament, specifically Hebrews 1:8-9, directly connects this psalm to Jesus, solidifying its Messianic significance.
Context and Title
The psalm is addressed to the "chief Musician," suggesting it was intended for liturgical use, possibly in the temple. The term "upon Shoshannim" (lilies) might indicate the tune to which it was sung. It's also designated as a Maskil, a term often associated with psalms that are contemplative and instructive. The "Sons of Korah," known for their musical leadership during the reigns of David and Solomon, are credited with its composition, highlighting its importance in temple worship.
A King's Splendor (Psalms 45:1-5)
The psalm begins with an outpouring of admiration for the king, focusing on his beauty, eloquence, and might. The psalmist's heart overflows with joy as he describes the king as handsome and blessed by God (Psalms 45:1-2). He is depicted as a valiant warrior, girded with a sword, riding forth in majesty and victory. He is ready to fight in God’s name for truth, humility, and justice (Psalms 45:3-4). Nations fall before him as he goes to battle with his enemies (Psalms 45:5). Some of this language is undoubtedly hyperbolic, using deliberate exaggeration to emphasize the king's virtues. Just as in modern love songs, where someone might be called "the most beautiful in the world," the psalmist lavishes praise upon the king. While some of these attributes, like exceptional attractiveness (Isaiah 53:2), might not perfectly align with traditional Messianic prophecies, the overall picture resonates with the power and authority of the coming Messiah.
A Throne Eternal (Psalms 45:6-7)
These verses take on profound significance when viewed through the lens of Hebrews 1:8-9. The psalmist declares, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever," directly applying divine attributes to the king. As God’s representative, the king would have a throne that would last forever and ever (Psalms 45:6), which is an allusion to God’s covenant with David, which promised that he would never fail to have a descendent on his throne (see 2 Samuel 7:11-16). The king was just in the administration of his kingdom, loving righteousness and hating wickedness (Psalms 45:7). Hebrews 1:8-9 applies these verses to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He will rule in his millennial kingdom with perfect justice and righteousness. And, he fulfills God’s covenant with David. By virtue of his resurrection from the dead, he will ever live to sit on David’s throne. This verse establishes the king not merely as a ruler, but as God's representative, possessing a throne that transcends earthly limitations. This concept directly aligns with the Messianic understanding of Jesus as both King and God.
The Royal Wedding and the Bride (Psalms 45:8-15)
The psalm vividly portrays the king's wedding day, filled with opulence and joy. The king was magnificently arrayed on his wedding day, scented with fragrances, and surrounded by joyful music (Psalms 45:8). His bride was beside him, adorned with gold (Psalms 45:9). She is urged to pay homage to the king, her lord, who honored her for her beauty (Psalms 45:10-11). Glorious gifts would be bestowed on her (Psalms 45:12).
The bride, adorned in splendor, is a central figure in this celebration. She is encouraged to forsake her former life and embrace her new role as queen. This imagery resonates with the biblical motif of marriage as a symbol of God's relationship with Israel and Christ's relationship with the church (Isaiah 54:5; Hosea 2:19; John 3:29; Revelation 21:9; 22:17). Believers are to forsake the world now that we are promised to Christ (see Luke 14:26-33). The glorious bride is led into the king’s palace (Psalms 45:13-15).
A Legacy of Praise (Psalms 45:16-17)
The psalm concludes with a vision of the king's enduring legacy. The psalmist foretells the prosperity of their marriage—which would produce sons who would be princes throughout the land (Psalms 45:16). The king would be honored by all generations, and the peoples will praise [him] forever (Psalms 45:17). This will ultimately be fulfilled at the marriage of the Lamb when the great King, the Lord Jesus Christ, is united forever with his bride, the church (see Revelation 19:6-9). The promise of sons who will become princes throughout the land further reinforces the idea of a kingdom that extends beyond the present. The king's name will be remembered and praised for generations to come, foreshadowing the eternal reign of Christ.
Psalms 45, therefore, is more than just a wedding song. It is a powerful testament to the glory of God, the majesty of Christ, and the enduring nature of His kingdom. It invites us to celebrate the King of kings and to anticipate the day when He will be united with His bride, the church, in eternal glory.