Psalms 45

Psalms 45:1-17

the King’ s Wedding Song Psalms 45:1-17 Though this psalm was probably composed to celebrate Solomon’ s marriage with Pharaoh’ s daughter, we must remember that it is distinctly applied to our Lord in Hebrews 1:8. See also Ephesians 5:23; Revelation 19:7. What wonder that the psalmist’ s heart overflowed! It was bubbling up with good matter! His work was for a King! See Psalms 45:1, R.V., margin. The Warrior, Psalms 45:2-5. The Word of God rides forth to war, followed by the armies of heaven. See Revelation 19:13. His glory is the Cross; His majesty is in His meekness; His prosperity, in His loyalty to truth. His arrows are tipped with love, and those who fall beneath them die that they may live. The King, Psalms 45:6-8. The oil of gladness is the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which we also may share. See 1 John 2:20; 1 John 2:27. The Bridegroom, Psalms 45:9-17. Clad in glistening raiment, the Church stands by her Lord, who claims her love and loyalty. But these are not inconsistent claims! By nature she was without beauty or dower; but she has won both in Him. See to it that you are not missing at that wedding-feast! Matthew 7:22-23.

Things touching the King The inscription of this exquisite Psalm, To the chief musician, indicates that it was intended to be employed in God’s service. Therefore, though it was probably suggested by Solomon’s marriage with the daughter of Pharaoh, we must pass beyond the mere outward interpretation to consider these glowing words in their relation to Christ and his Church. The Psalm is distinctly applied to Him (Hebrews 1:8). The union between Him and his people is often described in such imagery (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23). Let us pray for the time when the universe shall ring with this marriage-ode: when the hour of the marriage of the Lamb shall have come and heathen nations partake the joy (Revelation 19:7). Shoshannim means “lilies,” and tells of the purity of heart that is appropriate to this song of love.

Psalms 45:1. My heart overfloweth (R.V.) Oh for a heart kept bubbling over with love for Jesus! We should ake things about our King–be weaving chaplets–be composing hymns. When the heart is full, there will be no difficulty about the tongue (Acts 2:4).

Here is “good matter” indeed. Christ’s beauty (Psalms 45:2); his victorious might (Psalms 45:4); his Divine nature and everlasting reign (Psalms 45:6); his joy (Psalms 45:7); his sweetness ‘(Psalms 45:8); his bride (Psalms 45:13); the splendor of the royal procession (Psalms 45:15); the number and royalty of his posterity (Psalms 45:16).

Psalms 45:2. Fairer than the children of men Happy are they who live in His presence (1 Kings 10:8; Luke 4:22).

Psalms 45:3-4. In Thy majesty These imperatives are predictions of what the King will do. Though His plans are made, prayer is required to put them in operation. Because of truth means in the cause of truth. Our King fights for us and conquers Death, Satan and the Grave. We march to victory over a fallen foe.

Psalms 45:7. The oil of gladness Here is the secret of perennial joy. So far as we enter into Christ’s spirit, we shall share in his joy, a joy such as our fellows cannot know.

Psalms 45:8. All Thy garments The word smell might be omitted. The royal robes are as sweet as if they were made of myrrh.

Psalms 45:10-11. Hearken and consider! Those are likeliest to know the preciousness of Christ’s love who, in an abandonment of surrender, cut the cords which would bind them to old and worldly connections and hold them back from Him. Be only for Christ: so shalt thou taste his secret love.

Psalms 45:13. All glorious within Within is in contrast to out of the palaces (Psalms 45:8), and refers to the interior of the royal residence. Is there not also a reference to the hidden beauties of Christian character? Psalms 45:17.

Psalms 45:17 Thy Name! Let us pass on that precious “Name,” that the people may break forth into praise in all ages and all climes.