Psalms45

Psalm 45 is a royal psalm celebrating a king, praising his beauty, might, and righteous rule, and proclaiming his eternal, divinely appointed throne. It also describes the queen's splendor and her entry into the palace, concluding with a promise of lasting fame for the king. This "Song of loves" anticipates a perpetual legacy through his descendants.
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Introduction: A Song for the King

1
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. ​

Praise for the King's Glory and Power

2
You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever. ​
3
Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor. ​
4
In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds.
5
Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet.
6
Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. ​
7
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. ​
8
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad.
9
The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir. ​

Counsel to the Royal Bride

10
Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house, ​
11
and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord. ​
12
The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; men of wealth will seek your favor. ​
13
All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold.
14
In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you.
15
They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.

Prophecy of the King's Enduring Legacy

16
Your sons will succeed your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. ​
17
I will commemorate your name through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 45

Verse 1

This psalm is designated a 'Maschil' (instruction) and a 'Song of loves,' likely composed for a royal wedding or enthronement ceremony. The poet uses the metaphor of a 'ready writer' to express the urgency and skill of his praise for the king.

Verse 2

The King is praised for his exceptional physical beauty and eloquent speech ('grace is poured into thy lips'). This verse is often understood messianically, pointing to Christ's flawless humanity and divine authority.

Verse 3

The imagery of girding the sword emphasizes the King's role not just as a ruler, but as a mighty warrior who enforces justice and righteousness.

Verse 6

This is a foundational Messianic text, quoted directly in Hebrews 1:8 to prove the divinity of Christ. Applying the title 'O God' (Elohim) to the Davidic King suggests divine appointment and eternal rule, fulfilled ultimately in Jesus.

Verse 7

The anointing with the 'oil of gladness' signifies the King's joy and superiority, having been specially chosen by God for his commitment to justice over wickedness.

Verse 9

The presence of 'kings' daughters' shows the international prestige of the court. The Queen, positioned at the King's right hand, holds the highest honor, adorned with the finest gold from Ophir.

Verse 10

This section directly addresses the Queen, instructing her to fully adopt her new royal identity. She must forsake her non-Israelite heritage ('forget also thine own people') and commit herself entirely to the King.

Verse 11

The command to 'worship thou him' reflects the absolute authority the king held as her Lord in the context of ancient Near Eastern monarchy and marriage.

Verse 12

The mention of Tyre, a famously wealthy Phoenician city, bringing gifts demonstrates the international recognition of the King's power and the Queen's status.

Verse 16

This verse looks beyond the present king, promising a future lineage (children/successors) who will extend the dynasty's influence and rule as 'princes in all the earth.'

Verse 17

The psalmist concludes by ensuring the King's fame (name) will be perpetuated through the generations, a promise integral to the eternal nature of the Davidic covenant.

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