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.

Introduction: A Song for the King

1
For the leader. Set to "Lilies." By the descendants of Korach. A maskil. A lovesong: My heart is stirred by a noble theme; I address my verses to the king; My tongue is the pen of an expert scribe. ​

Praise for the King's Glory and Power

2
You are the most handsome of men; gracious speech flows from your lips. For God has blessed you forever. ​
3
Warrior, strap your sword at your thigh; [gird on] your splendor and majesty. ​
4
In your majesty, succeed, ride on in the cause of truth, meekness and righteousness. May your right hand teach you awesome things.
5
Your arrows are sharp. The people fall under you, as they penetrate the hearts of the king's enemies.
6
Your throne, God, will last forever and ever; you rule your kingdom with a scepter of equity. ​
7
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy in preference to your companions. ​
8
Your robes are all fragrant with myrrh, aloes and cassia; from ivory palaces stringed instruments bring you joy.
9
Daughters of kings are among your favorites; at your right stands the queen in gold from Ofir. ​

Counsel to the Royal Bride

10
Listen, daughter! Think, pay attention! Forget your own people and your father's house, ​
11
and the king will desire your beauty; for he is your lord, so honor him. ​
12
Then the daughter of Tzor, the richest of peoples, will court your favor with gifts. ​
13
Inside [the palace], the king's daughter looks splendid, attired in checker-work embroidered with gold.
14
In brocade, she will be led to the king, to you, with the virgins in her retinue.
15
They will be led in with gladness and joy, they will enter the king's palace.

Prophecy of the King's Enduring Legacy

16
You will have sons to succeed your ancestors; you will make them princes in all the land. ​
17
I will make your name known through all generations; thus the peoples 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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