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
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. 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. ​

Praise for the King's Glory and Power

2
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. ​
3
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. ​
4
And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
5
Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
6
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. ​
7
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. ​
8
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
9
Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. ​

Counsel to the Royal Bride

10
Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; ​
11
So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. ​
12
And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour. ​
13
The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
14
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
15
With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

Prophecy of the King's Enduring Legacy

16
Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth. ​
17
I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever 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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