Psalms 45:15

KJV

With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

KJV (with Strong's)

With gladness {H8057} and rejoicing {H1524} shall they be brought {H2986}{H8714)}: they shall enter {H935}{H8799)} into the king's {H4428} palace {H1964}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will be led in with gladness and joy, they will enter the king's palace.

Berean Standard Bible

They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.

American Standard Version

With gladness and rejoicing shall they be led: They shall enter into the king’s palace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 45:15 beautifully culminates a vibrant royal procession, depicting the joyous entry of the queen's companions into the magnificent royal dwelling. This verse, rich in its imagery, encapsulates profound themes of divine invitation, celebratory triumph, and the ultimate privilege of access to the King's immediate presence, foreshadowing the spiritual reality of believers entering God's eternal kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 45 is a unique "Maskil of the Sons of Korah," primarily a royal wedding song celebrating the marriage of a king. It stands out in the Psalter for its detailed description of royal splendor and marital joy. While rooted in an earthly monarch's wedding, its elevated language and themes have led to a widespread Christian interpretation of it as a prophetic and Messianic psalm, portraying Christ as the glorious King and the Church as His radiant Bride. Preceding verses (45:13-14) meticulously describe the queen's splendor, adorned and brought to the king, and then introduce her virgin companions, emphasizing their purity and noble escort. Verse 15 serves as the climactic moment of this grand procession, depicting their joyful and triumphant entrance into the royal palace, signifying the culmination of the entire celebratory event.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal weddings were events of immense national significance, often accompanied by elaborate processions and public celebrations. The "king's palace" was not merely a residence but the epicenter of power, justice, and the king's immediate presence. To be "brought" into the palace, especially as part of the queen's retinue, signified the highest honor, acceptance, and privileged access. Such processions were carefully orchestrated displays of wealth, status, and the king's authority, often involving music, dancing, and great public rejoicing. The virgin companions underscore the purity and honorable nature of the queen's entourage, reflecting societal values placed on chastity and proper conduct within royal circles.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 45:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. The phrase "With gladness and rejoicing" highlights **Exuberant Joy**, emphasizing that the entry is not a somber obligation but a profound celebration, a theme echoed in biblical portrayals of God's kingdom and the joy of salvation, as seen in [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence"). The act of "entering into the king's palace" underscores **Privileged Access**, signifying not just physical proximity but acceptance, belonging, and intimacy with royalty, which spiritually points to the believer's ultimate access to God's presence. The passive voice, "shall they be brought," emphasizes **Divine Invitation and Leading**, highlighting that this entry is not achieved by human striving but by an external, authoritative, and gracious initiative, much like God's sovereign call to His people. Finally, through its Messianic interpretation, this verse embodies **Messianic Hope**, painting a vivid picture of the Church, the Bride of Christ, being presented to the King in glory, anticipating the ultimate union and celebration described in passages like [Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gladness (Hebrew, שִׂמְחָה, _simchah'_):** This term denotes a deep, often public and outwardly expressed joy, frequently associated with festive occasions, feasts, and the celebration of divine blessings or deliverance. It implies a profound sense of delight and well-being.
* **Rejoicing (Hebrew, גִּילָה, _gilah'_):** This word conveys exultant joy, often accompanied by shouts, singing, or exuberant expressions of triumph and delight. It suggests a more intense and effusive form of happiness than _simchah_, emphasizing the overflowing nature of the joy.
* **King's palace (Hebrew, הֵיכַל מֶלֶךְ, _heykhal melech'_):** Literally "palace of the king" or "temple of the king." _Heykhal_ can refer to a grand building, a palace, or even the temple. In this context, it signifies the royal residence, the seat of power, splendor, and the immediate presence of the monarch, representing the ultimate destination of honor and intimacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With gladness and rejoicing":** This opening phrase establishes the overwhelming emotional atmosphere of the procession. It is not a solemn or fearful approach, but one characterized by profound, overflowing joy and celebration. This joy is not merely an internal feeling but an active, expressed delight, befitting a royal wedding and entry.
* **"shall they be brought":** The use of the passive voice here is crucial. It indicates that the companions' entry is not by their own initiative or strength, but by an external, authoritative agency. They are escorted, led, or presented, highlighting a gracious invitation and a divine or royal leading that orchestrates their arrival. This emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in bringing His people into His presence.
* **"they shall enter into the king's palace":** This clause describes the ultimate destination and culmination of the procession. To enter the king's palace signifies the highest honor, complete acceptance, and intimate access to the royal presence. It represents the fulfillment of the journey, a place of security, belonging, and participation in the royal household.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 45:15 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid mental picture of a grand procession culminating in a magnificent entry. The description of "gladness and rejoicing" combined with the destination of the "king's palace" evokes a sense of splendor, celebration, and ultimate triumph. **Symbolism** is also profoundly at play; the royal palace symbolizes the ultimate dwelling place of God, His kingdom, or His immediate presence, while the act of being "brought" symbolizes divine grace and leading in salvation. The entire procession, with the queen and her companions, serves as a **Metaphor** for the Church, the Bride of Christ, being presented to her King. Furthermore, the deliberate use of the **Passive Voice** ("shall they be brought") is a significant rhetorical choice, subtly emphasizing the agency of the King (or God, in the Messianic interpretation) rather than the efforts of those entering, underscoring divine initiative and grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 45:15, with its depiction of joyful entry into the king's palace, resonates deeply with biblical themes of God's gracious invitation, the joy of salvation, and the ultimate destiny of believers. It speaks to the profound privilege of being brought into God's presence, not by human merit or striving, but by divine initiative. This entry is characterized by exuberant joy, reflecting the spiritual delight found in communion with God and the celebration of His kingdom. The verse foreshadows the eschatological hope of believers being united with Christ in His eternal dwelling, a promise of ultimate belonging and unfading happiness in His glorious presence.

* [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")
* [John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 45:15 offers profound encouragement and a joyful perspective for believers today. It reminds us that our ultimate destination, through Christ, is to be in the glorious presence of our King. This journey is not one of somber obligation or arduous striving, but one marked by profound gladness and rejoicing, because it is God Himself who graciously brings us. We are invited, not based on our own worthiness, but by His sovereign grace, into His eternal dwelling and intimate presence. This verse calls us to live with a joyful anticipation of that promised day, allowing this hope to infuse our present struggles and triumphs. It encourages us to embrace the privilege of our current access to God through prayer and worship, understanding that these are foretastes of the complete and unhindered access we will one day experience in the King's palace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "gladness and rejoicing" described in this verse resonate with your current experience of faith and your hope for the future?**
* **In what ways do you perceive God "bringing" you into His presence, purposes, or deeper understanding of His truth in your daily life?**
* **What does the promise of "entering into the king's palace" mean for your assurance and motivation as a believer, especially in times of difficulty?**

### FAQ
**Is Psalm 45 only about an earthly king's wedding, or does it have deeper meaning?**

Answer: While Psalm 45 certainly describes an earthly royal wedding, its language and themes elevate it beyond a mere historical account. Christian tradition, particularly in the New Testament, widely interprets it as a prophetic Messianic psalm. For instance, [Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - God's Son as King") directly quotes Psalm 45:6 and applies it to Christ, establishing the psalm's divine, eschatological significance. Thus, it functions on two levels: as a celebration of an earthly king's marriage and, more profoundly, as a prophetic portrayal of Christ, the divine King, and His relationship with His Bride, the Church.

**Who are the "virgin companions" mentioned in the preceding verses, and what do they represent?**

Answer: In the context of an ancient Near Eastern royal wedding, the "virgin companions" (or "maidens") were members of the queen's entourage, often her friends or attendants, who accompanied her to the king. They symbolized the honor and purity of the queen and the royal court. In the Messianic interpretation of Psalm 45, these companions are often understood to represent individual believers or the collective body of the Church, who, having been made pure through Christ, accompany the Bride (the Church as a whole) into the King's presence. They signify those who share in the joy and privilege of the King's kingdom.

**How does this verse relate to the Christian concept of salvation and eternal life?**

Answer: This verse powerfully illustrates key aspects of Christian salvation and eternal life. The phrase "shall they be brought" underscores the divine initiative in salvation; it is God who, by His grace, draws and brings His people to Himself, not through their own merit or effort. The "gladness and rejoicing" reflect the profound joy that accompanies salvation and the anticipation of eternal life. Finally, "entering into the king's palace" symbolizes the ultimate destiny of believers: to dwell in the immediate, glorious presence of God in His eternal kingdom, experiencing full communion, acceptance, and unending joy. It points to the fulfillment of God's promise to be with His people forever.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 45:15 finds its profoundest fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the glorious King, described throughout Psalm 45, whose beauty and reign are eternal. The "gladness and rejoicing" with which the companions are brought into the palace foreshadows the spiritual reality of the Church, the Bride of Christ, being presented to Him in glory. It is Christ Himself who, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, makes possible this joyful entry. He is the one who "brings" His people, having cleansed them by His word and Spirit, as described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"). The "king's palace" becomes a powerful symbol of God's eternal kingdom and the intimate presence of Christ, where believers will dwell forever. This verse anticipates the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb, where the Church, prepared and adorned, will enter into eternal communion with her King, as vividly depicted in [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). Just as Jesus promised to go and prepare a place for His disciples so that where He is, they may be also ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for His Disciples")), Psalm 45:15 beautifully paints the picture of that glorious, joyful culmination when all who are in Christ will enter into the King's eternal palace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Revelation 7:15

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Isaiah 55:12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

Isaiah 55:13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 35:10

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 56:5

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.