Psalms 45
Psalms 45 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 45 summary
This psalm is an illustrious prophecy of Messiah the Prince: it is all over gospel, and points at him only, as a bridegroom espousing the church to himself and as a king ruling in it and ruling for it. It is probable that our Saviour has reference to this psalm when he compares the kingdom of heaven, more than once, to a nuptial solemnity, the solemnity of a royal nuptial, Mat 22:2; Mat 25:1. We have no reason to think it has any reference to Solomon's marriage with Pharaoh's daughter; if I thought that it had reference to any other than the mystical marriage between Christ and his church, I would rather apply it to some of David's…
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This psalm is an illustrious prophecy of Messiah the Prince: it is all over gospel, and points at him only, as a bridegroom espousing the church to himself and as a king ruling in it and ruling for it. It is probable that our Saviour has reference to this psalm when he compares the kingdom of heaven, more than once, to a nuptial solemnity, the solemnity of a royal nuptial, Mat 22:2; Mat 25:1. We have no reason to think it has any reference to Solomon's marriage with Pharaoh's daughter; if I thought that it had reference to any other than the mystical marriage between Christ and his church, I would rather apply it to some of David's marriages, because he was a man of war, such a one as the bridegroom here is described to be, which Solomon was not. But I take it to be purely and only meant of Jesus Christ; of him speaks the prophet this, of him and of no other man; and to him (Psa 45:6, Psa 45:7) it is applied in the New Testament (Heb 1:8), nor can it be understood of any other. The preface speaks the excellency of the song (Psa 45:1). The psalm speaks, I. Of the royal bridegroom, who is Christ. 1. The transcendent excellency of his person (Psa 45:2). 2. The glory of his victories (Psa 45:3-5). 3. The righteousness of his government (Psa 45:6, Psa 45:7). 4. The splendour of his court (Psa 45:8, Psa 45:9). II. Of the royal bride, which is the church. 1. Her consent gained (Psa 45:10, Psa 45:11). 2. The nuptials solemnized (Psa 45:12-15). 3. The issue of this marriage (Psa 45:16, Psa 45:17). In singing this psalm our hearts must be filled with high thoughts of Christ, with an entire submission to and satisfaction in his government, and with an earnest desire of the enlarging and perpetuating of his church in the world. To the chief musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil. A song of loves.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 45 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
A Wedding Song for the King
1For the Chief Musician; set to Shoshannim. [A Psalm] of the sons of Korah. Maschil. A Song of loves. My heart overfloweth with a goodly matter; I speak the things which I have made touching the king: My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 2Thou art fairer than the children of men; Grace is poured into thy lips: Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. 3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O mighty one, Thy glory and thy majesty. 4And in thy majesty ride on prosperously, Because of truth and meekness [and] righteousness: And thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. 5Thine arrows are sharp; The peoples fall under thee; [They are] in the heart of the king’s enemies. 6Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: A sceptre of equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 7Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 8All thy garments [smell of] myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad. 9Kings’ daughters are among thy honorable women: At thy right hand doth stand the queen in gold of Ophir. 10Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; Forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house: 11So will the king desire thy beauty; For he is thy lord; and reverence thou him. 12And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; The rich among the people shall entreat thy favor. 13The king’s daughter within [the palace] is all glorious: Her clothing is inwrought with gold. 14She shall be led unto the king in broidered work: The virgins her companions that follow her Shall be brought unto thee. 15With gladness and rejoicing shall they be led: They shall enter into the king’s palace. 16Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, Whom thou shalt make princes in all the earth. 17I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: Therefore shall the peoples give thee thanks for ever and ever.