Psalm 45:1-17
Q.1. In whose honour was this Psalm written? What was the character of the king? How powerful was he? For what benefit was his power used? Who best meets these qualities? – (Ps.45:1-6 c.f. Isa.9:6-7)
This is a song of love, composed by a son of Korah. He waxed eloquent as he addressed a gracious warrior King (Ps.45:1-3). The Psalmist had much more in mind than a mere earthly king. He alluded to God, the King, when he described His reign as – forever and ever (Ps.45:6). The Psalmist portrayed the King as – 2 … fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore, God has blessed You forever. 3 Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One, In Your splendour and Your majesty! (Ps.45:2-3; Jn.1:14, 17). His description was of Jesus, when he wrote – in Your majesty ride on victoriously, for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness … (Ps.45:4 c.f. Mt.11:29).
Q.2. What was the identity of the groom? How glorious was the bride? What impact did the union of the bride and groom have on the bridal party? – (Ps.45:6-17 c.f. Heb.1:8-9; Rev.19:7-9)
If there was any doubt about the identity of the king, the writer of Hebrews ascribed this Psalm to the Lord Jesus, by quoting – But of the Son He says … 6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of Your kingdom. 7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions (Ps.45:6-7 c.f. Heb.1:8-9). It was revealed to these sons of Korah, that there would be a heavenly union between the King of Glory, and His earthly bride. The remainder of this Psalm focused on the marriage of the bride – 10 Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house; 11 Then the King will desire your beauty. Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him (Ps.45:10-11). She will be beautifully adorned, and her entrance will be attended with joy and celebration (Ps.45:13-15). Paul taught that marriage is to be a monogamous relationship (c.f. Eph.5:22-33). However, he then declared – This mystery is great: but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church (Eph.5:32). Our union with Christ must be personal, yet the bride of Christ is also corporate (c.f. Jn.15:1-5; Rev.19:7-9). To be fruitful, we must be joined to Christ while on earth – 16 In place of your fathers will be your sons; You shall make them princes in all the earth. 17 I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore, the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever (Ps.45:16-17). Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb … Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb (Rev.19:7; 21:9).