Praise For The Royal Bridegroom
September 9, 2021
Commentary
Most Bible scholars agree that this Psalm was originally the marriage hymn of some Jewish king. A description is given of the bridegroom (vv. 1-9) and of the bride (vv. 10-16). In an ancient Israelite wedding, the man was considered more important than the woman. He dressed elaborately. All the guests waited to see his clothing and his attendants. When the grand march played it was for his arrival and not the brides. This is a complete reversal of what we do today.
The author of this Psalm is overjoyed with the opportunity to speak good things of His king (v. 1). The king is handsome, and his words are always kind. That is why God will always bless him (v. 2). This is a song addressed to the king, especially emphasizing his royal majesty (vv. 3-9) and it’s a song addressed to the bride, exhorting her to become the king’s wife (vv. 10-15), and a conclusion expressing the wish that the king will be blessed with a permanent dynasty (vv. 16-17).
The bride received two basic instructions. First, she must leave her family (v. 10) and secondly, she must cleave to her new relationship that separates her forever from all that she has known since birth and cling only to her husband, the king (v. 11). Just as the bride is exhorted to leave her former family, so the Christian believer breaks every tie to be joined to Christ (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 10:37-38). The bride is promised great blessing if she obeys the groom’s instruction. She will receive a gift from the daughter of Tyre and wealthy people will seek her favor with gifts (v. 12).
The scene shifts to the court where the bride is ushered into the king’s presence (vv.13-15). She was beautiful in her gold and embroidered gown as the joyful procession of bridesmaids continues into the palace where the wedding will occur. From this union comes the anticipation of Children (v. 16). No longer will the bride boast in her parentage but, rather, in her children. The writer predicts that their sons will become the princes of the land and as a result the king will be remembered and honored throughout the nations (v. 17).
Application
What my children do in their life will reflect the values I passed on to them. Whether they experience great joy or sorrow will depend greatly on how I trained them (Proverbs 22:6).
Psalms 45:1–17 (NET)
1 My heart is stirred by a beautiful song. I say, “I have composed this special song for the king; my tongue is as skilled as the stylus of an experienced scribe.”
2 You are the most handsome of all men. You speak in an impressive and fitting manner. For this reason God grants you continual blessings.
3 Strap your sword to your thigh, O warrior. Appear in your majestic splendor.
4 Appear in your majesty and be victorious. Ride forth for the sake of what is right, on behalf of justice. Then your right hand will accomplish mighty acts.
5 Your arrows are sharp and penetrate the hearts of the king’s enemies. Nations fall at your feet.
6 Your throne, O God, is permanent. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.
7 You love justice and hate evil. For this reason God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy, elevating you above your companions.
8 All your garments are perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cassia. From the luxurious palaces comes the music of stringed instruments that makes you happy.
9 Princesses are among your honored women. Your bride stands at your right hand, wearing jewelry made with gold from Ophir.
10 Listen, O princess. Observe and pay attention! Forget your homeland and your family.
11 Then the king will be attracted by your beauty. After all, he is your master. Submit to him.
12 Rich people from Tyre will seek your favor by bringing a gift.
13 The princess looks absolutely magnificent, decked out in pearls and clothed in a brocade trimmed with gold.
14 In embroidered robes she is escorted to the king. Her attendants, the maidens of honor who follow her, are led before you.
15 They are bubbling with joy as they walk in procession and enter the royal palace.
16 Your sons will carry on the dynasty of your ancestors; you will make them princes throughout the land.
17 I will proclaim your greatness through the coming years, then the nations will praise you forever.
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