Praise For The Royal Bridegroom

Topic: Bridegroom
Passage: Psalms 45:1–9

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 (vv. 10-17) pertain to the bride. In order to understand this psalm we need to know that in ancient Israelite weddings 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 sort of like the editor of the social page of a newspaper and his big story is this royal wedding. He is so overjoyed with the opportunity to speak good things of His king that he cannot contain himself (vv. 1-2). A brief caption of each of the following verses is:

  1. A description of the Kings attire (v. 3).
  2. The king rides forth on a donkey (v. 4).
  3. Nations fall before him (v. 5).
  4. An eternal throne is promised (v. 6).
  5. A list of the king’s virtues are given (v. 7).
  6. A Description of the fragrance (v. 8).
  7. References to international participants and guests (v. 9).

Many Bible scholars make a comparison of this Psalm to the second coming of Christ. They say that the spiritual eye will see Jesus Christ the Lord in this Psalm and His marriage as the Bridegroom to the bride, His Church.

Application

I am looking forward to the Lord’s return with great anticipation? He could come even today.

Psalms 45:1– 9 (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.