As mentioned in previous posts, I am reading the Old Testament chronologically; and am in I Chronicles: 26 related to the Temple gatekeepers. Below is a closer look at one of these Sons of Korah "gatekeeper" Psalms 45.
Psalm 45 (NIV Chronological)
The sub-title (there's probably a real term for it), reads
- that it is for the director of music
- To the tune of "Lilies"
- Of the Sons of Korah
- a maskil
- a wedding song
So there's a lot steeped in the culture of the day.
The author is writing a very flattering song for the groom (and less so to the bride), the groom seemingly being a representative of God.
It seems the groom is David, to me.
v.2 Your lips have been anointed with Grace, since God has blessed you forever.
Then the author includes many blessings and positive predictions for the groom. Not just military victories; but moral victories as well: justice and good deeds.
Then the author points out that this positive outlook is forever because this throne is established by a God who loves righteousness.
Then the author describes the king's wealth by what he has.
In verse 10, the author shifts to speaking to the bride, encouraging her to put her family behind her and be fully invested in this new future.
Then the author tells the bride how to be and what she will get for her obedience.
Psalm 45 (NASB)
This sub-title is translated as:
- for the choir director
- According to the Shoshannim
- Maskil
- Sons of Korah
- Song of Love
In the Ryrie Study Bible footnotes:
- It's a royal wedding psalm
- praises the king
- exhorts
- describes the bride
- pronounces a benediction
- verses 6-7 refer to Christ- as He ultimately is the only King who can be on the throne forever.
It doesn't say it in the Ryrie book, but with Verse 8 speaking of "Thy garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloe and cassia..." It makes me think of the two women who poured at fragrances on Jesus prior to his death.
Psalm 45 (Wiersbe Commentary)
He confirms the dual translations of both versions above.
He writes that some identify the groom as Solomon to an Egyptian princess.
He writes that it is at it's heart a messianic psalm, that's why it was sung in the sanctuary. He says it is about our Lord, his bride, and the church.
He identifies 4 pictures of our Lord and His Bride (us)
- 1. Gracious Son of Man-
- 2. Victorious warrior- Jesus is the Lion of Judah and died for our sin and to overcome Satan. He will return as a warrior for His righteous kingdom.
- 3. Righteous King-
- 4. Glorious Bridegroom-
The "virgin companions are better translated to our modern idea of bride's maids; not harem girls, who would not be in a wedding procession. That makes me feel better.
The bride (His Church) will be beautiful and spotless. We are advised to forget about our old family and put our eyes on Jesus and His ways.
It will be magnificent. And He has offered the extremely unearned and undeserved privileged for me to be a part of it. Humbled and so very excited. Amen.