Psalm 45

1. This psalm seems to have been written for a wedding, possibly a royal wedding. As such, much of it seems almost secular in nature, but the thoughts are grounding in holy, sacred things.

2. Verse 2 seems like an odd way to address a man in our society, but it can be translated, “You are most handsome among the sons of men.” However, to describe a man as “beautiful” or “fair” was common in dealing with royalty in ancient times.

3. Verses 3-5 are a wish for success and victory in future battles for the leader. Verse 4 is significant, though, as it wishes victory “for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness.” This king was going to battle for the right reasons.

4. Verse 6 could be speaking of the literal throne of David in Jerusalem, but the application is much broader. God’s throne (spiritual or heavenly) is eternal. He ever reigns and rules.

5. Verse 9 is a bitter verse. This groom–the king–is getting married, even though the verse indicates that he already has a wife (or several). This is “bitter” because the Law of Moses, under which the king served, prohibited kings from marrying foreign women. Sadly, nearly every king broke this command.

6. The section that begins with verse 10 is almost like an ancient version of “here comes the bride.” However, the focus, as it is in the entire psalm, is on the groom: his work and his responsibility (note the end of verse 11). This was common in ancient weddings, especially in royal ceremonies.

7. Verse 13 also shows the emphasis on the groom, as it calls the bride, “the King’s daughter.”

8. Verse 16 places the emphasis again on the “royal-ness” of this wedding. The poet writes in anticipation of children. While a wedding often mentions children, this poet is written in assurance of children (“You shall make them princes in all the earth”).

9. The final verse shows us that the poet knew that his poem would be read and remembered. His words are meant to be preserved so that the king will be remembered.