C. Future Children from This Union (45:16)
2. Exploits of the king-groom (45:3–5) 3. Elevation of the king-groom (45:6–7) 4. Eminence of the king-groom (45:8–9) B. The Princess-Bride (45:10–15)
1. A challenge to the princess-bride (45:10–12) 2. The procession of the princess-bride (45:13–15) C. Future Children from This Union (45:16) III. Poetic Postscript (45:17)
PSALMS—NOTE ON 45:Title Two new notations are found, "according to Lilies" and "a love song." The first most likely had to do with the tune used in accompaniment with its words. The second notation referring to its content probably indicated that this psalm was a wedding song, and even more specifically, a royal wedding composition.
PSALMS—NOTE ON 45:1 My heart overflows . . . my tongue. The psalmist is overwhelmed with emotion upon the occasion of the king's marriage; consequently, he puts his stirred-up mind and feelings into words. In v. 2ff. his tongue is the brush that he uses to paint vivid word pictures.
PSALMS—NOTE ON 45:2 You are the most handsome. I.e., you are "more beautiful than," or, "most handsome among" (cf. an ancient prerequisite for kingship; in the Bible note the comments, e.g., in 1 Sam. 9:2; 10:23; 16:12; 2 Sam. 14:25; 1 Kings 1:6; Song 5:10; Isa. 33:17). grace is poured upon your lips. The implication is that God has anointed the king's words (cf. Eccles. 10:12; Luke 4:22).
PSALMS—NOTE ON 45:3–5 Gird your sword. In these verses the psalmist wishes the king future victories in battle.
PSALMS—NOTE ON 45:6–7 Your throne, O God. Since this king-groom was likely a member of the Davidic dynasty (e.g., 2 Sam. 7), there was a near and immediate application (cf. 1 Chron. 28:5; 29:23). Through progressive revelation (i.e., Heb. 1:8–9), we learn of the ultimate application to "a greater than Solomon" who is God—the Lord Jesus Christ.
PSALMS—NOTE ON 45:9 daughters of kings . . . ladies of honor. . . the queen. This court picture could refer to royal female guests, but also includes the other wives and concubines of the king-groom (cf. the situation with Solomon in 1