45:1ffThis is called a messianic psalm because it prophetically describes the Messiah’s future relationship to the church, his body of believers. Verse 2 expresses God's abundant blessing on his Messiah; verses 6-8 find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ (Hebrews 1:8, 9). The church is described as the bride of Christ in Revelation 19:7, 8; 21:9; 22:17.
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 45
Psalm 45
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 891, 892
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
45Psalm 45
1Ok the choir director: A love song to be sung to the tune “Lilies.” A psalm* of the descendantsof Korah.Beautiful words stir my heart.I will recite a lovely poem about the king,for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.
2You are the most handsome of ail.Gracious words stream from your lips.God himself has blessed you forever.
3Put on your sword, O mighty warrior!You are so glorious, so majestic!
4In your majesty, ride out to victory,defending truth, humility, and justice.Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!
5Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies’ hearts.The nations fall beneath your feet.
6Your throne, O God,* endures forever and ever.You rule with a scepter of justice.
7You love justice and hate evil.Therefore God, your God, has anointed you,pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.
8Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes.In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you.
9Kings’ daughters are among your noble women.At your right side stands the queen,wearing jewelry of finest gold from Ophir!
10Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.Forget your people and your family far away.
11For your royal husband delights in your beauty;honor him, for he is your lord.45:T:TLE Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term, 45:6 Or Your divine throne,
12The princess of Tyre* will shower you with gifts.The wealthy will beg your favor.
13The bride, a princess, looks gloriousin her golden gown.
14In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king,accompanied by her bridesmaids.
15What a joyful and enthusiastic processionas they enter the king’s palace!
16Your sons will become kings like their father.You will make them rulers over many lands.
17I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever. Theme: God is always there to help, providing refuge, security, and peace. God's power is complete and his ultimate victory is certain. He will not fail to rescue those who love him. Author: The sons of Korah (Temple assistants)
Textual footnotes
- 45:12 Hebrew The daughter of Tyre. 46:TITLE Hebrew according to alamoth.
Life Application Notes 3 notes
45:8,9Myrrh is a fragrant gum of an Arabian tree, generally used in perfumes. Aloes, a spice, may have come from sandalwood, a close-grained and fragrant wood often used for storage boxes or chests (see also Proverbs 7:14-17; Song of Songs 4:13, 14). Cassia was probably made from flowers of the cinnamon tree. These expensive fragrances were appropriate for a king’s wedding. The location of Ophir is unknown but believed to be in either Arabia or Africa. It was famous as a source of gold.
45:13-17This beautiful section of poetry pictures Christ's bride, the church, with the richest blessings as she unites forever with him (see Revelation 19:6-8; 21:2). 46-48 Psalms 46-48 are hymns of praise, celebrating deliverance from some great foe. Psalm 46 may have been written when the Assyrian army invaded the land and surrounded Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:13-19:37).
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Study feature · page 892
Interlude
Study feature · page 892
Interlude